Construction Accident Lawyers in Ohio
Tough representation for drivers, passengers, and pedestrians injured at construction worksites
There’s a lot of construction on Broad Street, High Street, Interstates 70 and 71, US 23 and 40, and all other roads that run through and near Columbus. Minor road repairs can slow down traffic. Major repairs can cause detours and significant delays. Roadway construction workers are at constant risk of being injured or killed while working, including by drivers who are confused as to where to go. Building construction is dangerous too. Companies that fail to comply with building codes and construction standards can endanger workers, contractors, and anyone close to a worksite.
At Soroka & Associates, LLC, our Columbus construction accident lawyers are skilled at the unique issues involved with roadway and building construction accidents. We understand state and federal laws and safety regulations. Our lawyers work with professionals who understand the proper protocols. We seek compensation for all your economic and human losses.
How can we help?
- What types of construction accident cases do your Columbus lawyers handle?
- What steps should construction companies take to prevent accidents?
- What types of injuries can construction accidents cause?
- Who is responsible for a Columbus construction accident?
- What’s the value of my Columbus construction accident claim?
- When do I need to file my construction accident case?
- Do you have a construction accident lawyer near me?
What types of construction accident cases do your Columbus lawyers handle?
At Soroka & Associates, our Columbus construction accident lawyers handle the following types of personal injury claims, among others:
- Vehicle accidents. Drivers and passengers can be injured or killed if they are not properly directed away from the worksite. Construction workers can be injured by other drivers (non-workers and workers). Workers can also be injured or die due to improper use of cranes, bulldozers, forklifts, trucks, and other workplace vehicles.
- Falls. Construction workers are at risk of falling from scaffolds, ladders, and parts of the construction that are above level ground. Workers can also be hurt if they fall due to unlevel surfaces, wet and slippery surfaces, loose tools and debris on the ground, and for many other workplace-related reasons.
- Being stuck between objects. Workers may be stuck or pinned between vehicles, machines, and other workplace equipment.
- Being struck by objects. There’s a reason workers need to wear hardhats. As work is being done at building sites, in the trees, or in other locations – debris, tools, and machines can fall on the worker causing serious and possibly catastrophic injuries.
- Electrical shocks and burns. Construction workers can be injured when they work near power lines, wiring, and power tools – often due to failure to use proper safety precautions, or because the products are defective.
- Lack of protective gear. Workers should be equipped with helmets, boots, and other safety gear. Construction workers are often at risk for lung and other respiratory illnesses because they work with deadly chemicals or debris. Masks and other safety measures should be taken.
There are many other safety procedures that our skilled Columbus construction lawyers review for our clients.
In addition to filing personal injury claims because of the negligence of the responsible construction companies, we also file product liability claims when defective tools, machines, and equipment cause construction accidents in Columbus.
What steps should construction companies take to prevent accidents in Columbus?
It’s never an excuse to say – accidents happen. Construction companies need to anticipate that accidents may happen and take steps to avoid those accidents. The reasons why construction accidents occur, and what safety measures are in place, are generally well-known.
Road construction companies
Construction companies need to prepare the roads before roadway construction starts so that drivers know which lanes to use for travel. Drivers should be warned about construction work well in advance of the worksite. The workers need to be positioned safely away from any traffic.
Construction companies should:
- Have readable warning signs. The warning signs should clearly direct drivers where to go to avoid the construction work.
- Have traffic cones and barriers in place which should prevent drivers from entering the worksite.
- Inform drivers to slow down before getting near the construction site.
- Ensure that the worksite is well lit.
- Provide workers with safe spaces along the shoulders of the road or other areas.
- Provide workers with bright clothing, reflectors, hard hats, and other safety gear.
- Know and implement any federal, Ohio, or Columbus construction regulations.
Special considerations should be given for bridge work, sewer installation and repair, landscaping work, and other types of highway construction.
Building construction companies
Building construction companies need to take steps to protect their workers and pedestrians who work or may come near the worksite. Construction work in downtown areas where there are many people nearby is especially dangerous.
Pedestrians should be directed away from the construction site to places where it is safe to walk. It is not reasonable, for example, to direct pedestrians to walk down the center of a street.
Both workers and pedestrians are in danger of being struck or pinned by machinery. They may fall because the ground is often changing as the work is being done. Building construction work often includes dangerous exposures to electrical tools, power lines, and chemicals. Construction companies need to take steps to minimize the risk of these workplace accidents.
What types of injuries can construction accidents cause?
Workers, drivers, and passengers are at risk for numerous injuries. In addition, workers are at risk for skin infections, respiratory disorders, and diseases because of the chemicals and toxins that are used.
At Soroka & Associates, we represent Columbus construction accident victims who suffer any of the following injuries and other serious injuries:
- Traumatic brain injuries and head trauma
- Traumatic amputation of an arm, leg, hand, or foot
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Burn injuries
- Broken bones
- Nerve, soft tissue, and ligament damage
- Neck, shoulder, and back pain
- Internal bleeding and organ damage such as kidney damage or lung damage
Some of the injuries that are common to construction workers include:
- Exposure to silica dust, wood dust, and gypsum dust
- Repetitive stress injuries – often due to working with vibrating tools
- Hearing loss due to the loud noises at construction sites
We also represent families when a loved one dies in a Columbus construction accident.
Who is responsible for a Columbus construction accident?
Soroka & Associates files third-party claims against the following defendants who may bear some responsibility for your accident.
- The construction companies – including parent companies and other related companies
- Engineers
- Architects
- General contractors and subcontractors
- Maintenance and repair companies
- The manufacturers of defective construction products
- Any drivers who cause the accident
General contractors include landscaping companies, roadwork companies, electricians, plumbers, masonry workers, and many other construction businesses.
What’s the value of my Columbus construction accident claim?
We understand that once you make a settlement or there’s a jury verdict, you can’t come back later and ask for more money. We thoroughly review all your economic losses and all the ways your injuries are affecting you personally. We seek compensation for your current losses and all future losses including lifetime damage.
Our Columbus construction accident lawyers demand damages from the liable defendants for all your:
- Medical expenses – surgeries, doctor visits, rehabilitation care, assistive devices, and medications
- Lost income – including wages, verifiable business losses, and lost benefits
- Property damage – including damage to a vehicle
- Human damages – including pain and suffering, loss of life’s pleasures, an inability to function, scarring and disfigurement, and loss of consortium (marital enjoyment)
We file wrongful death claims if a loved one tragically died. These damages generally include the funeral and burial costs, the loss of financial support, the loss of companionship and love, and other losses.
When do I need to file my Columbus construction accident case?
There is a two-year statute of limitations on personal injury, product liability, and wrongful death cases. Some exceptions may apply.
We strongly recommend that you contact us as soon as possible so that we can begin the investigation, review your medical status, and work towards the strongest recovery possible.
Do you have a construction accident lawyer near me?
The Columbus office of Soroka & Associates is located at 503 South Front Street, Suite 205. Call for directions. We make home and hospital visits for clients who are too injured or ill to travel.
Contact the Columbus attorneys at Soroka & Associates now
Take control of your life. Call Soroka & Associates now to assert your rights when construction accidents happen in Central Ohio. We’ll calmly and clearly guide you through the litigation process. You can phone us at 614-358-6525 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We represent construction accident clients on a contingency fee basis. This means that we get paid only if there is a monetary award on your behalf. We serve clients in Columbus and throughout Central Ohio, including in Licking County, Delaware County, Fairfield County, and beyond.