Durham Construction Accident Attorneys
If you or someone close to you has been affected by a construction-related incident, support is here. At Riddle & Brantley, our Durham accident construction attorneys offer comprehensive legal assistance to those impacted by accidents and injuries on construction sites.
Our firm advocates for the rights of those affected in Durham and across North Carolina. We treat every case with utmost care and dedication, aiming to secure justice and compensation for our clients.
Why Choose Riddle & Brantley as Your Durham Construction Accident Lawyer?
Since our establishment in 1985, Riddle & Brantley has been a supporter of North Carolinians, providing:
- A Convenient Location: Our Durham office, situated at 100 East Parrish Street, Suite 200, near Central Park, offers easy access for face-to-face consultations, simplifying your legal journey.
- Experienced Legal Professionals: Our team includes 11 dedicated attorneys supported by a strong team of investigators, paralegals, case managers, and support staff, collectively bringing over 220 years of legal expertise to your aid.
- A Track Record of Success: We have secured over $720 million in total compensation for our clients since 2000, demonstrating our commitment to achieving favorable outcomes. (See disclaimer below.)
- A Client-Centered Approach: We operate on a contingency fee basis, with no attorney fees unless we win your case. Our belief that “Justice Counts for ALL” ensures every client receives thorough, personalized representation.
- Comprehensive Support: From your initial consultation through to courtroom advocacy, our team handles all aspects of your case, allowing you to concentrate on recovery while we fight for your cause.
What Compensation Is Available for Construction Accident Victims in Durham?
Victims of construction accidents in Durham may be eligible for several forms of compensation, including:
Medical Expenses
The physical toll can be immense when someone is injured in a construction accident. These injuries often require a range of medical treatments, from immediate emergency care to long-term rehabilitation services.
Compensation for medical expenses is designed to cover the entirety of these costs. This includes, but is not limited to, ambulance fees, emergency room charges, surgical procedures, hospital stays, prescription medications, and any medical equipment needed for recovery at home. For more severe injuries, it might also cover the costs of ongoing physical therapy, rehabilitation, and any future surgeries or medical care required.
The objective is to relieve the victim of the financial burden these expenses can cause, ensuring they can focus on their recovery without the added stress of mounting medical bills.
Pain and Suffering
If a liable third party caused your injuries, then pain and suffering compensation can address the non-physical impacts of construction accident injuries. This form of compensation recognizes the emotional and psychological distress that can follow a serious injury.
Victims may experience a wide range of emotional responses, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, and a general loss of enjoyment of life. The severity and impact of these conditions can vary greatly, affecting each individual differently.
Pain and suffering compensation provides a monetary acknowledgment of these invisible injuries, offering victims some measure of relief for the distress they have endured. It serves to validate their experience and supports their journey towards emotional and mental healing.
Lost Wages
Construction accidents can leave victims unable to work, either temporarily during their recovery or permanently, if their injuries lead to disabilities. Compensation for lost wages helps to mitigate the financial impact of this loss of income.
It covers not only the wages that the victim would have earned had the accident not occurred but also accounts for lost benefits, such as health insurance, retirement contributions, and other employment-related perks.
For those whose injuries affect their future ability to work or earn at the same level as before the accident, compensation can also include lost earning capacity. This considers the victim’s potential future earnings and is crucial for ensuring that the victim and their family are not financially disadvantaged in the long term because of the accident.
Punitive Damages
In cases involving particularly egregious negligence or a reckless disregard for safety by a third party on the construction, punitive damages may punish the wrongdoer. This compensation serves as a deterrent, sending a message to the responsible parties and the industry at large that the law will not tolerate such behavior.
Punitive damages are less common and are awarded at the court’s discretion, depending on the specifics of the case and the degree of negligence involved. They play a role in promoting safer practices and preventing future accidents by emphasizing the serious consequences of failing to adhere to safety regulations and standards.
Where Can Construction Accidents Occur in Durham?
Construction accidents in Durham can occur in a variety of settings, each with its own set of hazards. Our team at Riddle & Brantley is experienced in managing cases from a wide range of construction environments, including specific locations throughout Durham that present unique risks.
Here are some examples of where such incidents might happen:
Residential and Commercial Construction Sites
Durham is home to a booming construction industry, with numerous residential and commercial projects underway at any given time. High-profile developments, such as those in the vibrant Downtown Durham area or the expanding suburbs like Southpoint and Brightleaf, are hotspots for construction activity.
Accidents in these areas may include falls from heights, equipment-related incidents, or exposure to hazardous materials amidst the hustle and bustle of Durham’s growth.
Educational and Healthcare Facilities
Construction and renovation projects within Durham’s prestigious educational and healthcare institutions also present specific challenges. Duke University and North Carolina Central University frequently undertake expansion and renovation projects to enhance their campuses.
Similarly, major healthcare facilities like Duke University Hospital and the Durham VA Health Care System are often involved in upgrades and expansions to serve their patients better. These settings can be particularly risky due to the presence of students, staff, patients, and visitors, making the need for strict safety measures even more critical.
Public Infrastructure Projects
Durham’s infrastructure projects, including road expansions, bridge constructions, and utility upgrades, are essential for the city’s growth and functionality.
Projects along major thoroughfares such as I-85 and NC-147 (Durham Freeway) or the development of public transportation facilities can pose significant risks to construction workers due to the heavy machinery and high traffic volumes involved.
Work on public utilities, including water, sewer, and electrical systems in neighborhoods and business districts, also requires careful attention to safety protocols to prevent accidents.
By highlighting these specific locations and types of construction projects in Durham, Riddle & Brantley demonstrates its deep understanding of the local landscape and its commitment to providing legal support for those affected by construction accidents in these areas.
Our decades of experience and familiarity with Durham’s construction scene enable us to effectively navigate the legal challenges that may arise in these diverse settings.
Fighting for Construction Accident Victims Against Insurance Companies
We protect our clients by:
Identifying All Responsible Parties
After a construction accident, one of the first steps towards securing justice and compensation is identifying all parties that may bear responsibility for what occurred.
This is an important step, as construction projects typically involve multiple contractors, subcontractors, property owners, and equipment manufacturers, each of whom may have played a role in the conditions leading to the accident.
Our thorough investigations look into the project’s management structure, work site safety protocols, equipment usage, and adherence to regulatory standards. By pinpointing every entity whose negligence may have contributed to the accident, we ensure that no potential source of compensation is overlooked.
This comprehensive approach is fundamental to building a strong case on behalf of our clients, ensuring that all avenues for accountability are pursued.
Gathering Evidence
Our team gathers all necessary documentation and testimonies substantiating our clients’ claims. This includes collecting medical records to detail the extent of injuries, securing eyewitness accounts to corroborate the events leading to the accident, and obtaining expert analyses to demonstrate how the negligence of the identified parties contributed to the unsafe conditions.
Additionally, we may use photos or videos of the accident scene, safety records, and employment documents to strengthen the case further. This evidence forms the foundation of our argument against insurers, enabling us to present a compelling case for our clients’ entitlement to compensation.
Advocating for Safety Improvements
Beyond seeking compensation for individual clients, our firm is committed to advocating for broader safety improvements within the construction industry.
By highlighting specific safety failings that led to accidents, we push for changes in policies, practices, and regulations to prevent similar incidents. This may involve engaging with regulatory bodies, participating in public forums, or working directly with construction companies to implement stricter safety measures.
Our goal is to contribute to a safer construction environment for all workers and the general public, ensuring that the lessons learned from past accidents lead to meaningful improvements in how construction projects are managed and executed.
Securing Fair Compensation
Securing fair compensation for our clients is at the heart of what we do. This process often involves rigorous negotiations with insurance companies, who undervalue claims.
We advocate for full compensation that covers all aspects of our clients’ losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and, when applicable, punitive damages. Our aggressive approach aims to level the playing field against insurers, ensuring that our clients receive the compensation they rightfully deserve.
This commitment to securing justice and financial recovery is a cornerstone of our practice, providing our clients with the resources they need to heal and move forward with their lives.
What to Do If You’re Affected by a Construction Accident
Following a construction accident, it’s time to:
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Immediate medical attention ensures that all injuries, including those that might not be immediately apparent, are properly diagnosed and treated. Emergency care also establishes an official medical record of your injuries, which is useful for any legal action. These records serve as evidence of the extent of your injuries and the direct correlation to the accident.
Beyond the initial treatment, follow-up visits are essential for documenting your recovery progress and any long-term effects of your injuries.
Document Everything
After ensuring your safety and health, begin collecting evidence related to the accident. This includes taking photographs or videos of the accident scene and your injuries, gathering names and contact information of witnesses, and obtaining a copy of the incident report if the accident occurred on a commercial property.
Detailed documentation forms the backbone of your claim, providing clear evidence of the circumstances that led to your injuries and identifying potential witnesses who can support your account.
Preserve Evidence
Preserving key evidence includes retaining damaged personal items that were involved in the accident, such as clothing or equipment, as they can help demonstrate the severity of the incident.
Additionally, keep all receipts and records of expenses related to your injury, such as medical bills, transportation costs to medical appointments, and any modifications needed at home to accommodate your injuries. This evidence is crucial for establishing the financial impact of the accident on your life.
Limit Communication with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies may contact you soon after the accident to obtain a statement or offer a settlement. Limit what you share with them. Insurance adjusters are trained to gather information that could be used to minimize your claim. Direct all communications through your attorney, who will protect your interests and ensure that negotiations are handled in a way that aims to secure the best possible outcome for you.
Consult Our Construction Accident Lawyers
An experienced construction accident lawyer can provide guidance throughout the legal process. They will evaluate your case, advise on the best course of action, and represent you in all legal proceedings.
Your attorney will handle negotiations with insurance companies, prepare and file necessary legal documents, and advocate on your behalf to ensure your rights are protected and you receive fair compensation for your injuries.
Follow Through with Your Medical Treatment
Adhering to the treatment plan prescribed by your healthcare providers is essential not only for your physical recovery but also for strengthening your legal claim. Consistent medical treatment and follow-up appointments demonstrate the seriousness of your injuries and your commitment to recovery.
Insurance companies often scrutinize gaps in treatment or failure to follow medical advice to challenge the severity of injuries.
Keep Records of All Related Expenses
Maintain detailed records of all expenses incurred due to the accident. This includes medical expenses, lost income, travel costs to medical appointments, and any out-of-pocket expenses related to your injury.
Comprehensive documentation of these costs will support your claim for compensation, helping to ensure that you are not left financially disadvantaged by an accident caused by someone else’s negligence.
Contact a Durham Construction Accident Attorney at Riddle & Brantley
You don’t have to go through this difficult time alone. Contact our experienced Personal injury attorney in Durham at (919) 728-1770 for your free, confidential consultation. With our decades of experience, commitment, and compassionate approach, we stand ready to support you toward recovery and justice after a Durham construction accident.
Riddle & Brantley Accident Injury Lawyers
100 E. Parrish St.
Suite 200
Durham, NC 27701
Phone: (919) 728-1770
By Appointment Only.
Hours of Operation*
Monday – 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Tuesday – 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Wednesday – 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Thursday – 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Friday – 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Saturday – 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Sunday – 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM