If you’ve been injured in a construction accident in Fayetteville, Arkansas, you may have grounds for a claim. Construction work involves significant hazards. When negligence causes an accident, injured workers can pursue legal action. At Odom Law Firm, our experienced construction accident lawyers understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll these accidents take on workers and their families. We have recovered millions of dollars for injured construction workers throughout Arkansas and nationwide.
Why Choose Odom Law Firm for Your Construction Accident Claim
Since 1982, construction workers and their families in Arkansas have trusted Odom Law Firm to handle jobsite and workplace accident cases—securing millions in compensation when serious injuries occur.
Construction workers throughout Arkansas rely on our experience and record of success in serious accident cases:
- $5.25 million settlement for a worker with shoulder and knee injuries after site negligence.
- $3.73 million settlement for a worker with a shoulder injury, PTSD, and depression after a serious site accident.
- $1.2 million settlement for a crane accident resulting in spinal and shoulder injuries.
- Personalized, thorough case investigation from day one.
- Clients owe no fees unless we obtain a financial recovery.
- Our commitment and experience help construction accident victims get answers, justice, and results.
Why Construction Accidents Happen
Construction site accidents happen every day across Fayetteville and Northwest Arkansas. These incidents range from minor injuries to serious, life-altering events. Construction work involves numerous hazards. These include working at heights and operating heavy machinery. When employers, contractors, or other parties fail to maintain safe working conditions, workers suffer the consequences.
Construction accidents often result from violations of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations. Other causes include inadequate safety training, faulty equipment, or negligent supervision. Whether you were injured by a fall from scaffolding, struck by falling debris, caught in machinery, or exposed to hazardous materials, you may have grounds for a construction accident claim.
Construction accidents occur due to multiple factors. Many of these factors are preventable. Common causes include:
- Failure to provide proper safety equipment or training
- Inadequate fall protection systems
- Defective or poorly maintained equipment
- Unsafe working conditions
- Violations of OSHA safety standards
- Inadequate supervision or communication
- Rushing work to meet deadlines
- Failure to warn workers of known hazards
Common Types of Construction Site Injuries
Construction workers face diverse injury risks on job sites. The most common construction accident injuries include:
- Falls from heights (scaffolding, ladders, roofs)
- Electrocution from exposed wiring or equipment
- Struck-by accidents (falling objects, equipment)
- Caught-in or caught-between accidents (machinery, trenches)
- Repetitive motion injuries
- Crush injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Amputations and severe lacerations
- Burns from fires or chemical exposure
Who Can Be Held Liable for Construction Accidents?
Identifying all liable parties is critical to your construction accident claim. Unlike workers’ compensation claims, third-party liability claims allow injured workers to pursue full compensation from negligent parties.
Multiple parties may bear responsibility for a construction accident:
- General contractors who fail to maintain safe working conditions
- Property owners who hire contractors without ensuring safety compliance
- Subcontractors who create hazardous conditions
- Equipment manufacturers who produce defective machinery or tools
- Architects and engineers who design unsafe structures or systems
- Safety inspectors who fail to identify hazards
- Equipment rental companies that provide faulty equipment
Workers’ compensation provides limited benefits but doesn’t require proving negligence. Third-party claims allow you to recover full damages. These include pain and suffering, lost wages, and future medical care. You can pursue both types of claims in many construction accidents.
Construction Accident Injuries We Handle
Odom Law Firm represents construction workers who have suffered serious injuries on job sites. Construction accidents often result in injuries requiring extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term care. Our attorneys have extensive experience handling complex construction accident cases, including workplace accidents and catastrophic injuries.
Severe and Permanent Injuries
Construction accidents frequently cause permanent disabilities that change workers’ lives. We represent clients with spinal cord injuries resulting in partial or complete paralysis. We also handle brain injuries affecting cognitive function and memory. Additionally, we work with clients who have permanent nerve damage causing chronic pain and amputations requiring prosthetic devices.
These injuries often prevent workers from returning to their previous employment. This creates substantial economic and emotional hardship. Our firm has recovered significant settlements for construction workers with serious injuries. We understand how to calculate the true cost of permanent disability. This includes lifetime medical care, lost earning capacity, and diminished quality of life.
We work with medical experts, vocational rehabilitation specialists, and life care planners. Together, we build comprehensive cases that reflect the full extent of our clients’ injuries.
Workplace Negligence Claims
Construction accidents frequently result from workplace negligence. This occurs when employers, contractors, or other parties fail to maintain safe conditions. We investigate construction accident claims thoroughly to identify all instances of negligence:
- Failure to provide required safety equipment
- Inadequate training or supervision
- Violation of OSHA regulations
- Failure to maintain equipment properly
- Creating hazardous working conditions
- Failure to warn workers of known dangers
Our attorneys work with OSHA investigators, safety experts, and industry professionals. Together, we establish negligence and hold responsible parties accountable.
How to Protect Your Rights After a Construction Accident
Taking immediate action after a construction accident is critical. This protects your legal rights and helps build a strong case. Similar to workplace accident procedures, construction accident documentation is essential.
Immediate Steps
- Seek medical attention immediately, even if your injuries seem minor
- Report the accident to your supervisor and employer
- Request that the accident be documented in the company’s incident report
- Take photographs of the accident scene, your injuries, and any hazardous conditions
- Collect contact information from witnesses
- Preserve all evidence related to the accident
- Keep records of all medical treatment and expenses
- Document your recovery process and any ongoing symptoms
Reporting Requirements
Construction accidents must be reported to OSHA if they result in serious injury, hospitalization, or death. OSHA investigations create official records that can support your claim. Additionally, report the accident to your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance carrier.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these common mistakes that can harm your construction accident claim:
- Accepting a quick settlement offer without understanding its full value
- Posting about your accident or injuries on social media
- Giving recorded statements to insurance companies without legal representation
- Failing to seek immediate medical attention
- Not reporting the accident to OSHA or your employer
- Destroying or failing to preserve evidence
- Discussing your case with coworkers or others
- Waiting too long to contact an attorney
Frequently Asked Questions About Construction Site Accidents
What is the difference between workers' compensation and a personal injury claim?
Workers’ compensation is a no-fault insurance system. It provides wage replacement and medical benefits to injured workers. This applies regardless of who caused the accident. However, workers’ compensation benefits are typically limited. They don’t include compensation for pain and suffering.
Personal injury claims require proving negligence. They allow recovery of full damages. This includes pain and suffering, lost earning capacity, and other non-economic damages. In many construction accidents, injured workers can pursue both workers’ compensation benefits and third-party liability claims against negligent parties.
How long do I have to file a construction accident claim?
Arkansas law provides a three-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. You have three years from the date of your injury to file a lawsuit. However, contact an attorney much sooner. Evidence can be lost. Witnesses’ memories fade. Early investigation is critical to building a strong case. We recommend contacting a construction accident attorney within days or weeks of your injury.
Can I sue my employer for a construction accident?
In most cases, workers’ compensation laws prevent employees from suing their employers directly. However, exceptions exist. You may be able to sue your employer if they intentionally caused your injury. You can also sue if they failed to carry the required workers’ compensation insurance. Additionally, you can typically sue third parties such as contractors, equipment manufacturers, property owners, and other entities whose negligence contributed to your injury.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Arkansas follows a “comparative negligence” rule. You can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault for the accident, but your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were 20% at fault, you could recover 80% of your total damages. However, if you are found to be 50% or more at fault, you cannot recover damages. Our attorneys work to minimize any allegations of comparative negligence and maximize your recovery.
How much is my construction accident case worth?
The value of your construction accident case depends on numerous factors. These include the severity of your injuries, your age and earning capacity, and the degree of negligence involved. Available insurance coverage also matters. Construction accident settlements and verdicts vary widely. During your free consultation, we can provide an initial assessment of your case value based on similar cases we’ve handled.
Do I need to go to trial for my construction accident claim?
Most construction accident claims are resolved through settlement negotiations without going to trial. However, if the defendant refuses to offer fair compensation, we are prepared to take your case to trial. Our attorneys have extensive trial experience. We are prepared to litigate aggressively on behalf of our clients. The threat of trial often motivates defendants to offer reasonable settlements.
What should I do immediately after a construction accident?
Immediately after a construction accident, prioritize your health and safety. Seek medical attention right away. Do this even if your injuries seem minor. Report the accident to your supervisor and employer. Take photographs of the scene and your injuries if possible. Collect contact information from witnesses. Preserve all evidence related to the accident. Document your medical treatment and expenses. Avoid discussing the accident on social media or with others. Contact a construction accident attorney as soon as possible to protect your legal rights.
Contact Odom Law Firm for Your Free Construction Accident Consultation
If you’ve been injured in a construction accident in Fayetteville, Arkansas, don’t face the insurance companies and negligent parties alone. Odom Law Firm is ready to fight for the compensation you may be entitled to. Our experienced construction accident attorneys understand the complexities of construction injury claims. We have the resources and expertise to build a strong case on your behalf.
Construction accidents can change your life forever. You don’t have to face the aftermath alone. Contact Odom Law Firm today at 479-442-7575 to schedule your free consultation. We serve construction accident victims throughout Fayetteville, Arkansas, and nationwide through our co-counsel network.
