Construction sites are among the most dangerous workplaces. OSHA violations—such as inadequate fall protection, lack of safety training, and failure to provide proper equipment—frequently contribute to serious accidents. Injured construction workers in Los Angeles have the right to seek compensation through workers’ compensation benefits, which cover medical expenses and a portion of lost wages. In cases where third-party negligence—such as defective equipment, subcontractor errors, or unsafe premises—plays a role, injured workers may also file a personal injury lawsuit to recover additional damages, including pain and suffering.
If this has happened to you, an experienced Los Angeles construction accident lawyer at Ellis Injury Law can help you navigate workers’ comp claims and third-party lawsuits, ensuring you receive maximum compensation for your losses and damages. We serve Orange County, Long Beach, Oakland, Riverside, San Bernadino, and many others. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
Why Choose Ellis Injury Law for Your Construction Accident Case?
For decades, our Los Angeles construction injury lawyers have successfully represented workers injured on dangerous construction sites. We handle cases involving:
- Falls from Heights – Including scaffold falls, roof falls, and ladder accidents
- Heavy Machinery Accidents – Injuries involving cranes, forklifts, and bulldozers
- Electrocutions & Electrical Burns – Caused by exposed wires and improper grounding
- Struck-By Accidents – Injuries from falling debris, tools, or moving vehicles
- Toxic Exposure – Illnesses caused by lead, asbestos, or hazardous chemicals
- Repetitive Stress Injuries (RSI) – Caused by prolonged use of vibrating tools
Verdicts & Settlements
Real Results for Los Angeles Injury Victims
Millions recovered for those injured by negligent acts across California.
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Plaintiff and her family were severely injured after a large wooden veneer fell on them in a mall food court.
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Plaintiff severely burned after defective propane tank shot fire nearly 15-20 feet from nozzle.
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$3 million was awarded to family of plaintiff after his delivery van was struck by an 18-wheeler, resulting in his death.
Read MoreProven Results – Millions Recovered for Construction Workers
- Expert Investigation – We analyze accident scenes, review OSHA violations, and work with industry experts to strengthen your case.
- In-Depth Legal Knowledge – Our team stays up-to-date on California construction injury laws to maximize your compensation.
- Aggressive Litigation – If an insurance company refuses to settle, our attorneys will take your case to trial and fight for what you deserve.
Contact us today for a FREE consultation—we don’t get paid unless we win your case.
Steps to Take After a Construction Accident in Los Angeles
Taking the right steps after an accident can protect your legal rights and improve your chances of obtaining full compensation:
- Seek Medical Attention – Even if injuries seem minor, some symptoms may develop later.
- Report the Injury – Notify your employer and ensure an accident report is filed.
- Document Everything – Take photos, obtain witness statements, and keep medical records.
- File a Workers’ Compensation Claim – Submit a DWC-1 form promptly.
- Consult an Attorney – A skilled Los Angeles construction accident lawyer can guide you through the workers’ compensation and third-party claim process.
Workers’ Compensation vs. Third-Party Lawsuits
If you are injured on the job, your primary source of compensation will be California workers’ compensation benefits, covering:
- Medical expenses
- Temporary disability benefits
- Permanent disability benefits
- Vocational retraining
However, workers’ comp does not cover pain and suffering. If a third party (not your employer) contributed to your injury, you may be eligible to file a personal injury lawsuit against:
- Negligent Subcontractors – Poorly trained workers creating unsafe conditions
- Equipment Manufacturers – Defective tools or machinery
- Property Owners – Failing to maintain safe work environments
A third-party lawsuit allows you to seek additional compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of future earnings.
Not sure if you qualify? Contact Ellis Law for a free case evaluation.
Who is Liable for a Construction Accident in Los Angeles?
An injured construction worker might assume that only his or her employer bears responsibility for a constriction accident and liability for any resulting injuries and their associated costs. The employer’s workers compensation insurance might reimburse some of the costs of a workplace injury, but the injured employee may still have an opportunity to collect a greater amount of damages from other construction site parties that bear some responsibility for the accident, including:
- the owner or manager of the construction site
- the site’s prime or general contractor and other subcontractors that are providing services at the site
- material providers and delivery contractors
- architects or engineers that failed to establish safe operating conditions at the site
- equipment manufacturers and installers, including producers of tools, scaffolds, heavy machinery, and restraining systems, all of which are responsible for providing products that do not pose excess risks to construction site personnel
Injured construction workers often mistakenly assume that they can only recover compensation from workers’ compensation insurance when they suffer on-the-job injuries. If their injuries were caused by the negligence of a party other than their employer, they might have an opportunity to sue that party for additional damages that are not reimbursed by workers’ compensation, including damages for pain and suffering and related non-economic costs and expenses.
Proving that another party is liable for construction accident injuries
To recover damages from another party in a construction accident lawsuit, an injured construction worker will need to show:
- that the other party owed a duty of care to the construction worker
- that the party failed to live up to that duty of care
- as a result of that failure, an accident happened, and
- the accident was the direct and proximate cause of the construction worker’s injuries.
An injured construction worker will have a better chance of proving another party’s negligence when he or she retains a knowledgeable and experienced construction accident lawyer as soon as is possible after an accident. Construction sites are very dynamic places. Evidence about how an accident happened can disappear very quickly, and witness memories will fade just as fast. When an injured construction worker arranges for legal representation in the immediate aftermath of an accident, his or her lawyer will begin an investigation and secure the facts and evidence that show the causes and the parties that are responsible for the accident and the worker’s injuries.
Embarking on litigation can feel like an uphill battle, especially when you’re recovering from a serious injury. That’s why you hire the best lawyer in the business.
Most Common Construction Accidents in Los Angeles
Construction workers face serious hazards daily. Some of the most common construction site accidents include
Falls from Heights
- Scaffold collapses
- Roof and ladder falls
- Unprotected edges and floor openings
Heavy Machinery Accidents
- Crane and forklift malfunctions
- Equipment rollovers and entrapment
- Defective machinery causing crush injuries
Electrocutions & Electrical Burns
- Exposed wires and faulty power lines
- Poor grounding and missing lockout/tagout procedures
Struck-By & Caught-In Accidents
- Falling tools, debris, or loads from cranes
- Workers trapped between equipment or structures
Toxic Chemical Exposure
- Asbestos, lead, and silica dust inhalation
- Chemical burns from improper handling of hazardous materials
Injured on a construction site? Speak with an experienced Los Angeles construction accident lawyer today!
Common Construction Site Injuries and Their Impact
Below are some of the most common injuries on construction sites and their potential consequences.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI).
Workers who suffer head injuries may experience concussions, skull fractures, or long-term cognitive impairments, affecting memory, coordination, and speech. Severe TBIs can result in permanent disability or death.
Spinal Cord Injuries.
Damage to the spinal cord can lead to partial or complete paralysis, chronic pain, or loss of motor function. These injuries often require extensive rehabilitation and may result in lifelong mobility challenges.
Broken Bones and Fractures.
Fractures can occur in the arms, legs, ribs, or pelvis, leading to significant pain, limited movement, and lengthy recovery times. In severe cases, improper healing may cause permanent impairment.
Severe Burns.
Electrical, chemical, or thermal burns can cause skin damage, nerve injuries, and disfigurement. Third-degree burns may require extensive skin grafts, surgeries, and long-term rehabilitation.
Amputations.
Crushed or severed limbs often result in partial or full amputations, leaving workers with permanent disabilities and the need for prosthetics or assistive devices. These injuries drastically impact quality of life and ability to work.
Internal Organ Damage.
Blunt force trauma can cause internal bleeding, punctured lungs, or ruptured organs, which may not be immediately visible but can lead to life-threatening complications if not treated quickly.
Vision and Eye Injuries.
Eye injuries can range from temporary irritation and corneal abrasions to permanent blindness, depending on the severity of exposure to hazards like debris, chemicals, or intense light.
Potential compensation for your injuries can include all medical bills, including emergency room visits, surgery, rehabilitative therapies, physicians, medications, and medical supplies, as well as future damages for the ongoing loss of income and lost wages.
Schedule a Free Consultation with a Trusted Construction Injury Lawyer in Los Angeles
The Los Angeles personal injury attorneys at Ellis Law can advise you and your family about the types and amounts of compensation available in your specific case. Contact us today to discuss your potential claim and schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with a construction accident attorney.
California requires construction accident claims to be filed within specific time frames, so do not delay. We will ensure your claim is filed correctly and on time, allowing you to receive the maximum compensation available under the law. We understand how frustrating it can be to suffer an injury on the job and be out of work. We will handle your case each step of the way so you can focus on healing. Since we work on a contingency fee basis, you will not pay attorney’s fees unless we win compensation for your injuries.
Frequently Asked Questions on Construct Accident in Los Angeles
How long do I have to file a construction accident claim in Los Angeles?
Under California law, the statute of limitations for a workers’ compensation claim is one year from the accident date. For third-party lawsuits, the deadline is two years.
Can I sue my employer for a construction site injury?
No, in most cases, you cannot sue your employer directly. However, you can file a workers’ compensation claim and, if applicable, a third-party lawsuit.
What if my workers’ compensation claim is denied?
If your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. Our construction accident attorneys can help you fight for the benefits you deserve.
How much does a construction accident lawyer cost?
At Ellis Law, we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Find our office at
2230 E Maple Ave,
El Segundo, CA 90245
Attorney Spotlight
Andrew Ellis, Esq.
Founding Partner
“
Winning for a client means we’ve done such a good job presenting the case that we don’t have to go to trial — and we got the full value of the number. Each case is different. Each one is individualized. If you’re unable to attend your daughter’s wedding, that’s going to carry greater weight than if you had to sit home on a Saturday night. Those are different things that come into play.
