Nashville Construction Accident Attorneys
Helping workers in Nashville, Hendersonville, and Clarksville get the justice they deserve
As the son of a laborer permanently disabled by an on-the-job accident, Nashville construction accident lawyer Rocky McElhaney takes the injured workers very personally. He brings his many years of experience fighting for victims of construction site and other workplace accidents to bear on behalf of clients whose lives have been forever changed through no fault of their own.
If you or someone you love has been hurt in a Nashville construction accident and now need legal advice on how to recover compensation to keep their family going, the injury attorneys at Rocky McElhaney Law Firm are here to help.
Answers to Your Questions
- Can I file for workers’ compensation for a Nashville construction accident?
- Can I file a personal injury claim for a Nashville construction accident?
- What is the value of my Nashville construction accident claim?
- Do you have a construction accident attorney near me?
- Why is construction work so dangerous?
- What is construction work’s Fatal Four?
- What are common construction accident injuries?
"When I was a teenager, Dad got hurt. Insurance company wouldn't pay. We lost our house. But, Dad got a lawyer and we got justice. That's the moment I decided to become an attorney. As a lawyer, I have dedicated my life to helping injury victims."
~ Rocky
Can I file for workers’ compensation for a Nashville construction accident?
When employees are injured on the job during the course of their regular work activities, they may be eligible to file for workers’ compensation. Workers’ compensation is a no-fault disability compensation system administered by the state of Tennessee.
Injured workers are required to report their injury to their employer and then see a doctor right away in the case of an accidental injury. Workers receive a partial wage replacement payment and medical expenses related to the workplace injury. There is also a death benefit for the surviving spouse or family members of workers who die in a work-related accident or from an occupational disease.
And while insurance should compensate victims of construction accidents in their time of need, most insurers do everything possible to delay or outright deny these perfectly legitimate claims. That’s when our Gladiators in Suits step in to fight for you.
Can I file a personal injury claim for a Nashville construction accident?
Not all workers can file for workers’ compensation. Independent contractors cannot file, for example. Some employers choose not to carry this insurance in spite of the law, which – by the way – exposes them to a potential lawsuit.
Even if your employer is not properly covered, a lawsuit may be an option if a party other than your employer was responsible for the construction accident. For example, if you were injured because a forklift malfunctioned, the company that manufactured the faulty forklift could potentially be held liable for your injuries. A key to recovery is a good investigation into the facts and circumstances. Our Nashville attorneys are ready to do so.
What is the value of my Nashville construction accident claim?
It depends. We can never guarantee an outcome in a personal injury claim for a construction accident. The more severe, life-altering injuries may receive larger compensation settlements or verdicts. This is because more severe injuries usually equate to more severe, and more costly, losses. Depending on your personal circumstances, you may be entitled to recover:
- Medical expenses, both current and future
- Lost wages, both current and future
- Compensation for property damage, when applicable
- Compensation for pain and suffering
- Burial and funeral expenses, in the event of the wrongful death of your loved one
Workers’ compensation, on the other hand, has a set schedule for benefits. Generally speaking, your weekly wage replacement should be 66.67% of what your normal weekly salary is, but other benefits can vary. For July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023, the breakdown is as follows:
- Minimum wage benefits: $168 a week
- Maximum rate, temporary benefits: $1,233 a week
- Maximum rate, permanent benefits: $1,121 a week
- Total weeks allowed: 450
- Total benefit allowed: $504,450
- Medical benefits: Unlimited
- Burial benefits: $10,000
You may be entitled to additional compensation for vocational training; scarring and disfigurement; and other concerns. Feel free to contact us to discuss whether a weekly payout or a lump-sum settlement is best for you.
Whether you need help securing workers’ compensation benefits, you want to sue your employer because they failed to carry workers’ compensation, or you are not sure whether you have a valid claim against a third party, contact Rocky McElhaney today. Our Nashville construction injury attorneys can evaluate your case and help determine who is at fault for your accident and what legal actions should be taken next.
Do you have a construction accident attorney near me?
Rocky McElhaney Law Firm has two offices in Nashville: one at 545 Mainstream Dr., Suite 105 and one at 615 Main Street, B21. We also have state-of-the-art offices in Hendersonville and Clarksville. If you are too injured or ill to come to our offices, we can make home and hospital visits. We also offer phone or video consultations.
Why is construction work so dangerous?
When people think of “construction,” they usually think of buildings. Sure, construction work involves a lot of building, but there are a ton of other jobs in the construction industry that are dangerous:
- Steelwork and sheet metal work
- Assembly lines
- Masonry
- Equipment operators
- Electrical work
- Plumbing
- HVAC
- Glazing
- Demolition and explosives
Construction workers are surrounded by heavy equipment, hazardous materials, and dangerous work tools, often in a hectic environment with dozens of other people. Even the most careful employee is at risk of serious injury or death due to errors or outright negligence at the construction site.
What is construction work’s Fatal Four?
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports that in 2019, the most recent year available, there were 5,333 construction worker deaths – about 15 a day, accounting for about 20% of all workplace deaths that year.
OSHA has identified the leading causes of deadly construction accidents, dubbing them the “Fatal Four.” They are:
- Falls
- Struck by Object
- Electrocutions
- Caught-in/between
Eliminating the causes of these Fatal Four could potentially save hundreds of lives every year.
What are common construction accident injuries?
The type and severity of injuries from construction site accidents will vary depending on the nature of the accident. Some of the typical injuries include:
- Broken bones
- Bruises
- Lacerations
- Back and neck injuries
- Concussions
Some injuries, however, can be life-changing. Catastrophic injuries are the types of injuries that can last a lifetime and usually require long-term medical treatment, rehabilitation, and other forms of care. These can include:
- Traumatic brain injuries from falls or being hit with objects
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis from falls or being crushed
- Loss of limb from crushing injuries, usually from heavy machinery
- Permanent loss of hearing or vision
- Organ damage from penetrating injuries
- Wrongful death
The Nashville construction accident lawyers at Rocky McElhaney Law Firm are here to help you recover compensation for your injuries and losses in whatever way works best for your specific situation and circumstances.
Let Rocky fight for you after a construction accident in Nashville
Our firm has a tremendous record of successful settlements and jury verdicts. We welcome the honor and opportunity to represent you if you have suffered an injury due to a construction accident or any other kind of workplace mishap. Call Rocky McElhaney Law Firm at 615-425-2500 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free initial consultation in Nashville, Hendersonville, or Clarksville today.
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