If a recent construction accident in Bakersfield left you with painful injuries and questions about your legal rights, the attorneys at Jacoby & Meyers are here to help.
Our roster of outstanding Bakersfield construction accident lawyers have years of experience handling construction accident cases – enabling us to generate better results. With over $2B won for clients, we can help you get through this difficult time with our wealth of knowledge and commitment to client success.
Our office in Bakersfield is located at 2020 Eye St., Bakersfield, CA 93301. Contact our personal injury lawyers in Bakersfield for a free case consultation to learn more. Because you deserve justice.
Construction Accidents in Bakersfield: Understanding the Risks
Construction is one of the most dangerous industries in the country. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the highest number of worker deaths in 2023 in California occurred in the construction industry (78 fatalities).
The conditions of a typical construction site in Bakersfield expose workers to many injury and incident risks, including:
- Slip, trip and fall accidents
- Falls from heights
- Accidents involving scaffolds
- Ladder falls
- Electrocutions
- Struck-by objects
- Equipment-related accidents
- Contact with dangerous machinery
- Forklift accidents
- Crane collapses
- Roof, wall and trench collapses
- Exposure to toxic materials or substances
- Violence by people or animals
Bakersfield has a relatively large construction industry, with around 13,500 construction workers currently employed. Unfortunately, safety issues such as OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) violations in Kern County threaten the safety of construction workers.
California Laws Governing Construction Accidents
Understanding your rights in the aftermath of a harmful construction site accident in Bakersfield takes familiarity with California’s related laws. As an injured worker, you may be eligible for financial compensation through one or multiple legal outlets.
Your recovery options can include:
- Workers’ compensation claim: an insurance claim that can pay for your medical costs, any related disability and about two-thirds of your lost wages without you having to prove fault.
- Personal injury lawsuit: you may be able to bring a claim against your employer for negligence, or the failure to act according to the safety standards imposed on the construction industry.
- Third-party liability claim: if someone other than your employer is to blame, you may be able to file both a workers’ comp claim and a personal injury suit against a third party, such as a property owner or equipment manufacturer.
It’s important to recognize your legal deadlines as a construction accident victim in Bakersfield. You have no more than two years from the date of the injury to pursue a personal injury claim, and one year to file a workers’ compensation claim.
Determining Liability in Construction Accident Cases
While a workers’ compensation claim may seem like the easiest way to receive financial benefits after a construction accident in Bakersfield, this may not be the best route for your specific circumstances. Consult with an attorney before accepting a settlement.
You may have grounds to hold any of the following parties responsible outside of workers’ comp:
- Construction company
- General contractor
- Subcontractor
- Equipment manufacturer
- Property owner
- Architect or engineer
- A government agency
Determining liability in your case will require an in-depth investigation into who or what caused your construction site accident. Our team of skilled attorneys, assistants and investigators can identify all potential sources of financial compensation on your behalf.
Compensation Available for Construction Accident Victims
Getting hurt in a construction-related accident in Bakersfield could make you eligible for various kinds of financial compensation to help make you whole again.
The types of compensation that may be available will vary, but can include:
- Medical expenses (immediate and long-term)
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering damages
- Permanent disability compensation
- Wrongful death benefits for families
Whether you file a workers’ compensation claim vs. a personal injury suit can affect the types of compensation available.
You could receive damages for pain and suffering through a lawsuit, for example. Jacoby & Meyers will help you maximize your financial recovery.
Why You Need a Specialized Bakersfield Construction Accident Attorney
A construction accident case in Bakersfield can be complicated, with confusing laws surrounding your ability to receive financial compensation. Luckily, you don’t have to fight for justice on your own. You can hire a Bakersfield personal injury attorney to look out for you and protect your best interests.
An attorney can pursue a high settlement on your behalf using in-depth knowledge of construction industry regulations, technical construction standards and how California’s legal system works. A lawyer with specific experience in this practice area will be prepared to execute all the necessary legal work for your case to be successful.
The Legal Process for Bakersfield Construction Accident Claims
When a worker gets hurt or killed at a construction site, the legal process for providing the victim or victim’s family with compensation starts with an investigation.
At any point, a personal injury lawyer can be hired to complete a case evaluation, investigation and comprehensive evidence collection. A lawyer can also hire experts to provide witness testimony and strengthen the case.
Once the cause of the incident has been determined, the lawyer can file the necessary paperwork to initiate one or multiple claims on the client’s behalf.
The lawyer will handle negotiations with insurers to ensure the victim is treated fairly and receives maximum compensation for all related losses. If necessary, the lawyer can take the construction accident case to court with a smart litigation strategy.
Choosing the Right Bakersfield Construction Accident Attorney
Not all construction accident attorneys are equal. It’s important to take your time during the selection process to choose the ideal attorney for you and your needs.
Ask the following questions to identify a lawyer who has the experience and resources to properly handle your claim:
- How much experience do you have with construction accident cases in Bakersfield?
- What are some of your past case results in this practice area?
- Do you have experience in local Kern County courts?
- Are there any client testimonials I can read?
- How much do you charge for your services, and when do I pay?
Look for a lawyer with hands-on experience in construction accident law in Bakersfield to ensure he or she is fully equipped to advocate for you.
Contact Jacoby & Meyers for a Free Construction Accident Case Review in Bakersfield
Getting injured while working a construction job in Bakersfield could place your future into uncertainty. Let the lawyers at Jacoby & Meyers help you rebuild your life and move forward with your head held high.
Our first goal will be to help you recover from your injuries. Then, we will build your claim against one or more parties, keeping you informed of all new developments along the way.We firmly believe that everyone deserves justice.
Discuss your case in detail with one of our Bakersfield construction accident lawyers today at no cost. Call our local law office at (661) 402-8934 or contact us online anytime and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Jacoby & Meyers Accident & Injury Lawyers – Bakersfield
Office
2020 Eye St,
Bakersfield, CA 93301