Los Angeles Construction Accident Lawyer

Of all the professions in California, construction workers are in a high-risk group for sustaining injuries on the job. If you’re a construction worker injured on the job, you may have legal options beyond workers’ compensation. A Los Angeles construction accident lawyer from Jacoby & Meyers can assess if a third party, like a faulty equipment provider or defective tool manufacturer, is also liable. Filing a claim against a third party can bypass workers’ compensation limits, potentially leading to a larger settlement.

Why Choose Jacoby & Meyers?

• 50+ Years of Experience with Real Testimonials: We have served California for over half a century.
• Proven Results: We have recovered over $2 billion for our clients by preparing every case for trial. 
• Statewide Reach: With 14 locations, we have the resources to handle massive cases.
• No Upfront Attorney’s Fees.  We only get paid if you get paid.

We Fight to Rebuild Your Lives

Construction sites are among the most dangerous work environments in California.
Serious injuries can occur in seconds, leaving workers facing medical treatment, lost
income, and uncertainty about their future.

If you were injured on a construction site in Los Angeles, a construction accident lawyer from Jacoby & Meyers can help determine whether a third party may be legally responsible and explain your options beyond workers’ compensation.

Get an expert assessment or request a free consultation.

Can I Afford a Construction Accident Lawyer?

After an injury, we know your first concern is often the cost of hiring a lawyer. With medical bills mounting and your income suddenly gone, the thought of paying an attorney by the hour can feel overwhelming and out of reach for you and your family. 

At Jacoby & Meyers, we believe that access to justice should never depend on your ability to pay. Your focus should be on your recovery, not on how you’ll afford the legal help you need to get there.

We operate on a contingency fee basis. This means:

• No upfront costs
• No hourly billing
• No risk to you

This levels the playing field, allowing you to hire a powerhouse law firm to fight billion-dollar insurance companies without any financial risk to yourself.

What To Do After a Construction Accident

• Get checked by a doctor immediately. Even if you try to “shake it off,” injuries like concussions, internal bleeding, and spinal trauma aren’t always obvious right away. Getting medical care quickly protects your health and creates a record of your symptoms.
• Capture the scene before it changes. Construction sites move fast. Hazards get cleaned up, equipment gets moved, and evidence disappears. If you can, take photos or video of the area, the equipment involved, warning signs (or lack of them), and your injuries.
• Get witness names while you still can. Collect names and contact information from anyone who witnessed the accident or knows the conditions leading up to it.
• Report the injury, but keep it factual. Tell your supervisor as soon as possible, but don’t guess about fault or make statements like “I’m fine.” Stick to what happened and what you’re feeling.
• Be cautious with insurance calls. You may be contacted quickly and asked for a recorded statement. These conversations can be used to reduce or deny your claim. It’s okay to politely decline until you have legal guidance.
• Save what you were wearing and using. Don’t wash or throw away clothing, boots, helmets, gloves, or safety gear. These items can help prove what happened, especially in cases involving falls, electrical injuries, or debris.
• Talk to a Los Angeles construction accident lawyer before accepting anything. Construction accident cases can involve workers’ compensation and third-party claims. Before you sign forms or accept a settlement, speak with an attorney who can evaluate the full impact of your injury and explain your legal options before you accept any settlement.

Expert Tip from Our Attorneys

A common misconception is that workers’ compensation is the only remedy for an on-the-job injury. While workers’ comp covers medical bills and some lost wages, it generally prevents you from suing your direct employer. However, many accidents are caused by third parties, such as subcontractors, equipment manufacturers, or property owners. In these ‘third-party claims,’ you can sue for damages that workers’ comp doesn’t cover, such as pain and suffering and full lost earning capacity. Identifying these third parties is often the key to getting a fair settlement. 

Common Causes of Construction Accidents in Los Angeles

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, California saw 439 fatal work injuries in 2023 alone. With Los Angeles in a constant state of development, from expanding Metro lines to high-rises in Century City, construction is everywhere. Unfortunately, the rush to complete these projects often leads to negligence and preventable accidents.

• Falls from Heights: Scaffolding failures, lack of guardrails, or unprotected elevator shafts are leading causes of severe injury.
• Falling Objects: Unsecured tools or debris dropped from cranes can cause catastrophic brain injuries to workers below.
• Heavy Machinery Accidents: Improper operation of forklifts, cranes, and bulldozers often results in crush injuries.
• Electrocutions: Exposed wiring or failure to de-energize circuits during work is a common, deadly hazard.
• Trench Collapses: Failure to properly shore up trenches can lead to suffocation and burial.
• Defective Equipment: Malfunctioning power tools or safety gear that fails when needed most.

Common Injuries in Construction Cases

Given the heavy machinery and extreme heights involved, construction injuries are rarely minor. In California, the same statistics show that transportation incidents account for 25% of all fatal work injuries in the state, while exposure to harmful substances or environments makes up another 24%, a figure significantly higher than the national average.

At Jacoby & Meyers, we understand the devastating toll these accidents take on you and your family. We represent clients suffering from life-altering conditions, including:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): From falls or being struck by objects.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Leading to partial or total paralysis.
• Amputations: Often caused by heavy machinery or crush incidents.
• Severe Burns: From electrical fires, chemical spills, or explosions.
• Complex Fractures: Broken bones requiring surgery and hardware.
• Internal Organ Damage: Caused by blunt force trauma.

Who May Be Liable for Your Construction Accident Injuries?

A construction accident can leave you hurting, stressed, and confused, especially when you were simply doing your job. But in many cases, these injuries aren’t “just part of the work.” They happen because someone failed to follow safety rules, ignored hazards, or cut corners, putting workers at risk.

Determining liability is rarely simple. On a busy jobsite, responsibility often falls on more than one party, and identifying every liable source can make a major difference in the compensation available.

In California, liable parties may include:

• General contractors: Responsible for overall jobsite safety, coordination, and hazard prevention.
• Subcontractors: Crews whose work creates unsafe conditions for others (electrical, plumbing, framing, scaffolding, etc.).
• Property owners: If they knew about dangerous conditions and failed to repair them or warn workers.
• Product manufacturers: If defective ladders, harnesses, tools, or machinery contributed to the injury.
• Architects and engineers: If structural failures, collapses, or design flaws caused the incident.
• Government entities: If the injury occurred on a public works project (such as Caltrans or Metro), special legal rules may apply.

Why Construction Accident Cases Are Legally Complex

Construction accident claims demand a deep understanding of safety regulations, jobsite responsibility, and how serious injuries affect a worker’s future. These cases are complex because:

• Multiple liable parties: General contractors, subcontractors, equipment makers, and others may share fault.
• Comparative negligence arguments: Defendants often try to blame the worker to reduce their liability, even when safety failures played a major role.
• Evidence disappears fast: Jobsites change daily. Hazards get repaired, equipment gets moved, and proof can vanish within hours.
• OSHA and safety code violations: Proving negligence often involves showing violations of specific safety rules and industry standards.
• Workers’ comp overlap: Many cases involve both workers’ compensation and third-party claims, which require a strategic legal approach.

Our Personal Injury Case Results

Our personal injury attorneys have recovered over $2 billion in settlements on behalf of local accident victims in San Francisco and throughout the Bay Area. Some of our personal injury case results include:

Past results depend on the specific facts of each case and do not guarantee a similar outcome. Amounts listed are gross recoveries before attorney fees and costs.

Damages You May Be Entitled To

If your case involves a third-party claim, you may be able to recover compensation beyond standard workers’ compensation benefits, including damages that reflect the true human cost of what you’ve endured.

Economic Damages (Financial Losses)

• Medical expenses: Past, current, and future treatment, surgeries, therapy, and medication
• Lost wages: Income lost while you recover
• Reduced earning capacity: If you can’t return to construction work or earn what you did before
• Home modifications: Accessibility changes if the injury causes long-term disability

Non-Economic Damages (Quality of Life)

• Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical pain and daily limitations
• Emotional distress: Anxiety, depression, and trauma after a serious incident
• Loss of enjoyment of life: When injuries prevent you from living the life you once had
• Loss of consortium: The impact on your relationship with your spouse or partner

Punitive Damages

Unlike compensatory damages, punitive damages are not intended to cover your losses. Instead, their purpose is to punish the at-fault party for exceptionally reckless behavior and to deter similar conduct. These damages are awarded only in cases where the defendant’s actions involve willful misconduct, fraud, or malicious intent, going far beyond simple negligence.

Calculating damages is a complex process, but the right construction accident lawyer in Los Angeles can ensure you are fully supported. They meticulously evaluate the severity of the at-fault party’s behavior alongside the unique circumstances of your case. To hold responsible parties accountable, they consider the degree of harm you have suffered and the defendant’s financial standing, ensuring any award is truly impactful.

California Statute of Limitations for Construction Accident Claims

In California, construction accident claims are generally subject to a statute of
limitations that begin on the date of the injury. Missing this deadline can prevent you
from pursuing compensation.

However, if a government entity is involved, such as a project connected to a school district, Metro, or another public agency, you may have as little as six months to file an administrative claim.

Get an expert assessment now to ensure you have the right Los Angeles construction accident attorney on your side before it’s too late.

Why You Need a Lawyer After a Construction Accident

A serious construction accident can threaten your ability to work, provide for your family, and move forward with confidence. And while you’re dealing with pain, appointments, and uncertainty, insurance companies and defense teams often move quickly to protect their own financial interests.

Insurance companies stay profitable by minimizing payouts, not by making things easy for injured workers. When a claim involves major injuries and significant damages, they may bring in experienced adjusters and attorneys to challenge your case. They might argue your injury was pre-existing, claim you were at fault, or insist their policy doesn’t apply, anything to reduce what they have to pay.

That’s why having the right legal team matters.

You need a construction accident lawyer to:

• Handle the complexity: Construction cases can involve multiple parties, safety rules, and strict procedures. We manage the legal process so you can focus on healing.
• Level the playing field: We have the resources to take on contractors, insurers, and corporate defense teams that fight hard to avoid responsibility.
• Value your case correctly: We work with medical and economic experts to calculate the true long-term cost of your injury, so you don’t get pressured into a settlement that won’t support your future.

How Jacoby & Meyers Prepares Serious Construction Accident Cases for Settlement or Trial

Preparing construction accident cases thoroughly from the beginning helps ensure
claims are evaluated based on their full medical, financial, and long-term impact.
Our approach includes:

• Immediate investigation: We act quickly to secure video footage, photograph hazards, and speak with witnesses before the site changes or evidence disappears.
• Expert coordination: We work with medical specialists to document your injuries and safety experts to prove how the accident happened and who failed to prevent it.
• Complete damage documentation: We track the full impact of your injury, medical costs, future care, lost wages, and long-term earning loss.
• Strategic demands: We present a strong, evidence-backed claim designed to pressure insurers to take your case seriously.
• Trial readiness: If the insurance company refuses to be fair, we’re prepared to file suit and fight for you in court.

How to Choose the Right Construction Accident Attorney in Los Angeles

A serious injury from construction accidents can change your life in an instant, your health, your independence, your ability to work, and the future you pictured for yourself. And because these cases often involve permanent harm and lifelong medical needs, insurance companies fight hard to minimize what they pay. They may question how serious your condition really is, suggest you’ll “get better,” or push you into a fast settlement before you understand the true long-term cost of your injury.

An experienced construction accident lawyer in Los Angeles will make sure your case is taken seriously from day one and built for the full value of what you’ve lost.

Here’s what to look for when choosing the right legal team:

Real Experience With Catastrophic Injury Claims

Construction accident cases are not routine personal injury claims. They require strong evidence, expert support, and a legal strategy built for long-term damages, not quick payouts.

A skilled construction accident attorney understands injuries and challenges such as:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and cognitive impairment
• Spinal cord damage and paralysis
• Severe burns, amputations, and permanent disfigurement
• Multiple surgeries, rehabilitation, and lifelong care needs
• Emotional trauma, anxiety, depression, and PTSD
• Loss of independence, career disruption, and permanent limitations

At Jacoby & Meyers, we’ve spent decades representing clients in serious and catastrophic injury cases and have recovered over $2 billion for injured Californians, including claims involving permanent harm.

A Strong Reputation and Trusted Credentials

In high-stakes cases, reputation matters. Recognition from peer-reviewed legal organizations reflects credibility, ethics, and consistent results, qualities insurers take seriously when evaluating a major claim.

Our attorneys have been recognized by respected organizations such as Super Lawyers and TopVerdict, reinforcing our commitment to trusted, high-level advocacy.

Los Angeles–Specific Knowledge

Local experience can make a meaningful difference in construction accident cases. A qualified Los Angeles attorney should understand:

• Local courts, judges, and filing procedures
• How major insurers defend high-value injury claims
• Government claim deadlines and requirements
• Common LA catastrophic injury scenarios (freeway crashes, workplace incidents, unsafe property conditions, defective products)

With more than 50 years of experience serving Los Angeles and communities statewide, Jacoby & Meyers combines local insight with the resources of a California-wide firm.

Trial-Ready Preparation When the Stakes Are High

Catastrophic injury claims from construction accidents often involve substantial compensation, and insurance companies know it. Some firms push quick settlements that don’t account for future medical care, lost earning potential, or permanent disability.

At Jacoby & Meyers, we prepare every construction accident case as if it will be decided by a jury. That trial-ready approach strengthens your negotiating power and helps protect your future if the insurer refuses to be fair.

What Not to Say to Insurance Companies After a Construction Accident

After a construction accident, insurance adjusters often reach out fast. They may sound friendly or concerned, but their job is to protect the insurance company, not you. And when you’re injured, exhausted, and just trying to get through the day, it’s easy to say something that gets used later to reduce or deny your claim.

Use this checklist to protect yourself while you focus on healing.

What NOT to Say

“I’m fine” or “It’s not that bad.”
Construction injuries often get worse after the adrenaline wears off. Head injuries, back trauma, and internal injuries aren’t always obvious right away.

“It was just a slip” or “Just a minor fall.”
Falls from ladders, scaffolding, or uneven surfaces can cause serious damage, even if you didn’t fall far.

“I’m feeling better now.”
Pain, nerve symptoms, and complications can appear days or weeks later, especially with back, neck, and joint injuries.

“I don’t need more treatment.”
Insurers may use this to argue you weren’t seriously hurt or that you “recovered quickly.”

Anything that sounds like you’re taking blame.
Even casual comments like “I should’ve been more careful” can be twisted into an admission of fault.

Agreeing to a recorded statement.
You are not required to give one. Adjusters often ask questions designed to lock you into answers that hurt your case.

Guessing or speculating about what caused the accident.
If you’re unsure, don’t fill in the blanks. Stick to what you know for sure.

Accepting a quick settlement.
Early offers often don’t account for surgery, physical therapy, missed work, or long-term limitations, especially in serious construction injury cases.

What You Should Do Instead

• Keep your statements short and factual
• Focus on medical care and follow-up appointments
• Document injuries and treatment (photos, diagnoses, restrictions, therapy)
• Ask for communication in writing whenever possible
• Speak with a lawyer before signing or discussing details

Construction accident cases can involve workers’ compensation and third-party liability, and insurance companies often move quickly to protect themselves. Getting legal guidance early can help protect your rights and your future.

Client Testimonials

We take pride in supporting our clients and fostering lasting relationships built on trust and dependability during their toughest moments.

“I’ve never needed a lawyer before, but this was the best experience I could ever have had. Lucy is helpful, always ready to be of service for our clients, and just an all-around incredible lawyer. Jacoby & Meyers, best of the best.” – Tony DeSean from Google Review

“I highly recommend Jacoby & Meyers, they offer excellent customer service and care a lot about our symptoms and well-being! They send me to high-end pain management and chiropractors, too. Their reps are amazing, you will not regret hiring them.” – Patty Garcia from Google Review

Disclaimer: Testimonials are voluntary statements from former clients. They are not intended to create expectations about outcomes and should not be interpreted as a guarantee of results.

What Our Clients Have To Say

Case Results That Reflect Serious Construction Accident Experience

While past results do not guarantee future outcomes, our case history reflects Jacoby & Meyers’ ability to handle high-stakes injury litigation involving catastrophic harm often seen in construction-related accidents, including amputations, paralysis, and permanent impairment.

• $1.65 Million — Workplace accident resulting in amputation
• $3.15 Million — Construction Site Accident
• $1.95 Million — Premises Liability V.S. City
• $11.9 Million —  Wrongful Death V.S. Truck

These recoveries have helped clients and families afford critical medical care, rehabilitation, lost wages, and long-term support—resources that can be essential after a devastating construction accident.

Disclaimer: Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.

Construction Accident Attorney Near Me

Jacoby & Meyers proudly represents burn injury victims across California. While our main office is based in Los Angeles, we help clients throughout Los Angeles County, including Long Beach, Santa Monica, Glendale, Santa Clarita, and Pomona.

With 14 offices statewide, we combine the strength and resources of a California-wide firm with the local insight you expect when searching for a burn injury attorney near you. No matter where you live, experienced legal help is within reach, without sacrificing personal attention or familiarity with local courts.

We serve clients throughout California, including:

• Orange County
• San Jose
• San Francisco
• San Diego
• San Bernardino
• Sacramento
• Ontario
• Oakland
• Los Angeles
• Fresno 
• Escondido
• Brea
• Bakersfield

Wherever you are in California, we have the resources to help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my employer have insurance?

California law requires employers to carry insurance to protect construction workers, but not all companies comply. It is essential to choose an attorney who understands how to hold employers accountable. With over 50 years of experience, Jacoby & Meyers is dedicated to your recovery. We will advocate for your best interests, pursuing your case aggressively to ensure you receive the justice and compensation that helps rebuild your life.

Is workers’ compensation my only option?

Not always. Workers’ comp may cover medical care and partial wage loss, but it does not cover pain and suffering. If a third party caused the accident (like a subcontractor or equipment manufacturer), you may be able to pursue a separate personal injury claim.

What if my symptoms appear later?

Some injuries, like soft tissue damage or TBIs, may not be immediately apparent. This is why you should never sign a release form immediately after an accident. If you settle too early, you cannot ask for more money later if symptoms worsen. A lawyer ensures you wait until you have reached “maximum medical improvement” to understand the full scope of damages.

What evidence helps strengthen a construction accident case?

Photos of the hazard, witness statements, incident reports, medical records, safety logs, and preserved equipment or clothing can all be important evidence.

Can I recover pain and suffering after a construction accident?

Workers’ compensation generally does not pay for pain and suffering. But a third-party personal injury claim may allow recovery for pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.

For more information, visit our FAQ page. 

Directory

Emergency Rooms

• Los Angeles General Medical Center 1200 N State St, Los Angeles, CA 90033
• Harbor-UCLA Medical Center– 1000 W. Carson St., Torrance, CA 90509
• Olive View-UCLA Medical Center -14445 Olive View Dr. Sylmar, CA 91342
• Dignity Health – California Hospital Medical Center– 1401 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90015
• Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center – 1300 N Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027

Urgent Care Centers

• Care Fast Urgent Care- Burbank – 353 N Pass Ave Ste D Burbank, CA 91505
• First Aid Urgent Care – 7204 Foothill Blvd Tujunga, CA 91042
• Edward R. Roybal Comprehensive Health Center – 245 S. Fetterly Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90022
• H. Claude Hudson Comprehensive Health Center – 2829 South Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90007
• Ladera Urgent Care – 5311 W Centinela Ave Los Angeles, CA 90045

Local Courthouses

• Airport Courthouse – 11701 S. La Cienega Los Angeles, CA 90045
• Central Arraignment Courthouse – 429 Bauchet St., Los Angeles, CA 90012
• Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center – 210 West Temple Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Disclaimer: We do not endorse these companies or profit from listing them on our website.

Secure Your Future Today

A construction accident threatens your livelihood, but you have rights. The legal team at Jacoby & Meyers is ready to protect those rights and fight for the compensation that reflects your overall losses. We are available 24/7 to listen to your story.

Call us, chat with us online, or fill out our contact form today for a free consultation. There are no fees unless we win.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case is different and must be evaluated on its own facts.

Attorney Review & Office Information

Attorney Review Disclosure
This content has been reviewed by California-licensed attorneys at Jacoby & Meyers to ensure accuracy and compliance with applicable California law. Legal services are provided by attorneys licensed to practice in the State of California.

Los Angeles Office
Jacoby & Meyers
2000 Avenue of the Stars, Suite 1150S
Los Angeles, CA 90067

24/7 Hotline: (213) 296-0792

Other Cases We Take On

• Car Accidents
• Personal Injury
• Motorcycle Accidents
• Truck Accidents
• Slip and Fall Accidents
• Dog Bites
• Pedestrian Accidents
• Scooter Accidents
• Premises Liability
• Hit and Run Accidents
• Construction Accidents
• Boat Accident
• Bicycle Accidents
• Paraplegia Injury
• Brain Injuries
• Catastrophic Injuries
• Burn Injuries
• Wrongful Death
• Laceration Injury
• Orthopedic Injury
• Whiplash Injury
• Amputations
• Broken Bone Injuries
• Neck Injuries
• Quadriplegia Injury
• Spinal Cord Injury
• Back Injury
• Rideshare Accidents