How Construction Site Safety Violations Become Personal Injury Claims in Washington State

King County construction sites are full of potential hazards, from elevated work areas and heavy equipment to exposed electrical systems and falling materials. Contractors have a responsibility to follow Washington’s safety requirements and take reasonable steps to protect people who may be exposed to these dangers.

When a safety violation causes someone to get hurt, the resulting injury may become more than a workplace safety issue. Depending on who was responsible, an injured person may have grounds for a personal injury lawsuit against a contractor, property owner, or another third party. Our experienced Issaquah construction accident attorney explains when a safety violation can lead to a third-party claim.

When Does an Issaquah Construction Safety Violation Become a Personal Injury Claim?

The state Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) maintains extensive safety requirements for construction work. Chapter 296-155 of the Washington Administrative Code (WAC) addresses hazards including falls, machinery, electrical dangers, excavation, and falling objects.

A violation alone does not automatically establish liability for someone’s injuries. The bigger question is whether another party’s failure to use reasonable care was responsible for the accident and resulting harm. Examples may include:

• A general contractor fails to provide required fall protection.
• A property owner allows a known dangerous condition to remain at a worksite.
• A contractor leaves an unsafe opening, debris, or equipment where others may encounter it.
• A subcontractor creates a hazardous condition that injures someone from another company.
• A contractor fails to maintain equipment or correct a known safety problem.
• A company fails to establish or follow an appropriate accident prevention program.

The identity of the responsible party matters. If you were working for a subcontractor and a general contractor’s actions caused your injury, for example, the general contractor may be a potential third-party defendant.

What Should You Do After an Issaquah Construction Site Injury?

Construction sites can change quickly after an accident. Equipment is often moved, hazards get corrected, and witnesses may be reassigned to other projects. As a result, take steps to document what happened. These include:

• Notify your boss or supervisor immediately and file an accident report.
• Document the scene via photos and videos.
• Get contact information from witnesses who saw what happened.
• Seek immediate medical care, make sure your doctor knows how your injuries happened, and get copies of injury-related medical records.

When safety violations cause accidents on King County construction sites, filing an injury claim can entitle victims to compensation not available through other sources. However, before taking any actions or making any statements, get professional legal help first.

Injured on a King County Construction Site? Contact Our Experienced Issaquah Construction Accident Attorney

Safety violations increase the risks of potentially life-threatening construction accidents in King County. To hold those at fault accountable, contact our Issaquah construction accident attorney.

Injury Law Group NW has the knowledge, skill, and experience needed to investigate these cases, identify those at fault, and hold them liable for your losses. Request a consultation today.

Sources:

lni.wa.gov/safety-health/safety-topics/industry-topics/construction

app.leg.wa.gov/wac/default.aspx?cite=296-155