How to Prove Negligence In A Washington State Construction Accident Claim
Washington State construction sites are among the most dangerous workplaces, with heavy machinery, hazardous materials, and constantly changing work conditions. A certain number of accidents are unavoidable, but too many occur due to the negligence of subcontractors, equipment manufacturers, or others involved. Our Issaquah construction accident attorney explains how negligence can lead to serious construction injuries and what it takes to prove it in a claim.
Negligence on Washington State Construction Sites: Common Risk Factors
Both state law and federal OSHA regulations set strict safety standards for construction sites in Washington State. Accidents can happen when these rules are ignored, and innocent people often pay the price.
Under the Washington Revised Code, negligence refers to the failure to use reasonable care. This can take a variety of forms on construction sites. Common examples of negligent behavior that increase the risk of construction accidents in Washington State include:
- Failure to follow safety protocols, such as skipping routine inspections and ignoring hazard warnings.
- Poor site supervision, resulting in unsafe conduct by workers or subcontractors.
- Improper use of equipment, such as using machinery in ways it wasn’t intended or operating without proper licensing.
- Failure to provide safety gear, including hard hats, fall protection, eye protection, and other PPE.
- Dangerous worksite conditions due to exposed wiring, unsecured scaffolding, and other hazards.
- Negligent hiring practices, such as hiring unqualified workers or failing to verify safety credentials.
The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) advises that falls, struck-by accidents, and caught-in/between incidents are among the leading causes of construction site injuries. In addition to your employer, third parties may share some of the blame.
Evidence Used to Prove a Washington State Construction Accident Claim
In order to hold someone legally liable for construction site injuries in Washington State, you must be able to prove that their negligence caused you to suffer harm. That requires gathering strong evidence as soon as possible, before the site changes or critical records disappear. Common types of evidence used in Washington State construction accident claims include:
- Photos and videos showing hazards, equipment involved, or missing safety measures;
- Witness statements, such as testimony of co-workers, supervisors, or bystanders;
- Accident reports, such as L&I filings, OSHA investigations, and internal reports identifying safety violations;
- Employment and contractor records, which may show who was responsible for site safety and what policies were in place;
- Statements from providers and medical records documenting your injuries and how they occurred;
- Expert testimony, such as from construction safety experts who can explain how the responsible party’s actions fell short of industry standards.
Schedule A Consultation With Our Experienced Issaquah Construction Accident Attorney
Proving negligence after a construction accident can be challenging, especially when multiple contractors and companies are involved. At Injury Law Group NW, we investigate, identify those at fault, and gather the evidence needed to get you compensation for your injuries.
To get what you are entitled to in a claim, contact our Issaquah construction accident attorney and schedule a consultation today.
Source:
app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=9A.08&full=true
