Huntsville Construction Accident Attorney

Personal Injury

Huntsville Construction Accident Attorney

Construction Accident Attorney in Huntsville AL

Huntsville Construction Injury Lawyers

Have you or a loved one been seriously injured or killed in a Huntsville, Alabama construction accident? Do you have questions on who is responsible for your injuries? Alabama construction accidents injure thousands of workers every year. If you have been hurt in a construction accident, talk to construction accident lawyer Randy W. Ferguson. With over 45 years of combined experience, we have successfully represented clients who were injured on construction sites throughout Alabama. We offer no obligation, FREE CONSULTATIONS to all construction accident victims and their family members. Home and hospital visits are available if you are unable to come to our Huntsville or Decatur office. Call 256-534-3435. We are here to help.

Types of Huntsville Construction Accidents

Construction sites in Huntsville are prone to various types of accidents, and it is crucial to be aware of the potential hazards. Here are some common construction accidents that can occur in these areas, including:

  • Big dig accidents: Accidents related to large-scale excavation projects, which can involve cave-ins or collapses that endanger workers' lives.
  • Tunnel accidents: Construction accidents that occur during the building or maintenance of tunnels, including incidents such as collapses or equipment failures.
  • Highway construction and roadway safety accidents: Accidents that happen during highway construction projects, involving hazards such as traffic collisions, equipment malfunctions, or unsafe work zones.
  • Asbestos exposure: Exposure to asbestos, a hazardous material commonly found in older buildings, which can lead to severe health issues, including lung cancer and mesothelioma.
  • Crane accidents: Accidents involving cranes, such as overturning, dropping loads, or mechanical failures, which can cause serious injuries or fatalities.
  • Asphalt fume exposures: Exposure to toxic fumes emitted during asphalt-related work, which can lead to respiratory problems or chemical burns.
  • Burns: Accidents that result in burns caused by fires, explosions, or contact with hot surfaces or materials.
  • Carbon monoxide poisoning: Accidental inhalation of carbon monoxide gas, often associated with faulty equipment or improper ventilation, which can be life-threatening.
  • Compressed gas injuries: Accidents involving compressed gases used in construction, such as explosions, leaks, or mishandling that can cause severe injuries.
  • Electrocution accidents: Accidents caused by contact with live electrical wires or faulty electrical equipment, resulting in electric shock or electrocution.
  • Explosions and fires: Accidents involving explosions or fires due to various factors, including gas leaks, chemical reactions, or electrical malfunctions.
  • Falls: Accidents resulting from slips, trips, or falls from elevated areas, scaffolding, ladders, or unstable surfaces, leading to injuries or fatalities.
  • Fatal injuries: Tragic accidents that result in the loss of life due to various construction hazards
  • Forklift accidents: Accidents involving forklifts, including collisions, tip-overs, or workers being struck by forklifts, resulting in injuries or fatalities.
  • Industrial accidents: Accidents that occur in industrial settings, such as manufacturing or processing plants, involving machinery, equipment malfunctions, or hazardous materials.
  • Negligent maintenance: Accidents caused by improper maintenance or neglect of equipment, structures, or safety measures, leading to potential hazards.
  • Noise induced hearing loss: Long-term exposure to excessive noise levels at construction sites, leading to permanent hearing loss or impairment.
  • Roofing accidents: Accidents that occur during roofing projects, including falls from heights, material collapses, or contact with dangerous tools or materials.
  • Scaffolding falls: Accidents involving falls from scaffolding structures, often due to improper assembly, lack of guardrails, or unstable supports.
  • Stairway collapses: Accidents caused by stairway failures or collapses, often due to structural defects or inadequate maintenance.
  • Toxic chemical exposure: Accidental exposure to hazardous chemicals or substances, which can cause acute or long-term health problems for workers.
  • Trench accidents: Accidents that occur in excavated trenches, including collapses, cave-ins, or being struck by falling objects or equipment.
  • Welding accidents: Accidents related to welding operations, such as burns, eye injuries, or inhalation of toxic fumes or gases.
  • Anchor bolt failures: Accidents resulting from the failure of anchor bolts, which secure structures or equipment, potentially causing collapses or accidents.
  • Ceiling tile failures and wall tile failures: Accidents caused by the failure of ceiling or wall tiles, leading to injuries or property damage.
  • Falls through unprotected holes: Accidents occurring when workers fall through unprotected holes in floors or platforms, resulting in injuries or fatalities.
  • Nail gun accidents: Accidents involving nail guns, including misfires, unintentional discharge, or incorrect use, which can cause puncture wounds or other injuries.
  • Explosions: Accidents resulting from sudden and violent explosions, often caused by the ignition of flammable substances or gases.
  • Improper site design or inspection: Accidents caused by inadequate planning, design, or inspection of construction sites, leading to potential hazards and accidents.
  • Motor vehicle and bulldozer accidents: Accidents involving motor vehicles or bulldozers at construction sites, including collisions, rollovers, or workers being struck by moving vehicles.
  • Defective ladders: Accidents caused by the use of defective or faulty ladders, leading to falls, injuries, or fatalities.
  • Falling materials causing brain damage or other injuries: Accidents involving falling construction materials, such as bricks, tools, or equipment, resulting in severe head injuries or other bodily harm.
  • Wall and roof collapses: Accidents that occur when walls or roofs collapse due to structural failures, poor construction, or inadequate support.
  • Roofing accidents: Accidents that happen during roofing projects, including falls from heights, material collapses, or contact with dangerous tools or materials.
  • Shoring accidents: Accidents involving the failure or collapse of shoring systems used to support trenches or excavations, potentially trapping or injuring workers.
  • Excavation accidents: Accidents that occur during excavation work, including collapses, cave-ins, or being struck by heavy equipment or falling debris.
  • Construction debris on stairs or work areas: Accidents caused by the presence of construction debris on stairs, walkways, or work areas, leading to slips, trips, or falls.
  • Defective power tools: Accidents resulting from the use of defective or malfunctioning power tools, leading to injuries or accidents
  • Falling debris: Accidents involving the falling of construction materials, equipment, or debris from elevated areas, posing a risk to workers below.
  • Improperly stored materials: Accidents caused by the improper storage of construction materials, leading to collapses, spills, or falling objects.
  • Unguarded trenches or platforms: Accidents that occur due to the lack of proper guarding or protective measures for trenches or elevated work platforms, increasing the risk of falls or accidents.
  • Drowning accidents: Accidents involving drowning or near-drowning incidents, often associated with construction work near water bodies or during excavation projects.
  • Worn or defective rope or cable: Accidents caused by the use of worn-out or defective ropes or cables, leading to equipment failures or falls.
  • Faulty stairs: Accidents resulting from the use of stairs with structural defects, loose handrails, or slippery surfaces, increasing the risk of falls or injuries.
  • Elevator and material lift accidents: Accidents involving elevators or material lifts, including malfunctions, collapses, or workers being trapped or injured.
  • Staging collapses: Accidents caused by the failure or collapse of staging structures used for construction work, potentially causing falls or injuries.
  • Inhalation injuries: Accidents resulting from inhaling harmful substances, such as dust, fumes, or toxic gases, leading to respiratory problems or other health issues.
  • Dust and fumes: Accidents involving the inhalation of dust or fumes generated during construction activities, which can cause respiratory problems or irritation.
  • Material lift injuries: Accidents that occur during the use of material lifts, including malfunctions, tip-overs, or workers being struck by moving parts.
  • Defective power equipment: Accidents caused by the use of defective or faulty power equipment, such as generators or compressors, leading to accidents or injuries.
  • defective saws: Accidents resulting from the use of defective or malfunctioning saws or cutting tools, which can cause severe cuts or amputations.
  • Eye injuries from flying debris: Accidents resulting in eye injuries caused by flying debris, such as wood chips, metal fragments, or dust particles.
  • Heavy equipment failures: Accidents involving the failure or malfunction of heavy equipment, such as bulldozers or excavators, posing risks to operators or nearby workers.
  • Building collapses: Accidents that occur when buildings or structures collapse due to structural failures, poor construction, or unforeseen circumstances
  • Dropped loads from trucks or cranes: Accidents involving loads being dropped from trucks or cranes, potentially causing severe injuries or fatalities.
  • Pedestrian construction accident: Accidents involving pedestrians near construction sites, including collisions with vehicles, falling objects, or slips and falls.

Construction Accident Injuries

Construction injuries may include:

  • Amputation of hands or limbs
  • Scarring and disfiguring burns
  • Back or neck injuries caused by falls or vehicle collisions
  • Spinal cord injury and paralysis
  • Blindness
  • Traumatic brain injury
  • Death
  • Broken limbs
  • Concussions
  • Dislocations
  • Sprains and strains
  • Cuts and Lacerations
  • Soft tissue injuries
  • Migraine Headaches
  • Paralysis

Damages From a Construction Accident

A construction site accident can be extremely serious, and may cause permanent disability, loss of a limb, blindness, head injury, fractured or broken bones, amputation, scarring, and wrongful death. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there were 781 fatal construction injuries in the United States in 2011. There were also thousands of serious injuries. If you have been injured in a construction accident, you may be able to recover:

  • Loss of wages
  • Medical expenses
  • Future medical expenses
  • Disability and disfigurement
  • Physical therapy
  • Property damage
  • Out of pocket expenses
  • Mental and emotional distress
  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of consortium
  • Wrongful death

Who Is Liable for a Alabama Construction Accident?

Construction accidents can be caused by different parties, including the following:

  • Employer(workers’ compensation)
  • Co-workers
  • Construction Site Owner
  • General and Sub-Contractors
  • Prime Contractors
  • Architects and Engineers
  • Tool Manufacturers
  • Chemical Manufacturers
  • Defective Product Manufacturers

What Are Some Common Causes of Huntsville AL Construction Accidents?

Construction accidents can occur for a number of reasons, including:

  • Insufficient training
  • Poor safety precautions and oversight
  • Crane accidents
  • Hoist accidents
  • Harness accidents
  • Collapsed structures
  • Improper use or maintenance of equipment
  • Compressed gases
  • Mechanical hazards
  • Exposure to toxic substances
  • Falls from elevations
  • Falls from ladders or roofs
  • Slips and falls
  • Defective equipment
  • Fires and explosions
  • Scaffolding accidents
  • Misuse of tools
  • Electrical accidents
  • Welding accidents
  • Excavations
  • Falling objects
  • Defective tools

Construction Site Equipment Used By Third Party Contractors

Under certain circumstances a third party could be responsible for job-site injuries. The architects, owners, contractors, and equipment manufacturers or their employees can all be held liable for accident’s arising from insufficient safety measures or negligence. Manufacturers, distributors, and providers of rented construction equipment are responsible for designing, maintaining and leasing safe equipment. Defective or dangerous equipment may be at fault in a construction accident. Some examples of equipment used on a construction sites include the following:

  • scaffolding
  • power tools
  • hoists
  • derricks
  • cranes
  • conveyors
  • woodworking tools
  • ladders
  • winches
  • trucks
  • graters
  • boilers
  • tractors
  • bulldozers
  • forklifts
  • back hoes
  • heavy equipment
  • scrapers
  • pressure vessels
  • gas detectors
  • other types of construction equipment

Alabama Bridge Accidents

There are approximately 607,000 bridges in the United States. In 2012 over 11% of those bridges were deemed structurally deficient by the Federal Highway Administration (FHA). While that is an alarming statistic in itself, the FHA also reported that the average age of a standard, often-used, and in-operation bridge is 42 years. Many bridges in Alabama that are structurally deficient or functionally obsolete are still in use and are a hazard to those who must travel over them as pedestrians or in motor vehicles. Many bridges contain structural failures and are due to engineering or architectural negligence, including the failure to ensure proper support. Improper support, which is common with bridges, can lead to catastrophe. In fact, a recent study reported that 60% of bridges and roadway failures are due to preventable erosion. When some or all of a bridge fails, collapses or malfunctions and/or when the bridge is poorly designed travelers can be injured or killed.

As a result of the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1968, the Secretary of Transportation is required to establish national bridge inspection standards for all highway bridges. Federal agencies are required by federal law to inspect bridges on all public roads under their jurisdictions and to annually report the data to the Federal Highway Administration’s National Bridge Inventory. States are responsible for the inspection of all highway bridges, except those that are federally owned, according to the National Bridge Inspection Standards.

Causes of Bridge Accidents

  • Inadequate bridge maintenance
  • Insufficient quality and/or scarce frequency of bridge inspections
  • Unintended bridge opening / bridge opening by mistake
  • Drawspan sections unexpectedly rise and are hit by cars
  • Pontoon letdown / pontoon sinking
  • Drawspan failure
  • Corrosion of major support structures
  • Bridge structures hit by vehicles
  • Cracks in the bridge structures
  • Under-engineered for local environmental conditions
  • Poor structural support
  • Oversized vehicles damage bridge structures
  • Overpass failure
  • Lack of proper warning signs
  • Human errors and poor decisions

If you have been injured or know someone who has been injured or died as a result of a bridge collapse or accident in ALabama, there could be various municipalities involved in determining the cause. Bridges generally connect one state with another, or one part of the country with other and determining the boundaries of the accident are difficult when water is involved. The Huntsville law firm of Ferguson & Ferguson has been a leader in the area of bridge and structural collapse and defect litigation for over 20 years. We have represented victims in complex and serious personal injury and wrongful death cases arising from the negligence of others in designing, building, maintaining and repairing bridges, porches, decks, buildings and industrial sites.

Why Hire Ferguson & Ferguson?

We take construction accident and bridge cases on a contingency fee basis. If you have been injured in a construction or brridge accident, or someone you love has been injured, you need to talk with an attorney who will help keep you and your family above water and get you the money you need for medical treatment, your lost earnings and other expenses and for the pain and suffering you go through. We can assist both with workers’ compensation claims and with identifying responsible third-parties to maximize recovery.We are available 24/7, and if necessary we can visit you at Huntsville Hospital, Decatur General Hospital, Crestwood Medical Center or Parkway Medical Center. For over 23 years Ferguson & Ferguson has worked with construction workers and their families in Huntsville, Alabama. Contact the Huntsville construction and bridge accident attorneys at Ferguson & Ferguson for a free consultation. Call now. Call 256-534-3535 to schedule a free initial consultation. We are here to help.

Huntsville Office Location:
303 Williams Avenue SW
Suite 321
Huntsville, AL 35801

Our construction accident attorneys serve every city and county in the State of Alabama.