Were you injured in a construction site accident in Tampa, FL? While you may deserve compensation, getting the full amount can be challenging. An experienced Tampa construction accident lawyer at Apex Law Firm, PLLC can help you recover the money you need for medical bills, lost wages, and more. Contact us at (813) 444-5212 to schedule a free consultation.
Our lawyers have over 26 years of experience handling cases like yours. Since we opened our practice, we’ve successfully recovered over $30 million for injured Floridians.
We will work tirelessly to help you recover compensation via a workers’ compensation claim; alternatively, if a third party is responsible for your accident, we can assist you with a personal injury lawsuit.
How Apex Law Firm Can Help After a Construction Accident in Tampa, Florida
When you hire our award-winning Tampa workers’ compensation lawyers, you benefit from a team that will:
- Handle the paperwork and deal with the insurance company
- Defend you if your workers’ comp claim is denied
- Locate evidence to support your claim
- Determine how much money you should be receiving
- Evaluate your rights under state personal injury laws
- Hire experts in medicine, vocational rehabilitation, and other relevant fields
- Negotiate with the insurance company for a full settlement
It’s no secret that construction is dangerous work. Whether you work in roofing, electrical, or operating heavy machinery, you’re always at risk of suffering injuries. Those injuries can quickly become expensive, and workers’ comp doesn’t always cover everything. Getting money in your pocket after an accident is often a challenge.
Our experienced Tampa personal injury attorneys at Apex Law Firm are here to help. We’ve been recognized by prestigious legal organizations like Super Lawyers and featured in legal directories like LawInfo.
The workers’ compensation system can be frustrating, and you may be leaving money on the table. Call our law office in Tampa, Florida to schedule a free consultation.
How Common Are Construction Accidents in Florida?
Construction is a high-risk occupation. Any number of things can go wrong and cause serious injuries on a construction site. In fact, according to research published by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), in 2023, construction saw 5,283 fatal workplace injuries in the U.S.
Florida is no exception. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that 306 fatal workplace accidents occurred statewide in 2023. 81 of those fatalities occurred in the construction and extraction industries.
What Is My Tampa Construction Accident Case Worth?
Workers’ compensation will cover about ⅔ of your average wages prior to the injury, up to a cap set by Florida state law.
The value of your claim depends on:
- Your average wages prior to disability
- The nature of your disability
- The difference in what you can earn now versus what you earned prior to the injury
- The length of your recovery
- Whether you remain impaired after reaching maximum medical improvement
The identity of the at-fault party will also be important. Injured employees who can sue a third party for damages tend to receive higher overall compensation amounts.
What Kinds of Damages Are Available to Construction Accident Victims in Tampa?
You may be eligible to receive workers’ compensation benefits, pursue damages through a personal injury lawsuit, or—in certain cases—both.
Understanding the Scope of Workers’ Compensation Benefits
Workers’ comp benefits are awarded to help with your financial losses during recovery.
Three primary types of benefits are available in Florida:
- Medical benefits
- Income replacement benefits
- Death benefits in fatal injury cases
Workers’ compensation covers any reasonable medical costs related to the injury. Unless it’s an emergency, you will be required to see a doctor who’s been approved by the insurance company.
Several different types of income replacement benefits are available:
- Temporary Total Disability benefits for injuries that prevent you from working during a temporary recovery period
- Temporary Partial Disability for injuries that merely impair your earnings during recovery
- Impairment Income benefits if your earning ability is reduced even after reaching MMI
- Permanent Total Disability benefits if you suffer permanent injuries that completely prevent you from working
Disability benefits are only available if your disability lasts for at least seven days. If you remain disabled for at least 21 days, you will also be paid for the first week of missed wages.
Damages in Personal Injury Lawsuits
In a personal injury lawsuit, you can recover compensation for all economic damages and non-economic damages, including:
- Any medical expenses not covered by workers’ comp
- Your full lost income and lost earning capacity
- Rehabilitation
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
- Diminished quality of life
- Disfigurement
- Scarring
- Chronic pain
- Loss of consortium
Don’t hesitate to reach out to our lawyers in Tampa to learn more about whether you have the right to sue for damages.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Lawyer to Handle My Construction Accident Case in Florida?
Workers’ compensation lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. Hiring our legal team won’t cost you anything upfront. Instead, you’ll agree to pay a fixed percentage of the compensation we recover in your case. However, if we don’t win your case, you won’t owe us anything.
We’ll Fight to Recover Compensation for All of Your Construction Accident Injuries
Common examples of construction accident injuries include:
- Broken bones
- Concussions
- Nerve damage
- Shoulder injuries
- Knee and leg injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Head and neck injuries
- Back injuries
- Organ damage
- Hearing damage
- Burns
- Amputations
- Paralysis
- Catastrophic injuries
- Wrongful death of a loved one
If you were injured in an accident, reach out for legal advice. Our Tampa construction accident attorneys can help ensure that you receive the money you deserve.
Our Team Handles All Types of Construction Accident Claims in Tampa
We have a detailed understanding of the complex state and federal regulations governing construction. Combined with our extensive legal experience, that gives you an edge when it comes to recovering the maximum compensation possible for your injuries.
Our lawyers are prepared to handle any type of construction injury case, including those involving:
- Roof and ladder falls
- Slip and fall accidents
- Scaffolding accidents or falls
- Scaffolding collapses
- Building collapses
- Electric shock
- Electrocution
- Fires and explosions
- Welding accidents
- Nail gun accidents
- Trenching accidents
- Excavation accidents
- Demolition accidents
- Drilling accidents
- Accidents involving cranes, forklifts, and other kinds of heavy machinery
- Motor vehicle accidents and truck accidents
- Accidents where workers are hit by falling objects
- Accidents where workers are caught in between objects
- Exposure to toxic materials
If you were recently injured on a construction site in Tampa, reach out to learn more about your legal rights and options today. Your case evaluation is always free.
What Are My Options for Recovering Compensation After a Construction Accident in Tampa?
Florida provides two key methods for recovering compensation: workers’ compensation and personal injury lawsuits. Depending on the facts, you may qualify for one or both types of compensation.
Filing a Claim for Workers’ Compensation in Florida
Construction employers in Florida must provide workers’ compensation insurance.
You’re entitled to file a claim for workers’ comp benefits if:
- You were an employee of a Florida company
- You were injured in the course of employment
You can receive workers’ compensation benefits regardless of who caused the accident. You won’t be required to provide evidence about fault. You may, however, be required to provide evidence to prove your injuries were work-related.
Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit in Florida
Workplace accident victims in Florida can’t sue their employers in civil court. The workers’ compensation system is designed to protect employers in exchange for providing injured workers with financial assistance.
If someone else caused your accident, you may be entitled to sue for damages above and beyond what workers’ compensation provides. For example, you could have a valid case against a negligent property owner or a driver who caused a traffic accident. These lawsuits are generally called “third-party claims”.
Can I Recover Money if I’m Partly Responsible for a Construction Accident in Florida?
Yes. Florida's shared fault laws won’t impact your workers’ compensation benefits.
Florida's modified comparative negligence law will limit your recovery of damages in personal injury cases. You cannot recover compensation if you were at least 51% responsible for the accident. If your share of fault is less than 51%, your damages will be reduced according to your share of fault.
How Much Time Do I Have to File a Claim for Compensation After a Construction Accident in Florida?
You must notify your employer within 30 days of the accident. You risk your right to benefits if you wait too long.
For personal injury cases, the statute of limitations is typically two years from the date of the accident. Again, if you wait too long, you could lose your right to damages.
Contact a Seasoned Tampa Construction Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation
A construction accident can derail your life for weeks, months, or years. If you were injured, contact an experienced Tampa construction accident attorney for legal assistance today. At Apex Law Firm, we’ll review your case for free and explain your legal options.