Fort Lauderdale Construction Accident Attorney — Fighting for Injured Workers’ Rights
Construction sites in South Florida are among the most dangerous workplaces in the nation. In fact, nearly 1 in 10 construction workers in the U.S. suffers a job-related injury each year, according to federal data. If you or a loved one has been hurt on the job in Fort Lauderdale, you deserve an attorney who understands both the risks you face and the compensation you’re entitled to under Florida law.
Our firm stands out for our deep experience representing injured construction workers throughout Broward County. We know the local job sites, understand the hazards unique to our region, and have secured substantial recoveries for clients facing medical bills, lost wages, and long recovery times.
Why Choose Us?
- Local experience with Fort Lauderdale construction accident claims
- No fees unless we recover compensation for you
- Proven track record helping injured workers and their families
Take the first step toward justice and recovery.
Call 855-999-5297 for a free consultation or tell us about your case online. Your consultation is confidential, and there’s no obligation.
Are You Entitled to Financial Compensation for Your Construction Site Accident?
In Florida, there are two main ways that injured construction workers and their families can seek just compensation for serious and fatal jobsite injuries. The first option is to file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits. Many construction workers in Florida are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits; and, if you are eligible to file a claim, then you can seek “no fault” benefits for your injury or your loved one’s death.
The second option is to file a personal injury or wrongful death claim. Unlike workers’ compensation, these are not “no fault” claims. However, also unlike workers’ compensation, these claims afford the opportunity to secure full compensation for your accident-related losses. In addition to the medical, disability and death benefits that are available through workers’ compensation, this includes the recovery of compensation for lost future earnings, pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and other financial and non-financial losses.
Some examples of issues that can lead to serious and fatal injuries on Florida construction sites include:
- Contractor and subcontractor negligence
- Dangerous ladders and scaffolding
- Faulty wiring
- Lack of necessary safety equipment
- Negligent operation of trucks, cranes or forklifts
- Slips, trips and falls from height
- Unsafe tools or heavy machinery In addition to negligence-based claims against property owners, contractors and subcontractors, in some cases injured construction workers and their loved ones may be able to sue product manufacturers as well. If a defective building material, tool, vehicle or piece of machinery causes an accident, then the manufacturer is liable regardless of whether it was negligent in selling a defective product.
Do You Need to Hire a Fort Lauderdale Construction Accident Attorney ?
If you are thinking about seeking financial compensation for a construction accident, you may be wondering if you need to hire an attorney. The answer is, “Yes,” and there are several reasons why.
For example, as we mentioned above, there are a number of different ways that injured construction workers and families who have lost loved ones can seek compensation for their losses. Filing a workers’ compensation claim is not your only option; and, even if you have a workers’ compensation claim, filing for benefits will not provide full coverage for your losses. An experienced attorney will be able to conduct a thorough investigation in order to determine what type(s) of claim(s) you should file, and your attorney will be able to fight for maximum compensation on your behalf.
Additionally, whether you have a workers’ compensation claim, a product defect claim or a fault-based claim for damages, there are mistakes you need to avoid. From seeing the wrong doctor to waiting too long to assert your legal rights, if you make mistakes, you could jeopardize your recovery. By hiring an experienced Fort Lauderdale construction accident attorney, you can avoid these mistakes and feel confident that you are doing everything necessary in order to secure just compensation.
How to Choose Your Construction Accident Law Firm
If you spend any time listening to the radio or TV during the day, you will undoubtedly hear commercials advertising Fort Lauderdale workers compensation attorneys. Most of the law firms advertising on the radio and TV are large offices where your claim is going to get handed off to a junior attorney. The experience advertised on the radio and TV may be for the main attorney in that office, but it most likely won’t be for the attorney that ends up handling your claim.
Here are some questions to ask any workers compensation lawyer you are considering hiring for your construction accident claim:
- Who is going to be handling my file on a day to day basis? Is it the experienced attorney, or is it going to be handed off to a new attorney? Or worse, is it going to be handled by a paralegal?
- Who is going to speak with me when I have questions about my claim? Again – most large firms are going to hand you off to a junior attorney or paralegal. The last time you may speak to the experienced attorney is the day you signed up to be represented by that firm.
- Who will be going to court to argue on my behalf?
- Who will work on my file to obtain a workers compensation settlement?
If the answer to all these questions is not the most experienced Fort Lauderdale construction accident attorney in that office, you may want to reconsider who you are hiring. You can’t afford not to.
Our Fort Lauderdale Construction Accident Lawyer Outlines What Should You Do…
…If You Were Injured on a Construction Site in Florida?
If you are a construction worker and you were injured in Fort Lauderdale workplace accident, you should report the accident to your employer promptly. If you are eligible for workers’ compensation, you will need to see an approved doctor in order to protect your claim for benefits—if you don’t, your medical expenses and lost wages might not be covered.
You should also speak with a Fort Lauderdale construction accident lawyer as soon as possible. Regardless of what type of claim you have, hiring an experienced construction worker attorney is the best way to ensure that you receive maximum compensation for your injury-related losses.
…If You Lost Your Spouse or Other Family Member in a Construction Accident?
If you lost your spouse or another family member in a construction site accident in Fort Lauderdale, we offer our sincere condolences, and we encourage you to schedule a free initial consultation with attorney Joseph Maus right away. Unfortunately, recovering just compensation for your loved one’s death will not be easy, and you will need experienced legal representation in order to secure the compensation you and your family deserve.
With decades of experience handling serious and fatal accident cases, Mr. Maus is a trusted advocate for families throughout Fort Lauderdale. He and his attorney team will work with you one-on-one to recover financial compensation, and he will rely on his extensive experience to make sure you and your family are fully compensated.
How Much is an Injured Construction Worker Entitled to Recover in Florida?
Determining how much you are entitled to recover requires a thorough assessment of all of the unique aspects of your case. The amount you will be able to recover also depends very heavily on whether you are limited to seeking workers’ compensation from your (or your loved one’s) employer. When you choose The Maus Law Firm, construction accident lawyer, Joseph Maus, will critically examine all aspects of your case, and he will closely with you to ensure that he is seeking just compensation for all of your financial and non-financial losses. Depending on the circumstances involved, his may include:
- Medical expenses for treatment of your injury (or treatment of your loved one’s injury prior to death)
- Other out-of-pocket expenses
- Loss of income and loss of future earnings
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
- Loss of companionship and consortium
- Loss of society, services and support
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Safety Tips for Minimizing Construction Site Accidents
- Workers should be provided with the best protective gear available. If you don’t think the safety helmet or gloves provided by your employer offer enough protection, consider filing a complaint with OSHA and use part of your next paycheck to buy the best gear you can afford;
- Never start working on scaffolding without first checking its stability. Always look to see if adequate props and struts are attached to the scaffolding;
- Ask about your designated emergency location. All construction site managers are supposed to inform their workers where they should go if an emergency starts to unfold;
- Beware of other employees drinking alcohol or using drugs at a site. Reaction times and an individuals ability to perceive common dangers is seriously diminished by drugs and/or alcohol.
- Avoid working a double shift. Fatigue can set in too quickly when someone performs physical labor for too many hours in a row. Falls become much more common when workers are tired;
- Only accept assignments after being properly trained. When someone else fails to show up to work one day, you shouldn’t have to risk your life by taking over a complicated task without first receiving adequate training;
Remember to report all accidents to the company’s workers compensation insurance company. All accidents are required to be reported within thirty (30) days of the accident occurring. If you are injured at a construction site, also demand the employer provide a doctor to evaluate your injury immediately after the accident occurring.
Our Fort Lauderdale Construction Accident Attorney Breaks Down Some of Your Top Questions
Can I File for Workers’ Compensation if I Was Injured in a Construction Accident?
Yes. Florida has special workers’ compensation laws for construction companies, and almost all construction companies are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. If you work in construction and were injured on the job in Fort Lauderdale, there is a very good chance that you are entitled to benefits.
Does Workers’ Comp Cover All Types of Construction Accidents?
Yes, workers’ compensation covers all types of construction accidents in Florida. This includes everything from slips and falls to vehicle collisions when driving between job sites. No matter what happened, if you work in construction and are struggling to cope with the effects of a job-related accident, you should speak with a Fort Lauderdale construction accident attorney right away.
Importantly, you may also be entitled to payment outside of workers’ comp. Slips and falls, vehicle collisions, and other accidents frequently involve negligence on the part of third parties. If a person or company other than your employer is to blame for what happened, a Fort Lauderdale construction accident attorney may be able to help you seek additional compensation.
What Legal Duties Do Construction Businesses Have for On-Site Safety?
Businesses working in construction shoulder crucial responsibilities when it comes to the safety of their job sites. Under the law, construction companies are required to thoroughly inspect their sites on a regular basis, looking for potential hazards that could put workers or visitors at risk. These inspections aren’t just a matter of good practice—they’re a legal obligation.
Beyond regular inspections, construction businesses must develop and enforce comprehensive safety plans. This often means hiring or consulting with safety engineers, routinely updating protocols, and making sure every worker is equipped with the right protective gear and fully trained for the specific tasks they’ll be handling.
Multiple parties can be responsible if something goes wrong on a construction site. For example, property owners, developers, architects, various contractors, equipment manufacturers (think heavy machinery brands like Caterpillar or Milwaukee Tool), and even companies leasing out construction tools all share in the duty to maintain a safe working environment. If any of these parties cut corners or fail to uphold their obligations, they can be held liable for resulting injuries or accidents.
How Can Improper Rigging or Poor Supervision Lead to Injuries?
Improper rigging and a lack of supervision can quickly turn any construction site into a danger zone. When equipment or building materials aren’t properly secured—think loose cables, faulty harnesses, or makeshift knots—there’s a real risk that tools, beams, or other heavy objects could come crashing down without warning. Add in poor supervision, and you have a recipe for accidents. Supervisors are responsible for overseeing both safety procedures and worker training; when they drop the ball, essential checks may get skipped and hazards ignored.
Some of the most common ways these issues can lead to serious injuries include:
- Falling tools, bricks, or beams striking workers below
- Collapsed scaffolding due to improper setup or neglected safety checks
- Workers performing tasks they aren’t properly trained for, resulting in misuse of machinery or equipment
- Missed early signs of equipment wear and tear, leading to sudden failures
The bottom line: attentive supervision and correct rigging aren’t just workplace best practices—they’re lifesavers. If you think your work environment is falling short, speak up and protect yourself and your coworkers.
What if I Accidentally Injured Myself on a Construction Site? Can a Fort Lauderdale Construction Accident Lawyer Still Help Me File for Worker’s Compensation?
Even if you accidentally injured yourself on a construction site, you can still file for workers’ compensation benefits. Workers’ compensation is a “no-fault” system in Florida. This means that you do not need to prove someone else was at fault to collect benefits for your injury.
There are two major exceptions to this rule, but they do not apply in most cases: If you accidentally injured yourself because you were intoxicated or engaging in horseplay, your employer could use this to deny your claim for benefits.
What if My Supervisor Says I Can’t File for Workers’ Comp After My Construction Accident?
If your supervisor says you can’t file for workers’ comp, you should still discuss your legal rights with a construction accident attorney. There are two very important reasons why:
- Your supervisor might be wrong. Your supervisor might not have a clear understanding of Florida’s workers’ compensation laws, or your supervisor might be trying to protect the company.
- You may have other options for recovering compensation. If your employer does not have workers’ comp coverage, you may have other options for recovering financial compensation.
What if My Workers’ Compensation Benefits Aren’t Enough?
While workers’ compensation provides some coverage for the costs of work-related injuries, it does not provide full coverage for employees’ injury-related losses. If your workers’ compensation benefits aren’t enough, you will want to talk to an attorney about the other options you may have available.
Why Is It Important to Preserve Evidence After a Construction Accident?
Preserving evidence after a construction accident is crucial to protecting your rights. The moments and days following an accident are often the best—and sometimes only—opportunity to document what really happened. Physical evidence at the scene, such as damaged equipment, debris, warning signs (or lack thereof), and the condition of the worksite, can quickly change as cleanup efforts begin or repairs are made. If you wait too long, key details may disappear, making it more challenging to prove exactly how the accident occurred.
Photos, witness statements, and even surveillance footage from nearby cameras (think: Ring, ADT, or business security systems) can all make a significant difference in both workers’ comp and third-party claims. They can confirm your version of events and help demonstrate fault, if another party’s negligence played a role. Ultimately, strong evidence helps your attorney negotiate with insurance companies and, if necessary, present a compelling case in court. Without it, you risk losing out on the full compensation you may deserve.
How Legal Teams Work with Experts to Investigate Construction Accident Scenes
In the aftermath of a construction accident, attorneys often bring in a variety of professionals—think safety engineers, general contractors, and construction site investigators—to help piece together what really happened. This isn’t just about getting another opinion; these experts play a crucial role in recreating the accident scene, pinpointing hazards, and evaluating whether standard safety protocols were followed.
For instance, a safety consultant certified by organizations like OSHA can review site conditions, equipment logs, and witness statements. Meanwhile, construction professionals from third-party firms might analyze blueprints, equipment maintenance records, and the physical layout of the project. In especially complex cases, accident reconstruction specialists may use digital modeling or even 3D laser scanning technology to visualize the sequence of events.
Working together, this team can provide a clear and detailed picture—helping your lawyer identify all contributing factors, establish liability, and build the strongest possible case for your compensation.
Discuss Your Legal Rights with a Fort Lauderdale Construction Accident Attorney for Free
To learn more about your legal rights after a construction site accident in Fort Lauderdale, schedule a free initial consultation at the Maus Law Firm. You can reach us 24/7 and you pay nothing unless we win, so call 855-999-5297 or tell us about your case online now.
Overview
- Construction Worker Falls and Scaffolding Injuries
- Crane and Heavy Equipment Accidents
- Electrocution and Electrical Shock Injuries
Practice Areas
- Property Damage Claims
- Car Accident Lawyers
- Bicycle Accidents
- Pedestrian Accidents
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Boating Accidents
- Slip and Falls
- Workers’ Compensation
- Cruise Ship Accidents
- Wrongful Death
Client Testimonial
“After my car accident, the Maus law firm represented me. Mr. Maus and his entire staff are absolutely amazing! They answered all of my questions and concerns right away. They guided me step by step throughout the entire process. Mr. Maus got me the maximum settlement for my case. Very reliable and trustworthy. I highly recommend the Maus law firm!”
Posted By: Carol Austin