Oakland Construction Accident Attorney
Put 130+ Years of Experience in Your Corner
Everyone has the right to a safe work environment, even if the work you do is somewhat riskier than most. Between the heavy machinery, ever-changing work environment, and potentially dangerous tools, construction work has no end of safety threats, which makes it all the more important that you protect yourself, physically and legally. Our qualified Oakland construction accident lawyers want to help you with your workers’ compensation claim and see to it that you receive fair compensation.
If you are mourning the loss of a loved one who was injured while working construction, we can help you with your wrongful death claim each step of the way. With over 130 years of legal experience, our construction injury attorney in Oakland has the skill, familiarity, and drive to help you seek justice for the pain and damage you’ve suffered.
Are you a construction worker who was injured on the job?
Call us at (888) 740-6434! We are located in Oakland and Concord.
Common Types of Construction Accidents
Construction sites are filled with potential hazards. Some of the most common types of construction accidents include:
- Falls from Heights – Roofs, ladders, and scaffolds present serious risks. Falls are among the leading causes of construction site fatalities.
- Falling Objects – Tools, equipment, or building materials can fall from above, striking unsuspecting workers below.
- Electrocution – Live wires, exposed power lines, and faulty electrical systems are frequent hazards.
- Caught-In/Between Accidents – Workers can be trapped between heavy machinery, collapsing structures, or equipment.
- Machinery Accidents – Cranes, forklifts, bulldozers, and other heavy equipment can cause catastrophic harm when improperly used or maintained.
- Slip and Fall Accidents – Spilled liquids, uneven surfaces, or construction debris often lead to dangerous slip and fall incidents.
- Explosions and Fires – Gas leaks, chemical exposure, and faulty wiring can all contribute to sudden explosions or fires.
Common Causes of Construction Accidents
Understanding what causes these accidents can help determine liability and ensure proper compensation. Some common causes include:
- Unsafe Working Conditions – Inadequate safety equipment, poor site maintenance, or lack of training.
- Negligent Supervision – Contractors or supervisors failing to enforce safety protocols.
- Defective Equipment – Tools or machinery with manufacturing or design flaws.
- Failure to Follow OSHA Regulations – Violations of workplace safety standards.
- Rushed Deadlines – Pressure to complete projects quickly often leads to shortcuts and unsafe practices.
- Improper Training – Workers operating heavy machinery or handling hazardous materials without proper instruction.
Common Construction Accident Injuries
Construction accidents often result in catastrophic injuries that require long-term medical care. Some of the most common injuries include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) – Caused by falls or being struck by objects.
- Spinal Cord Injuries – Resulting in paralysis or limited mobility.
- Broken Bones and Fractures – Common in falls or machinery accidents.
- Burns – From fires, explosions, or electrical accidents.
- Amputations – Severe accidents with heavy machinery may cause permanent loss of limbs.
- Lacerations and Crush Injuries – Often caused by collapsing structures or equipment malfunctions.
- Respiratory Issues – Exposure to toxic chemicals, dust, or asbestos.
These injuries can lead to extensive hospital stays, rehabilitation, lost wages, and lifelong disabilities—making legal guidance critical.
Contact our Oakland construction accident lawyer by calling (888) 740-6434 today!
We have Helped OVER 8,000 CLIENTS aND WE CAN HELP YOU TOO!
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They care, and they help injured workers!
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They care, and they help injured workers!
”Darnell Hester
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I'll recommend him always.
“I'll recommend him always.”
Bernadette L Mixon
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Thank you again to everyone at Pacific Workers’ Compensation!
“Thank you again to everyone at Pacific Workers’ Compensation!”
Johnny
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Communication is extremely important, and that has been A+ since the beginning!
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Communication is extremely important, and that has been A+ since the beginning!
”Brandon Colbert
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Highly Recommend Pacific Workers’ Lawyers
“Highly Recommend Pacific Workers’ Lawyers”
Asif Chashmawala
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They didn't give up on me.
“Pacific Workers went to bat for me. Was I an easy person to get along with, no but they didn’t give up on me.”
David W.
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Thank you for being so kind!
“I started my fight against my company's workers comp and after talking to Almarie for the first time I already felt a lot of weight off my shoulders.”
Jazzie D. Daly City, CA
Proudly Serving Northern California
California Construction Accident Statistics
Data proves that the construction industry is one of the most dangerous industries for workers. In fact, according to a study from the California Department of Industrial Relations Division of Occupational Safety and Health, the construction industry has the second highest number of worker fatalities in the state of California.
The report, which analyzed data collected over an 18-year period between 1999 and 2017, also revealed that:
- Overall, work-related fatalities have declined, with fewer than 400 workers dying in 2017 as opposed to approximately 600 in 1999
- However, there were still 376 work-related deaths in 2017, with 69 of those deaths occurring within the construction industry
- Construction accident fatalities accounted for 16% of all work-related fatalities in California in the time period ranging from 2013 to 2017 with a total of 309 deaths
- In 2017, 32 construction-related fatalities resulted from slips, trips, falls, and transportation incidents
- The average fatality rate in the California construction industry during the time period between 2013 and 2017 was 5.8 for every 100,000 workers
Additional construction accident statistics:
- According to OSHA, one in five work-related deaths involves a construction industry worker
- In 2018, construction worker fatalities accounted for 47% of all work-related fatalities in the U.S.
- Approximately 1 in 10 construction workers in the U.S. will be injured on the job
The continuing evolution of safety protocols and technological advancements highlights the critical necessity for ongoing vigilance and improvement in construction site safety practices. Despite the decrease in fatalities over recent years, the construction industry remains fraught with peril. These stark statistics stress the urgent need for enhanced regulatory measures, safety training, and protective equipment to safeguard the well-being of workers. Ensuring that all OSHA standards are meticulously followed is essential in fostering a safer environment and reducing the rate of avoidable accidents.
Workers' Compensation vs. Third-Party Claims in California
If you’ve been injured on a construction site in Oakland, your primary source of compensation may be through workers’ compensation benefits. California requires most employers to carry workers’ comp, which typically covers:
- Medical expenses
- Partial wage replacement
- Temporary or permanent disability benefits
However, workers’ compensation does not cover pain and suffering or hold negligent third parties accountable. In some cases, injured workers may also file a third-party personal injury claim if another party’s negligence contributed to the accident. Examples include:
- Subcontractors who created unsafe conditions
- Equipment manufacturers who produced defective machinery
- Property owners who failed to maintain safe premises
By pursuing both workers’ compensation and a third-party claim, you may be able to recover far more than workers’ comp alone. Our Oakland construction accident lawyer can evaluate your case and determine the best path forward.
What You Need to Know If You've Been Injured In a Construction Accident
What should I do immediately after a construction accident in Oakland?
Seek medical attention right away, report the accident to your employer, and document the scene if possible. Then, contact an experienced attorney before speaking with insurance companies.
Can I sue my employer for a construction accident?
In most cases, you cannot sue your employer directly due to workers’ compensation laws. However, you may file a third-party lawsuit if another party’s negligence played a role.
How long do I have to file a construction accident claim in California?
Workers’ compensation claims must be reported within 30 days of the accident. For third-party personal injury lawsuits, California’s statute of limitations is generally two years from the date of the accident.
How much compensation can I receive?
The amount depends on the severity of your injuries, your medical costs, lost wages, and whether a third-party claim is possible. Our attorney can calculate the full value of your claim.
Do I need a lawyer for a workers’ compensation claim?
While not legally required, having an attorney greatly increases your chances of receiving the full benefits you’re entitled to, especially if your claim is denied or undervalued.
Get the Compensation You Deserve, Today
Filing claims and dealing with third-party lawsuits can be difficult to handle while you are trying to heal from an injury or coping with the loss of a loved one. Our Oakland construction injury lawyers at Pacific Workers', The Lawyers for Injured Workers, The Lawyers for Injured Workers, understand how overwhelming workers’ compensation may seem, which is why we are dedicated to fighting for your rights on your behalf. Trust our experienced legal team to handle the paperwork and legal issues while you concentrate on recuperating.
Don't wait to get help! Contact a construction accident attorney in Oakland to schedule a free consultation by calling (888) 740-6434 today!
Workers' Comp FAQ
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What benefits can I seek with a workers' compensation claim in Oakland?In California, if you've been injured at work or diagnosed with a work-related illness, you can file a workers' compensation claim to seek benefits that cover a range of expenses. These benefits include medical costs, lost wages due to time off work, compensation for future earnings if you're unable to return to work, and expenses related to retraining or skill enhancement if you need to switch professions. Given Oakland's high cost of living, it's important to ensure your claim is accurately filed to receive all the benefits you're entitled to.
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Am I Eligible for Workers’ Compensation?
In California, all employees are eligible for workers’ compensation with very few exceptions. If you are classified as an “employee” (rather than an “independent contractor”), you are eligible to receive benefits. This is true regardless of how many employees your employer has, how many hours you work, how much you make, whether you work part-time or full-time, or whether you are a seasonal worker. Additionally, undocumented workers are also eligible for workers’ compensation granted they meet all other eligibility requirements. In contrast, independent contractors and certain other workers, including some volunteers, household workers who are employed by a family member, and others, are not able to file for workers’ compensation benefits.
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Do independent contractors get workers’ compensation in California?
No, most independent contractors are not covered by workers’ compensation insurance that is provided by their employer. The law does not require most employers to offer this sort of employment benefit to independent contractors. To get workers’ comp as an independent contractor, you will usually have to purchase a policy on your own.
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What If My Employer Denies My Workers’ Compensation Claim Because I’m a Seasonal Worker?
Employers in California are legally required to provide workers' compensation coverage to all employees, including seasonal workers. If your claim is denied, it's advisable to consult with a workers' compensation attorney to understand your rights and explore options for appealing the decision.
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Do I need to prove my employer was at fault to receive workers' compensation benefits?
No, you do not need to prove your employer was at fault to receive workers' compensation benefits in California. The state operates under a no-fault system, which means that as long as your injury or illness is work-related, you can file a claim for workers' compensation. This system is designed to simplify the process for injured workers to receive their rightful benefits without the need for proving fault.
