Construction Work Accidents
Sadly, only one month into 2019, a North Carolina construction worker has already been killed in a tragic construction accident. Was the accident avoidable? Maybe, maybe not. Either way, the families of the victims may be legally entitled to workers’ compensation benefits for their loss.
Ricci Law Firm represents victims of construction work accidents, which occur far too often. According to the North Carolina Department of Labor, the construction industry is the state’s most hazardous industry. In 2017, there were 16 construction-related deaths.
Raleigh Construction Accident
On January 22, 2019 in Raleigh, a team of construction workers went to work but did not come home. One construction worker was killed, and two other construction workers seriously injured when dirt collapsed on them during a project near Triangle Towne Center. According to ABC-11 Eyewitness News, the victims were working for a subcontractor handling construction for a general contractor. The construction accident occurred while the workers were excavating to build a retaining wall for a retention pond necessary as part of the new construction. This type of devastating tragedy affects everyone involved – family, friends, loved ones, and co-workers.
Workers’ Compensation Benefits
Families of victims injured in construction accidents in North Carolina may have claims for death benefits under the North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Act. Benefits permitted by statute include 500 weeks of compensation paid to dependents and family members, plus burial expenses and medical costs. These benefits are due even if the family members live outside the United States.
Ricci Law Firm represents victims of construction accidents to help them and their families get all the benefits allowable by law. Workers’ compensation laws addressing the proper distribution of death benefits are complicated, especially when the deceased worker is unmarried, has minor children, supports other dependents inside or outside the home, or has partial custody of children. The attorneys at Ricci Law Firm can petition the North Carolina Industrial Commission for the proper payment of benefits to make sure the victims are compensated correctly.
Civil Benefits
Many construction accidents are not true accidents, but instead were caused by the negligence or even recklessness of someone other than the employer. Common examples include:
- A property owner failed to warn of hazards
- An equipment manufacturer ignored safety requirements
- A tool or supply seller gave inadequate warnings
- A property maintenance company neglected to repair dangerous conditions
- Another subcontractor on the same job performed shoddy work and caused a hazard
In those cases, and others like it, the victims of construction accidents may be entitled to both workers’ compensation benefits AND civil benefits. Depending on the circumstances, civil benefits may include pain and suffering and penalties for violations of safety regulations.
No amount of money can compensate for the loss or serious injury of a loved one. The weeks, months, and years after a tragedy are devastating for the victims and families. The attorneys at Ricci Law Firm help injured construction workers and the families of deceased construction workers. Their team of caring, competent legal professionals helps navigate victims through the complicated legal process during an incredibly difficult time.
No amount of money can compensate for the loss or serious injury of a loved one. The weeks, months, and years after a tragedy are devastating for the victims and families. The attorneys at Ricci Law Firm help injured construction workers and the families of deceased construction workers. Their team of caring, competent legal professionals helps navigate victims through the complicated legal process during an incredibly difficult time.