If you’ve been injured on a construction site in Huntington Beach, you need an experienced Huntington Beach construction accident lawyer. Construction accidents can lead to severe injuries, lost wages, and significant medical expenses. DJA Injury Attorneys represents injured workers and bystanders throughout Huntington Beach and Orange County. Our founder, Jeff Schwalbach, previously worked in insurance defense, giving him practical insight into how insurers evaluate and defend claims. We handle your case on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Call (949) 229-7228 today for your free consultation.
Why Choose DJA Injury Attorneys for Your Construction Accident Claim
When you’re injured on a construction site, you need a lawyer who understands workplace safety regulations and California injury law, as well as how insurance companies minimize payouts. Jeff Schwalbach, founder and principal attorney at DJA Injury Attorneys, has 10 years of personal injury litigation experience. His background in insurance defense allows him to anticipate insurer strategies and prepare accordingly.
Jeff earned his J.D. from Pepperdine University School of Law and is admitted to practice in California State Courts and U.S. District Courts of California. He has been recognized as a Super Lawyers Rising Star from 2019 through 2024. This is an honor granted to a limited percentage of attorneys in California based on peer review and professional achievement. DJA Injury Attorneys maintains a strong record of client feedback on Google, with multiple reviews highlighting the firm’s personal attention and responsive communication.
We’re available 24/7 to answer your questions and discuss your case. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we obtain a settlement or verdict for you. We offer free consultations with no obligation. Our office is conveniently located in Huntington Beach at 19671 Beach Blvd., Suite 415.
Common Construction Accidents in Huntington Beach
Construction sites contain numerous hazards that can cause serious injuries. Knowing about common accident types helps you understand your potential legal options and the importance of seeking immediate legal counsel.
Falls from Height
Falls remain one of the most frequent and dangerous construction accidents. They can occur from scaffolding, ladders, roofs, or elevated platforms. Even falls from lower levels may cause fractures, spinal injuries, or head trauma. Employers and contractors must follow OSHA safety regulations requiring proper fall protection and training. Under California Labor Code Section 3200, workers injured in falls are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits.
Struck-by Accidents
Struck-by accidents occur when workers are hit by falling objects, moving vehicles, or shifting equipment. A tool dropped from above or a vehicle backing up without a spotter can cause life‑threatening injuries. Such incidents often involve inadequate safety measures or failures to secure materials. These accidents frequently result in traumatic brain injuries and other serious conditions requiring immediate medical attention and legal action.
Electrocution and Electrical Injuries
Electrical hazards on construction sites can be fatal. Workers may contact live wires, faulty tools, or poorly grounded equipment. Electrocution can lead to serious burns, cardiac arrest, or neurological harm. Contractors are required to maintain electrical safety standards under federal OSHA electrical standards and California electrical safety codes. Violations of these standards can establish negligence in personal injury claims.
Understanding Your Legal Rights After a Construction Injury
Many injured construction workers assume their only recourse is workers’ compensation. While workers’ comp provides essential benefits, it often doesn’t fully address all losses. California law may allow additional claims against other responsible parties, potentially resulting in significantly higher compensation.
Workers’ Compensation vs. Third-Party Claims
Workers’ compensation covers medical expenses and a portion of lost wages but does not provide damages for pain and suffering. If a third party, such as another contractor, property owner, or equipment manufacturer, contributed to the accident, you may pursue a separate liability claim, which can result in broader financial recovery. Understanding the difference between workers’ compensation and personal injury claims is critical to maximizing your recovery.
Multiple Potentially Responsible Parties
Construction accidents may involve several liable entities, including general contractors, subcontractors, property owners, equipment manufacturers, and inspectors. A Huntington Beach personal injury attorney can investigate thoroughly, determine fault, and pursue appropriate legal claims against all responsible parties. Multiple defendants often means multiple insurance policies and higher settlement values.
California’s Comparative Negligence Laws
California follows a comparative negligence system. If you are partly responsible for your injury, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault. For instance, if you are found 20% at fault and sustain $100,000 in damages, you could still recover $80,000. Understanding how to prove negligence in construction accidents is essential to protecting your claim and maximizing recovery.
Statute of Limitations
In most cases, you have two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit in California. Missing the deadline could bar your claim entirely. Contact DJA Injury Attorneys as soon as possible after an accident to help preserve your rights and evidence. Learn more about California’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims and how it applies to construction accidents.
What Your Construction Injury Claim May Include
Construction injury cases typically include several categories of damages. Understanding these can help you evaluate your potential recovery and work with your attorney to pursue full compensation.
Medical Expenses
Your claim may include all reasonable and necessary medical treatment related to your injury, such as emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, physical therapy, medications, and long-term treatment costs. California law allows recovery of all medical expenses directly caused by the construction accident.
Lost Wages and Lost Earning Capacity
You can seek compensation for wages lost while unable to work. If your injury limits your future ability to earn, you may also recover damages for diminished earning capacity. Construction workers often face permanent restrictions that affect their lifetime earning potential, making this category of damages particularly important.
Pain and Suffering
These damages compensate for physical pain, emotional distress, and the impact the injury has on your daily life. More severe or permanent injuries often correspond to higher compensation amounts. Understanding how compensation is calculated in California can help you evaluate settlement offers.
Permanent Disability
If your injury causes lasting impairment, such as disfigurement, loss of limb, chronic pain, or restricted mobility, additional compensation may be available. Spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries often result in significant permanent disability awards. Our case results demonstrate the substantial settlements we’ve obtained for clients with permanent disabilities.
How DJA Injury Attorneys Builds Your Construction Accident Case
We work to hold negligent parties accountable and seek fair compensation for our clients. Our approach combines thorough investigation with aggressive negotiation and litigation when necessary.
We begin investigating your case as soon as possible. Construction sites change quickly, and evidence can be lost. We document the accident scene, identify witnesses, and gather safety records, OSHA reports, and other critical documentation to strengthen your case. Early investigation is crucial to preserving evidence and establishing liability.
Certain construction cases benefit from expert testimony. We collaborate with medical professionals who assess your injuries and prognosis, as well as financial and workplace safety specialists who evaluate earning capacity and safety conditions. Expert witnesses strengthen your case by providing credible, professional opinions on causation and damages.
Insurance companies may attempt to settle for less than the claim’s full value. We assess all offers in light of the evidence and negotiate for fair compensation. If necessary, we are prepared to move forward with litigation. Our experience with personal injury lawsuits ensures you’re prepared for every stage of the process.
We prepare every case thoroughly to support effective settlement discussions or trial presentation. This readiness encourages fair resolutions and helps protect your claim if trial becomes necessary. Our case results demonstrate our commitment to maximizing client recovery in construction accident cases.
Frequently Asked Questions About Construction Accidents
What should I do immediately after a construction accident?
Seek medical care right away. Report the accident to your supervisor and employer, document the scene if possible, and gather witness information. Avoid signing any documents or providing statements to insurers before consulting an attorney. Contact DJA Injury Attorneys promptly to learn about your legal options and protect your rights.
Can I sue if I’m receiving workers’ compensation?
Yes. You can pursue a third-party claim while receiving workers’ compensation benefits. While certain reimbursements may apply, third-party claims can provide additional compensation beyond workers’ comp. This is one of the most important distinctions in construction injury law.
How long do I have to file a construction accident claim?
In California, most construction accident personal injury claims must be filed within two years of the injury under Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1. In cases involving latent injuries, this period may be extended under the discovery rule. Shorter timeframes apply to claims involving government entities. Contact an attorney early to preserve evidence and protect your rights.
What is DJA Injury Attorneys‘s fee structure?
We handle cases on a contingency fee basis. We only receive payment if we secure a settlement or verdict in your case, with fees drawn from the recovery amount. This aligns our interests with yours and motivates us to maximize your recovery.
How much is my construction injury case worth?
Case value depends on several factors, including the severity of injury, medical costs, lost wages, long-term disability, and the strength of liability evidence. We assess each case individually and can discuss approximate value ranges during your consultation. Review our case results to see examples of settlements we’ve obtained.
Contact DJA Injury Attorneys for Your Free Construction Accident Consultation
If you’ve suffered an injury on a construction site in Huntington Beach, don’t delay seeking legal guidance. Insurance companies act quickly to limit payouts. You deserve informed legal representation from attorneys who understand construction law and insurance tactics.
DJA Injury Attorneys offers free, no-obligation consultations. Call (949) 229-7228 today to discuss your situation. We’re available 24/7 to answer your questions at our office located at 19671 Beach Blvd., Suite 415, Huntington Beach, CA 92648. We assist injured workers throughout Orange County and Southern California.
