Hurt on a construction site? Workers' comp may not be your only claim.
Workers' compensation usually covers injuries at work, but it rarely covers everything. When a company other than your employer caused the injury, such as a contractor, an equipment maker or a property owner, you may have a separate injury claim. That is the claim we handle. Free case review, no fee unless we win, and a real person answers 24/7.
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How long you have depends on the type of case and who is responsible. Some claims, such as those against a government agency, have deadlines measured in months, not years. Call early, and we find the deadline that applies to you.
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More about construction site accidents
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Updated October 2026. General information, not legal advice about your case.
Construction site accidents: what to know
Construction is one of the most dangerous kinds of work. In 2024, 1,032 construction and extraction workers died from work injuries in the United States, and 370 of those deaths were falls, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Falls, being struck by objects or vehicles, electrocution, and being caught in or between equipment cause many of the most serious injuries.
Workers' compensation and a third-party claim are different
If you were hurt on the job, workers' compensation usually pays some medical bills and part of your lost wages, no matter who was at fault. In most cases you cannot sue your own employer.
But a construction site has many companies on it. If a company other than your employer caused or contributed to your injury, you may also have a third-party claim against that company. A third-party claim can include losses that workers' compensation does not pay, such as pain and suffering and your full lost earnings. We handle third-party claims. We do not handle workers' compensation claims.
Who can be responsible
- The general contractor, which often controls site safety
- Another subcontractor whose work or equipment caused the injury
- The property owner or developer, in some cases
- An equipment maker or rental company, for a defective scaffold, lift, ladder, guard or tool
- A driver, for a vehicle that hit you in a work zone
People who do not work on the site, such as pedestrians, drivers and neighbors, can also be hurt by falling objects, collapsed scaffolding or blocked walkways. They can bring a claim too.
Evidence disappears quickly
Sites change every day. Scaffolds come down, equipment leaves, and debris is cleared. Safety records, inspection reports, daily logs and photos are key evidence. Cal/OSHA may also investigate a serious injury.
What to do now
- Get medical care, and tell the doctor how the injury happened.
- Report the injury to your employer in writing.
- Write down the names of every company on the site that day, and of witnesses.
- Photograph the place, the equipment and your injuries, if you can do it safely.
- Do not give a recorded statement to any company's insurer.
- Call us. Deadlines vary, so call early. There is no fee or cost unless we recover money for you.
Not sure if you have a case? Call anyway. It's free to ask.
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This is a paid advertisement for TORKLAW, not an offer or guarantee of results. Every case is different and must be evaluated on its own merits. Some matters may be referred to partner firms as appropriate. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Tracy R. Horn, Esq. is responsible for this advertisement. Main Office: 18650 MacArthur Blvd, Suite 300, Irvine, CA 92612.