San Diego Construction Injury Lawyers

Construction work is inherently risky, with injuries that can profoundly impact your personal life and your career. Kiwan & Chambers APC has extensive experience helping workers get compensation for the severe construction injuries they have suffered. The lawyers in our San Diego office serve all of Southern California. We’ll help you understand your rights, explore your options, and work through the multifaceted nature of the construction injury claims process. 

We welcome the opportunity to take on the insurance companies and have gotten some good reviews for our past work. Call (619) 257-5304 or contact us online today.

Common Construction Site Injuries 

Construction sites are among the most hazardous workplaces, and injuries can range from minor to severe or even fatal. Here are some of the most common types of construction injuries:

• Falls from heights: Falls from scaffolding, ladders, or roofs are one of the leading causes of injury in construction. These accidents can result in serious injuries, such as broken bones, spinal damage, or traumatic brain injuries. 
• Electrocutions: Working with electrical systems or near power lines poses significant risks of electrocution. These incidents can result in burns, nerve damage, or even fatalities. 
• “Struck-by” incidents: Being struck by falling objects or moving machinery is a common hazard on construction sites. These incidents can cause concussions, fractures, and internal injuries. 
• “Caught-in” accidents: Among the most severe of any type of workplace injury, a worker can be caught in or compressed by equipment or collapsing structures, leading to severe injuries. These situations often result in crushed limbs, organ damage, or amputations.
• Repetitive motion Injuries: Continuous use of tools and repetitive tasks can lead to musculoskeletal disorders. These injuries often result in chronic pain, reduced mobility, and require long-term rehabilitation. 
• Hearing loss: Prolonged exposure to loud machinery and construction environments can lead to permanent hearing damage. Regular use of ear protection helps, but once hearing loss occurs, it can have a lasting impact on a worker's ability to perform their duties. 
• Burns: Construction workers can suffer from burns due to fires, chemicals, or hot equipment. Burns can lead to serious health complications, requiring extensive medical treatment and time away from work. 
• Electrocution: Contact with live wires, faulty wiring, or improper use of electrical tools can cause serious burns, shocks, or even death.
• Overexertion and Heat-Related Injuries: Heavy lifting or prolonged physical labor can cause muscle strains, back injuries, and fatigue. Working in extreme heat can lead to heat exhaustion, dehydration, or heatstroke.
• Exposure to Hazardous Materials: Inhaling dust, asbestos, or chemicals can cause respiratory diseases.
• Skin contact with hazardous substances can lead to burns or other skin conditions.
• Crane and Machinery Accidents: Operating heavy equipment (like bulldozers, forklifts, or cranes) improperly can lead to severe crush injuries or fatalities.

How to Recover Workers' Compensation After a Construction Accident in CA

In California, injured construction workers can obtain workers' compensation benefits by following these steps:

1. Report the Injury: Inform your employer about the injury as soon as possible, preferably within 30 days. Delayed reporting could result in denial or delays in receiving benefits.
2. Seek Medical Treatment: Get medical attention immediately, especially in an emergency. If it’s not urgent, visit a doctor approved by your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance and let them know the injury is work-related.
3. File a Workers’ Compensation Claim (DWC-1 Form): Your employer must provide you with a DWC-1 form within one working day of learning about your injury. Fill out your section and return it promptly so the claim process can begin.
4. Employer's Responsibilities: Once you submit the DWC-1 form, your employer must send it to their insurance provider within one working day. While waiting for approval, you’re eligible for up to $10,000 in medical treatment.
5. Insurance Company’s Decision: The insurance company has 90 days to approve or deny the claim. If denied, you have the right to appeal the decision.
6. Receive Benefits: If approved, you may receive coverage for medical treatment, temporary or permanent disability benefits, and job retraining if needed. Families of deceased workers may also qualify for death benefits.
7. Disputes and Appeals: If your claim is denied, you can appeal through the California Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB). Consulting a workers' compensation attorney may improve your chances of winning the appeal.