West Hartford Construction Accident Lawyer
Construction is a dangerous occupation, and accidents on the job can cause serious injuries with high medical bills, long-term pain and rehabilitation, and often long periods of missed work. Workers’ compensation usually covers on-the-job injuries, but it rarely provides enough benefits to compensate for the full extent of a worker’s losses. However, if someone other than your employer has contributed to your construction accident injury in Connecticut, you might be entitled to additional compensation through a personal injury lawsuit.
The West Hartford construction accident lawyers at Kennedy, Johnson, Schwab & Roberge, P.C., are committed to providing injured workers with effective and aggressive legal representation to pursue fair compensation for the full extent of their losses.
Table of Contents
- West Hartford Construction Accident Lawyers You Can Trust
- Can I File a Construction Accident Lawsuit in West Hartford?
- How Long Do I Have To File a Construction Injury Lawsuit in Connecticut?
- Who Is Liable in a West Hartford Construction Accident?
- How Do You Prove Liability in a Construction Accident Case?
- Common Construction Accidents in West Hartford
- What To Do After a Construction Injury in West Hartford
- What Compensation Can Injured Workers Recover?
- Why Choose Kennedy, Johnson, Schwab & Roberge, P.C.
- Contact a West Hartford Construction Accident Attorney Today
- Frequently Asked Questions About Construction Accidents in West Hartford
West Hartford Construction Accident Lawyers You Can Trust
Construction work is inherently dangerous, with workers facing a variety of hazards on the job daily, from falls to exposure to hazardous materials. At Kennedy, Johnson, Schwab & Roberge, P.C., we know a construction accident can instantly turn your life upside down. You deserve fair compensation for your losses to assist your recovery and get your life back on track.
Since 1988, our West Hartford construction accident lawyers have helped countless workers hurt on the job. We have built a strong reputation locally and throughout the state as aggressive and knowledgeable advocates for those who suffer workplace injuries, with a proven track record of handling complicated and high-profile cases.
The team at our convenient office location on North Main Street is committed to helping those hurt by others’ negligence pursue much-needed and deserved compensation. After reviewing your case, our knowledgeable attorneys will advise whether you can pursue a claim in court against a third party who caused your injuries and damages.
Contact our construction accident lawyers in West Hartford to schedule a free consultation today.
Can I File a Construction Accident Lawsuit in West Hartford?
If you were hurt while working construction in West Hartford, you may have the right to collect workers’ compensation and file a third-party lawsuit.
Most Connecticut employers are required to purchase workers’ compensation insurance to cover workers hurt on the job. Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system that pays benefits to injured workers, regardless of who is at fault. In return, employees generally cannot sue their employers. However, if a party other than the employer has caused or contributed to the accident, the worker might be entitled to file a third-party personal injury lawsuit and seek compensation from them.
A West Hartford construction accident attorney can identify all potential sources of compensation for job-related injuries. They can analyze your case to identify all responsible parties and advise whether you can seek workers’ compensation benefits, file a lawsuit against a third party, or both.
John Kennedy Jr.
Founding Partner
John J. Kennedy, Jr., is the founding partner of Kennedy, Johnson, Schwab & Roberge, P.C. In 1988, John formed Kennedy & Johnson, along with David Johnson. John is an accomplished trial attorney, spending most of his more than 42 years practicing in Connecticut, representing injured clients before juries.
How Long Do I Have To File a Construction Injury Lawsuit in Connecticut?
The Connecticut personal injury statute of limitations is generally two years from the accident date or when you discovered or reasonably should have discovered your injury. Even if there was a delay in discovery, you cannot file a case more than three years after the accident.
Most workers’ compensation claims in Connecticut have a one-year filing deadline, meaning you must file a claim within one year of your construction accident.
While there are some exceptions to the statute of limitations, they are rare. If you don’t file your case on time, you lose your chance to collect compensation through the courts. To meet this deadline, you must begin investigating your claim and gathering evidence before it disappears or witness memories fade.
Who Is Liable in a West Hartford Construction Accident?
To file a lawsuit after a work-related construction accident, you must identify who was responsible for your injuries. Possible liable parties include the following:
- Property owners
- Contractors and subcontractors
- Architects or engineers
- Equipment manufacturers
There may be more than one party liable for your damages. For example, if you fell from defective scaffolding that a site owner knew was dangerous, you may have a claim against both the equipment manufacturer and the owner.
Workers’ Compensation vs. Third-Party Lawsuits
Workers’ compensation covers your medical bills and a portion of your lost wages. You may receive short or long-term partial or full disability payments depending on the extent of your injuries and how they affect your ability to work. In limited cases, you can seek disfigurement and scarring benefits, but you cannot recover other non-economic damages.
Third-party lawsuits allow full recovery for pain, suffering, and long-term losses not covered in workers’ compensation claims. If you receive workers’ compensation benefits for your injuries, that does not bar you from filing a lawsuit against a party other than your employer.
How Do You Prove Liability in a Construction Accident Case?
To improve your chances of recovering compensation through a personal injury lawsuit, you need evidence that the other party was negligent or that a manufacturer sold a defective product. Your West Hartford construction accident attorney will investigate and gather evidence to prove your case. Such evidence may include the following:
- Safety reports
- On-site video footage
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration investigation reports
- Witness testimony
- Medical records
- Expert opinions
Thorough investigations take time, so it’s best to speak with an attorney as soon as possible. A skilled attorney can obtain key evidence you may find difficult to secure on your own, such as security videos or worksite safety reports.
Common Construction Accidents in West Hartford
A job site injury can happen in any construction site area and at any point. Common causes of construction accidents include the following:
- Slips and fallscaused by obstructions, debris, and slippery surfaces
- Falls from scaffolding, ladders, and rooftops
- Electrical shocks and burns
- Machinery or equipment failures
- Struck-by object accidents
- Collapsing trenches or structures
- Chemical exposure
According to OSHA, falls, being struck by objects, caught in or between hazards, and electrocution are the top four causes of construction-related deaths. The leading cause is falls, slips, and trips, accounting for almost half of all fatalities in the construction industry in 2022.
Who Is Most at Risk?
Local construction workers at high risk for accidents include the following:
- Laborers
- Roofers
- Electricians, carpenters, plumbers, welders, and other tradespeople
- Forklift and crane operators
Whatever your role, construction site accidents in West Hartford can lead to significant physical, financial, and emotional harm. You have the legal right to compensation when someone else’s actions caused your damages.
What To Do After a Construction Injury in West Hartford
The steps you take after a construction accident protect your health and preserve evidence. Even if you aren’t yet considering filing a lawsuit, it’s important to act fast after an incident that injured you:
- Get medical care immediately.
- Report the injury to a supervisor.
- Take photos and videos of the site.
- Gather witness information.
- Contact a West Hartford construction accident attorney.
If you don’t have to leave for the hospital, complete these steps right away. If you can’t immediately collect everything you need, then do so as soon as possible so that the evidence is still fresh and available. Speak with a construction injury lawyer today so they can start gathering additional proof of liability and damages.
What Compensation Can Injured Workers Recover?
When you sue another party for a workplace injury, you can seek compensation for your short- and long-term financial losses and impacts on your life. Damages potentially available in a personal injury lawsuit include the following:
- Medical bills and future medical costs
- Rehabilitation, home nursing, or other care
- Lost income and future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Disability or disfigurement
- Loss of quality of life
- Wrongful death damages in fatal construction accidents
Construction workers often experience serious accidents with significant injuries that include traumatic brain injuries, back and neck trauma, broken bones, and other injuries. You need a full calculation of your short and long-term economic and non-economic damages to determine if settlement offers are fair
Why Choose Kennedy, Johnson, Schwab & Roberge, P.C.
Our team of proven trial lawyers has over 35 years of experience handling construction accident cases. We use a team-focused approach emphasizing integrity, professionalism, and a commitment to justice. When you partner with us, we will personalize your representation to fit the specific circumstances of your case and your needs.
Our reputation and ability to get results have resulted in numerous awards and accolades from respected publications and legal organizations, including:
- 2024 Best Personal Injury Firm in CT by the Hartford Business Journal
- 2025 Best Law Firms in New Haven, CT
- Best Lawyers in America: Patrick Kennedy, John J. Kennedy Jr., Michael Kennedy, Louis A. Annecchino, Robert L. Schwab, Stephanie Z. Roberge
- 2024 Lawyer of the Year: John J. Kennedy, Jr., Stephanie Roberge
We’ve recovered tens of millions for our deserving clients, including $4 million for the family of a construction worker killed in an industrial accident. Don’t delay seeking top-rated legal representation if you’ve been hurt in a West Hartford construction accident.
Contact a West Hartford Construction Accident Attorney Today
If you or your loved one were hurt on a job site, let our accomplished West Hartford construction accident law firm fight for the compensation you deserve. We will use our meticulous approach to case preparation to navigate the complexities of your claim and seek fair compensation from the parties responsible for your injuries.
Protect your legal rights—contact KJSR today by calling 203-865-8430 or completing our online contact form. Your initial consultation is free, and there are no upfront fees. You only pay us if we win your case.
Frequently Asked Questions About Construction Accidents in West Hartford
Our knowledgeable West Hartford workplace injury lawyers are always ready to answer questions. These are some common ones we hear about construction accident claims.
Do I Need a Lawyer if the Insurance Company Has Already Made an Offer?
Yes, a lawyer can tell you if a settlement undervalues your claim, which is often the case with initial offers. Our Connecticut construction accident attorneys can use decades of experience in personal injury claims to assess settlements for fairness and negotiate for more when appropriate.
Can Undocumented Workers File a Construction Injury Claim in Connecticut?
Immigration status does not bar workers from filing a workers’ compensation claim or a personal injury lawsuit. The defense in a lawsuit will likely fight claims for damages, so it is critical for an injured undocumented worker to consult an experienced West Hartford construction accident lawyer to discuss their case.
What if My Employer Says I Can't Sue?
You generally cannot sue your employer if they have workers’ compensation insurance. If your employer is responsible for your injuries, you’ll likely need to pursue a workers’ compensation claim. Lawsuits related to work injuries are typically against third parties, not the employer. A construction site injury lawyer can advise clients whether they have a case against an equipment manufacturer, site owner, contractor, or other party.
How Much Is My Construction Accident Case Worth?
Every case is unique, so it is impossible to know the value of your claim without knowing the details of your accident and how it affected you. How much your case is worth depends on factors such as the nature and severity of your injury, medical costs, lost income, the impacts on your quality of life, and your future needs. Our legal team can provide more information about your claim once we hear the details during your free case evaluation.
What Happens if the Construction Company Tries To Blame Me?
Connecticut’s comparative negligence system allows you to recover compensation unless you were more than 50 percent at fault for your injuries. However, the compensation will be reduced in proportion to your share of the fault. For example, if you have $100,000 in damages and were 20 percent at fault, you can collect $80,000. A skilled and knowledgeable construction accident attorney can fight back against efforts to shift blame to you and pursue the full amount of compensation you deserve.
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15 N. Main Street #100 Suite 217
West Hartford, CT 06107
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