Construction work is essential to Fort Wayne’s growth yet carries significant risks. When workers face severe injuries, they need an advocate to help them navigate the complexities of a personal injury claim. A Fort Wayne construction accident lawyer can provide essential support to secure compensation and protect your rights. At Blackburn Romey, we understand construction workers’ challenges after a serious accident, and we are here to help.
An experienced construction accident lawyer can assist you at every stage of your claim, ensuring you receive fair compensation.
A skilled attorney will thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your accident, gathering evidence to support your claim. This may involve consulting experts to strengthen your case and establish liability.
Insurance companies frequently aim to minimize payouts, but a lawyer will negotiate on your behalf to seek maximum compensation, as they understand insurance tactics and can help secure a fair settlement.
If your case proceeds to trial, your attorney will provide representation in court. This can significantly improve your chances of a favorable outcome, especially in complex cases involving multiple liable parties.
A knowledgeable lawyer will assess all potential sources of compensation, guaranteeing you receive funds to cover medical bills, lost income, and other damages. This holistic approach to compensation can be crucial in recovering fully from a construction accident.
Construction sites are among the most dangerous work environments, especially with Fort Wayne’s booming infrastructure projects. The high rate of construction-related incidents in Indiana means that employees often face heightened risks that lead to life-altering injuries or fatalities.
The construction industry in Fort Wayne is witnessing significant growth, fueled by increasing demand for both commercial and residential developments. As the city expands, construction projects range from high-rise buildings to new residential communities, boosting employment and economic development. However, with this expansion comes a heightened risk of workplace incidents. Construction workers are exposed to various hazards, generally aggravated by factors such as tight project deadlines, workforce shortages, and the presence of heavy machinery. Each of these elements can increase the chances of injury, especially when safety practices are compromised to keep up with demanding schedules.
Like many others, construction sites in Fort Wayne are inherently dangerous, with workers routinely exposed to high-risk conditions. These environments frequently involve elevated work areas, heavy-duty equipment, high-voltage electrical wiring, and exposure to hazardous substances. Accidents continue to occur despite strict adherence to safety standards and building codes mandated by local authorities. Factors such as malfunctioning equipment, lack of safety training, and insufficient protective gear contribute to these incidents. In the city’s expanding construction industry, efforts to mitigate these risks are crucial, but even with robust safety protocols the unpredictable nature of construction work makes it challenging to eliminate all dangers.
Our team has combined decades of experience handling all types of injury cases, both with insurance companies and in civil court. We bring all that we know about injury law to the table in each and every case.
We have many satisfied clients who were able to move forward with their lives in a better financial position following a serious accident and injuries. We can discuss our past results with you during your free consultation.
We are dedicated to our clients and communities in Indiana. Our goal is to provide comprehensive and compassionate legal services to injured and grieving individuals. We work hard to obtain the money you need so you can focus on recovery instead of worrying about medical bills, insurance claims, or lawsuits.
Construction sites are known for their inherent risks, but many incidents stem from preventable causes. Recognizing these frequent hazards helps inform where negligence or failure to follow safety protocols may occur, holding responsible parties accountable when injuries arise.
Falls are the most frequent and often most devastating cause of construction injuries and fatalities. Workers on ladders, scaffolding, or rooftops are particularly vulnerable, especially when fall protection measures like harnesses or guardrails are absent or inadequate. Lack of proper fall protection may lead to severe damage, including broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, and even fatalities. Falls often are preventable with the right safety gear, regular inspections, and worker training on proper equipment use.
Heavy equipment, including cranes, bulldozers, and forklifts, is fundamental to many construction tasks but introduces high risks when it malfunctions. Poor maintenance, inadequate repairs, and improper handling by untrained operators can lead to catastrophic accidents. When machinery malfunctions, workers can face crushing injuries, amputations, or even death. Regular equipment maintenance and comprehensive operator training are critical for reducing these risks.
Construction sites typically have exposed wiring, power lines, and electrical installations, making electrocution a serious hazard. These electric shock injuries are one of construction’s “fatal four” and result from direct contact with live wires, poorly insulated cables, or electrical overloads. Electrocutions can be deadly or lead to severe burns and cardiac issues. Frequent safety training and regular inspection of electrical systems are essential to prevent these accidents.
Construction workers are frequently injured by falling, flying, or swinging objects like tools, building materials, or debris. These incidents, generally caused by loose objects or inadequate protective measures, can result in head trauma, fractures, and internal injuries. Wearing hard hats and implementing overhead protections can help minimize these risks.
These incidents happen when workers are crushed or trapped between two heavy objects or machinery, and they are often related to malfunctioning equipment, collapsing structures, or moving vehicles on-site. Caught-in accidents can lead to life-threatening injuries or amputations and are challenging to predict and prevent without thorough safety checks and careful planning.
Construction accidents can lead to various severe damages, each with life-changing implications.
Falls or being struck by objects can lead to traumatic brain injuries. A TBI can cause long-term cognitive impairments, impacting an individual’s ability to work or perform daily activities.
Accidents involving falls, heavy equipment, or vehicle collisions can cause spinal cord injuries, leading to paralysis or chronic pain. They generally require extensive medical treatment, affecting mobility and quality of life.
Broken bones and fractures are common on construction sites, often from falls, slips, or being struck by objects. These injuries may demand prolonged recovery time, leading to significant financial strain due to lost wages.
Electric shocks can cause severe burns, cardiac issues, or even death. These injuries often require specialized medical treatment, impacting a worker’s health and earning capacity.
Caught-in/between incidents or heavy equipment accidents can lead to traumatic amputations. These life-altering injuries prevent workers from returning to construction, making financial compensation crucial.
After a construction accident, understanding your legal rights is essential for securing fair compensation.
In Indiana, injured employees are generally entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, which cover medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs. However, these benefits may not address all losses or be available for all workers.
If a third party, such as an equipment manufacturer or subcontractor, contributed to the incident, injured workers may have grounds to file a claim. Third-party liability claims can provide additional compensation beyond what workers’ compensation offers.
A personal injury lawsuit may be filed in cases where negligence is involved. This can provide compensation for pain and suffering, lost future earnings, and other non-economic damages that workers’ compensation does not cover.
Following specific steps after an incident can help protect your health and legal rights.
Located at 4203 W Jefferson Blvd in Fort Wayne, IN 46804, our dedicated team at Blackburn Romey is ready to help you navigate the aftermath of a construction accident or any other personal injury matter.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a construction accident in Fort Wayne, our experienced construction accident lawyers at Blackburn Romey are here to support you. Our team is committed to advocating for your rights and helping you pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact us today at 833-FOR-HELP for a free consultation to discuss your case and take the first step toward your recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
In Indiana, the statute of limitations for filing a construction accident claim is generally two years from the accident date, but each case is unique and may have different deadlines. It’s crucial to act within the appropriate timeframe to preserve your rights.
In most cases, you cannot sue your employer directly due to workers’ compensation laws, which provide limited immunity for employers. Nonetheless, third-party claims may be possible.
The state follows a modified comparative fault rule, meaning you can still recover damages if you were 50% or less at fault. Still, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of your fault.
The duration varies depending on the complexity of the case, the severity of the injuries, and the negotiations. Cases can take several months to a few years.
Compensation may include medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Workers’ compensation primarily covers medical and wage benefits, while a personal injury claim may provide additional damages.
Blackburn Romey founding partner Tom Blackburn graduated with honors receiving a degree from Indiana University at the Robert H. McKinney School of Law. Initiating his legal career in 1977, he has been active in practicing law and currently serves as a member of the Indiana State Bar Association on the Ethics and Advertising Committees, the American Bar Association, the American Association for Justice, as a board member at the Indiana Trial Lawyers Association, and as an appointed member of the Executive Committee for the State of Indiana for the National Trial Lawyers Association.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partner, Tom Blackburn, who has more than 47 years of legal experience, including over 39 years specializing as a personal injury attorney.