Construction is one of Wisconsin’s largest job markets, employing tens of thousands of people in residential, commercial, and public works projects. While these jobs pay well, they also come with risks that few other industries carry.

From excavation to roofing, nearly every task on a job site can cause serious injury if something goes wrong. Some accidents happen because third-party contractors rush to meet deadlines and skip safety checks, while others involve falling debris or defective equipment that should have been removed from service. 

If you’re injured on a job site, workers’ compensation insurance normally steps in to cover your wage loss and medical bills. That said, there are exceptions, such as when a third party’s negligence causes the injury (e.g., an equipment manufacturer) or you were a site visitor instead of a construction worker. A construction site injury lawyer at Nowlan Personal Injury Law can help you pursue a financial recovery and hold the right parties responsible.

Why Hire Us for Your Construction Site Injury Claim?

Injuries on construction sites tend to raise more questions than answers. You may be unsure who’s legally responsible or what kind of claim you can file. That’s why you need a construction site injury lawyer who knows how to collect the right evidence and hold the at-fault party or parties accountable for their negligent behavior.

• We Know How Liability Works on a job site: Many construction accidents involve more than one company. Our personal injury attorneys know how to sort out these details and identify every person or company that contributed to your injury.
• We Take on Serious Injury Cases: Falls from height, heavy machinery accidents, and trench collapses often lead to life-changing injuries. You may be dealing with spinal damage, burns, crushed limbs, or traumatic brain injury. We gather detailed records, consult with medical experts, and fight to show what the injury has taken from you.
• We’ve Worked for Insurance Companies Before: Some of our Wisconsin construction accident lawyers began their careers defending insurance companies. We know what adjusters are trained to look for, how they value claims, and how they try to limit payouts. This allows us to build stronger cases and respond quickly when they push back.
• We Prepare Every Case for Court: Insurance companies are more likely to settle when they know you’re ready for trial. If your case can’t be resolved through negotiation, our trial lawyers are ready to present it in court. 

We take construction injury cases on a contingency fee basis. That means you won’t pay out-of-pocket while your case moves forward. We cover the cost of records, investigators, and expert input. If we don’t recover money for you, you owe nothing.

What Types of Compensation Can You Recover?

After a construction accident, you’re likely dealing with painful injuries that need months of medical treatment. A personal injury claim can help you recover financial compensation for what you’ve lost and what support you may need in the future. Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to claim the following accident damages:

• Medical Expenses: This includes the cost of emergency care, surgery, hospital stays, physical therapy, medication, and follow-up appointments. If your injuries need long-term treatment, future medical bills may also be included.
• Lost Income: If you missed work after the injury, you can seek payment for the lost wages. This also applies if you had to take a lower-paying job or reduce your hours because of physical limitations caused by the injury.
• Loss of Future Earnings: In cases involving permanent impairment, you may no longer be able to do the work you once did. If that lowers your future income, you can claim the difference between what you would have earned and what you’re likely to earn now.
• Pain and Suffering: Chronic pain, reduced mobility, and emotional distress can all change your quality of life. Pain and suffering damages are meant to account for those losses.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If the construction accident prevents you from doing the things you once enjoyed, such as playing sports, traveling, or spending time with family, you may be able to seek compensation for that loss.
• Disfigurement or Permanent injury: Scarring, amputation, or paralysis may affect how you live, work, and interact with others. You may be entitled to damages based on how those injuries have altered your life.

The value of your claim depends on the severity of your injury, how it happened, and the long-term impact on your future. A Wisconsin construction accident attorney can help gather the right evidence and present a compelling picture of what you’ve lost.

Common Causes of Construction Site Injuries

The fast pace, loud noise, and constant activity make these job sites dangerous when safety protocols aren’t in place and hazard prevention isn’t a priority. Here are some of the most common ways workers get hurt on construction sites:

• Falls From Height: Many injuries happen when workers slip and fall from ladders, scaffolds, rooftops, or open platforms. Others occur when protective gear fails or is never provided. Falls can lead to head trauma, broken bones, or spinal cord damage.
• Falling Objects: These accidents can happen when items are stored poorly, not secured, or dropped during lifting. A falling object can cause brain injury, broken shoulders, or crushed hands, especially if no overhead protection or safety equipment are in place.
• Equipment Failures: Power tools, lifts, bulldozers, and other machinery can fail if they’re not maintained. When heavy equipment malfunctions, it can cause crushing injuries, amputations, or death.
• Trench and Structure Collapses: Trenches must be reinforced and inspected regularly. Otherwise, the walls can cave in and bury workers beneath dirt or debris. These accidents often involve serious trauma and long-term recovery.
• Electrocution Hazards: Construction sites have exposed wires, temporary panels, and live power lines. If circuits are wired incorrectly or safety rules aren’t followed, workers can suffer burns, nerve damage, or cardiac arrest. 
• Exposure to Toxic Substances: Some construction sites contain asbestos, lead-based paint, silica dust, or solvents that affect your lungs, skin, or organs. Over time, this can lead to serious illnesses that require long-term treatment.

Many of these serious on-the-job injuries can be avoided when job sites are better managed and equipment maintenance is kept up. For example, companies are required to follow industry standards and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations to people safe.  When that doesn’t happen, you may have the right to seek financial compensation from those who allowed it to occur.

What If You’re Already Receiving Workers’ Compensation?

You can’t sue your employer if you’re receiving workers’ compensation, but that rule doesn’t apply to third parties. For example, if a subcontractor created the hazard that caused your construction accident, you may have a claim against that company. The same applies if a delivery driver or outside vendor caused the accident. These claims can provide compensation beyond what workers’ comp allows.

Bringing both types of claims requires careful planning. You must protect your workers’ compensation rights while also building a strong case against the third party. A construction injury lawyer can help you take the right steps and avoid mistakes that could affect your benefits.

What To Do After a Construction Site Injury

When you’ve been hurt on a construction site, you need to act fast. Take the following steps to secure medical attention and build evidence for a future claim:

• Report the Injury Right Away: Let your supervisor or site manager know what happened. Make sure a written report is created, and keep a copy for your records. 
• Get Medical Treatment: Even if your injury seems minor, get checked by a doctor as soon as possible. Some issues, like concussions or internal injuries, may not show symptoms right away. Medical records will also serve as proof that the injury was job-related.
• Collect Evidence: If you’re able, take pictures of the area where you were hurt, the equipment involved, and any visible injuries. Try to keep your work gear, tools, or clothing in the same condition they were in at the time of the accident.
• Be Careful With Insurance Companies: You may be contacted by an adjuster soon after the construction accident. While they might sound helpful, their goal is to reduce how much they pay you. Don’t give a recorded statement or sign anything until you’ve talked to a lawyer.
• Speak with a Construction Site Injury Attorney: Hiring legal representation maximizes your chances of getting the compensation you need. An experienced work injury attorney can evaluate your case, file a personal injury lawsuit, and negotiate with insurance adjusters on your behalf.

Get a Free Consultation From a Wisconsin Construction Site Injury Attorney

A construction accident can take away your income, your independence, and your ability to work in the trade. You may be facing pressure from employers, insurers, or others who want you to settle quickly and quietly. Before you sign anything or accept less than you’re owed, talk to a lawyer who knows how to handle these personal injury lawsuits. 

At Nowlan Personal Injury Law, we’ve represented injured workers in cases involving falls, faulty equipment, unsafe job sites, and other avoidable hazards. We’ll collect the records, talk to the witnesses, and build a claim that reflects what you’ve lost. For more information or to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury attorney, please call our law firm at 608-478-5655.