Nashville Construction Accident Lawyer

Representing Injured Workers in Tennessee Since 1977

Construction sites are inherently dangerous – scaffolding collapses, falling equipment and debris, ladder accidents, electrocution, and chemical exposure are just a few of the many risks construction workers face every time they step on a jobsite. At Kinnard Law, our team of Nashville construction accident attorneys has been representing injured construction workers in Tennessee since 1977.

If you or someone you love was injured in a construction accident, we encourage you to contact our firm at (615) 933-2893. Your initial consultation is FREE and confidential!

Common Types of Construction Accidents

Construction sites are inherently hazardous, and accidents can happen due to various factors, including human error, equipment failure, and environmental conditions. Here are some of the most common types of construction accidents:

• Falls from Heights: Falls from heights are a leading cause of fatal construction accidents, often occurring from scaffolding, ladders, roofs, or elevated platforms. These accidents typically happen due to unstable surfaces, lack of fall protection, or human error. Proper safety harnesses, guardrails, and secure footing can help prevent such incidents.
• Slip, Trip, and Fall Accidents: Slips, trips, and falls occur when workers encounter wet surfaces, uneven ground, debris, or poor lighting. These incidents can cause injuries such as fractures, sprains, or head trauma. Keeping walkways clear and using proper footwear can reduce these risks.
• Struck-by Accidents: Struck-by accidents happen when workers are hit by falling, flying, swinging, or rolling objects. These incidents often involve heavy machinery, cranes, or materials falling from heights. Wearing hard hats and maintaining safe distances from active equipment can help prevent injuries.
• Caught-in or Caught-between Accidents: Workers can get caught in or between heavy machinery, collapsing trenches, or moving parts of equipment. These accidents can lead to crushing injuries, amputations, or fatalities. Proper machine guarding and trench safety measures can minimize the risks.
• Electrocution: Electrocution occurs when workers come into contact with exposed wiring, overhead power lines, or faulty electrical equipment. This can result in severe burns, nerve damage, or even death. Proper training, insulated tools, and maintaining a safe distance from power sources can prevent these incidents.
• Machinery and Equipment Accidents: Accidents involving machinery and equipment often occur due to malfunctions, improper use, or lack of maintenance. These incidents can cause serious injuries such as amputations, fractures, or crushing wounds. Ensuring proper training and routine equipment inspections can help prevent them.
• Trench and Excavation Collapses: When a trench or excavation site caves in, workers can become trapped under heavy soil and debris. These collapses often happen due to unstable ground conditions or lack of protective systems. Proper shoring, sloping, and trench boxes are essential for worker safety.
• Scaffolding Accidents: Scaffolding accidents occur when structures are unstable, improperly assembled, or overloaded. Workers can fall, or the structure itself may collapse, causing severe injuries. Regular inspections, proper assembly, and safety harnesses can reduce these risks.
• Fire and Explosions: Fires and explosions at construction sites are often caused by flammable materials, gas leaks, or electrical hazards. These incidents can lead to severe burns, structural damage, and worker fatalities. Proper storage of hazardous materials and fire safety protocols can help prevent disasters.
• Vehicle and Traffic Accidents: Construction vehicles, such as trucks and forklifts, can cause accidents due to poor visibility, operator negligence, or lack of traffic control. Workers may be struck, pinned, or run over in busy work zones. Using designated walkways, warning signals, and trained operators can improve safety.
• Repetitive Motion and Overexertion Injuries: Continuous lifting, repetitive movements, and prolonged strain can lead to musculoskeletal disorders and chronic pain. Overexertion can also cause fatigue, increasing the risk of other accidents. Proper lifting techniques and regular breaks can help prevent these injuries.
• Toxic Exposure: Workers may be exposed to hazardous chemicals, asbestos, silica dust, or toxic fumes, leading to respiratory illnesses or skin conditions. Long-term exposure can result in chronic health issues. Wearing protective gear and following safety guidelines can help reduce risks.

Common Causes of Construction Accidents

Construction accidents can occur due to various factors, including:

• Human error: Mistakes such as improper tool use, lack of attention, inadequate training, or failure to follow safety protocols.
• Unsafe working conditions: Poor site management, lack of proper safety measures, hazardous materials, and extreme weather conditions.
• Equipment failures: Malfunctioning machinery, defective tools, or poorly maintained equipment leading to accidents.
• Insufficient communication: Lack of coordination among workers, unclear instructions, or failure to report hazards.
• Time pressure: Rushed work due to tight deadlines, leading to overlooked safety procedures.
• Non-compliance with safety regulations: Ignoring established safety guidelines, resulting in hazardous environments.

In an effort to meet tight deadlines and budgets, general contractors and subcontractors often cut corners when it comes to safety and security. This means that construction workers may be asked to use equipment that has not been properly inspected or work on jobsites that are unsafe or unstable.

If you or a family member was injured by dangerous conditions on a construction site, you may be entitled to compensation. Depending on the facts of your case, our firm may be able to help you seek damages not only through a workers’ compensation claim, but also through a third-party lawsuit.

Maximizing Compensation Through Third-Party Claims in Nashville

The workers' compensation program provides a great safety net for injured workers in Tennessee and protection for employers from crippling lawsuits. The problem, though, is that workers' compensation rarely covers the full extent of medical bills and lost wages—especially in cases involving long-term injuries. This leaves many injured workers unable to support themselves and their families.

Although workers' compensation rules prohibit lawsuits against employers for on-the-job injuries, injured workers can often increase their compensation through third-party lawsuits. At Kinnard Law, we can help you seek full and appropriate compensation if you have been injured at work.

Identifying Potential Third-Party Claims for Additional Recovery

A third-party liability lawsuit is a personal injury suit aimed at recovering compensation for on-the-job injuries, brought against anyone other than the victim's employer or co-workers.

Examples of third-party liability claims include:

• Chemical burns caused by faulty storage equipment manufactured by another company
• Scaffold injuries caused by a faulty scaffold manufactured by another company
• Construction accidents caused by faulty equipment manufactured by other companies

Comprehensive Legal Support for Workplace Accident Victims

After an on-the-job accident in Nashville, you must consult a Nashville construction accident lawyer. You may be entitled to much more than a workers’ compensation claim can offer, so it is highly recommended that you contact the team at Kinnard Law as soon as possible. We have a track record of successful verdicts and settlements in numerous construction accident and third-party liability cases. 

Ready to discuss your case? Contact Kinnard Law today.