Dallas Construction Accident Attorneys

When Workers Are Harmed at Construction Sites, We're Here to Help

If you’re a construction worker who has been injured, or if you lost a loved one in a construction site accident, our team at Arnold & Itkin is here to help you. Since 2004, our attorneys have fought for the rights of the injured, stopping at nothing to get them the medical care and financial stability they need after serious and preventable accidents. We have recovered billions of dollars for our injured clients because of our hard work and our determination to see wrongs set right in civil court. The representation of injured construction workers is an integral part of our firm’s practice. This is because construction is one of the most dangerous industries—and workers need powerful advocates if they are to have a chance of recovering the full benefits they deserve.

We can help construction workers in Dallas and across the U.S. with claims involving:

• Scaffolding accidents
• Ladder and roof accidents
• Crane accidents
• Explosions
• Machinery accidents
• Power tool accidents
• Trench collapses
• Construction vehicle accidents
• Electrocution
• Blunt force trauma
• Flying or falling objects
• Crush injuries
• Amputations
• Silicosis and other medical conditions

We also represent people who have lost spouses, parents, children, or other loved ones in Dallas construction site accidents. Call (888) 493-1629 today to find out how we can help you.

Construction Accident Statistics

12,300 construction workers were injured in Texas in 2018, according to reports compiled by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The BLS also reported that 107 workers lost their lives. That figure represents about 22% of all workplace fatalities in 2018. Safety standards are in place to protect construction workers, but these numbers show that accidents are still continuing to occur in this field more than any other.

More than half of construction worker fatalities across the U.S. can be traced to one of the four following causes, dubbed the “Fatal Four” by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration:

• Falls, which accounted for 33.5% of fatalities in 2018.
• Struck by object accidents, which accounted for 11.1% of fatalities.
• Electrocutions, which accounted for 8.5% of fatalities.
• Caught-in/between accidents, which accounted for 5.5% of fatalities.

These statistics reveal one thing: construction workers face significant dangers each day on the job. Whether you've been in a Dallas scaffolding accident or are suffering after being struck by a heavy object, help is available. Employers are responsible for taking care of their employees and, when they don't, they are liable for damages.

Common Causes of Dallas Construction Accidents

Construction sites can be dangerous places, but this does not mean that accidents "just happen" or that they should be expected or even excused. They have specific causes. Each accident can be traced to one or more factors that led to its occurrence, and in many cases, they can be traced back to a particular decision, act, or failure to act that created an unsafe work environment for the worker who was ultimately injured.

The following are examples of potential construction accident causes:

• Violation of OSHA fall protection standards for ladders or scaffolding
• Defective power tools or construction equipment
• Poorly maintained construction vehicles, tools, or equipment
• Lack of proper safety training and education for construction site workers
• Lack of communication between workers operating cranes or other heavy machinery
• Lack of safety precautions when working with or near electricity and power lines

Employers Are Responsible for Construction Worker Safety

Employers are responsible for worker safety, even in industries like construction where hazards are plenty. They must make sure that construction sites are properly supervised, that workers are trained on safety, that safety standards are implemented, and that equipment is properly maintained. When they put safety second to making deadlines, construction companies put every worker at risk. Our Dallas construction accident attorneys fight to hold them accountable when this happens.

After a Dallas Construction Accident: Dos & Don'ts

Here are a few helpful tips we can offer when it comes to dealing with a construction accident:

• DO inform your supervisor or manager that you've been injured.
• DO seek medical attention as quickly as possible, no matter how minor your injuries may seem.
• DO talk to a Dallas construction accident lawyer about your rights and options.
• DON'T sign a statement or accept a settlement before talking to your lawyer.
• DON'T let your employer pressure you to return to work if you aren't ready.

Crane Accidents in Dallas, TX

Crane accidents are devastating because of their weight, size, and location. Because cranes are typically used in densely populated areas, the collapse of one can be catastrophic for those near it. A crane collapse causes thousands of pounds of steel to crash into buildings and onto busy streets. Crane collapses often involve serious injuries or fatalities, and they are nearly always preventable with the proper safety procedures.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the United States has an average of 44 crane-related deaths each year. Crane accidents typically happen at construction sites or in the manufacturing industry. These industries combine to account for 64 percent of all crane accidents.

Common Dallas crane accident causes include the following:

• Improper usage of the crane
• Improper crane for the job
• Poor weather
• Improper set-up
• Falling debris
• Hazardous conditions near the crane

This list reveals one thing: crane accidents are preventable and should never happen. Companies must train their crane operators properly, be sure that every worker at a job site is trained to avoid crane accidents and ensure that they are installing cranes securely and safely. When a crane is involved with an accident, it’s almost certain that the accident could have been prevented.

Our team takes on crane accident cases in Dallas and across the U.S. involving:

• Struck by an object that falls from a crane
• Struck by a swinging crane load
• Falling from a crane
• Electrocution
• Struck or run over by a crane
• Crane collapses and overturns
• Boom collapses
• Boom or crane contact with power lines

North Texas Leads the Entire Nation in Crane Accidents

During its comprehensive report on crane accidents, the Bureau of Labor Statistics found a shocking fact: our state had nearly as many crane accident fatalities as the next four states combined. Between 2011 and 2015, Texas had 40 crane fatalities while the next 4 states had a combined total of 44 fatalities. Our state has a crane accident issue, and the companies who lease, manufacture, and operate them are very aware of it.

Since 2012, North Texas has had 7 deadly crane accidents.Crane accidents became such a problem in the northern part of the state that the Occupational Safety and Hazard Administration (OSHA) launched a special safety initiative in the region. During this initiative, OSHA conducted more than 77 inspections and handed out more than 65 violations. Of these violations, 71 percent were for a willful, serious, or a repeated offense. In other words, the OSHA initiative confirmed that North Texas has a widespread and obvious issue with crane safety.

Deadly North Texas crane accidents in recent years include:

• 2012: 2 workers killed at the University of Texas Dallas
• 2013: 1 Alvarado worker killed when struck by a crane
• 2013: 1 Mansfield worker killed by a falling sheet of metal coil
• 2015: 1 Dallas worker crushed to death between the crane boom and truck
• 2017: 1 Commerce worker killed by granite that fell from a crane
• 2017: 1 Royse City worker struck by a crane beam and killed
• 2017: 1 Dallas worker killed by a crane that fell over

The June 2019 Dallas Crane Accident

On June 9, 2019, a crane collapsed onto an apartment complex and parking structure in Dallas. The collapse occurred during a severe storm advisory, and witnesses stated they saw the crane spin, sway, and slowly fall onto the nearby structures. Authorities confirmed that the accident killed one person, four people suffered serious injuries, and an additional individual received treatment and was released from the hospital.

Frustratingly, some experts are expressing that this accident was preventable. In a statement to CNN, former federal crane inspector Thomas Barth said that the crane should not have fallen over, and the crew should have checked the weather and prepared the machine for strong gusts. According to an industry report, high winds account for 23 percent of fatal crane accidents. Crane accidents are a known issue, and the likely cause of this accident is not a surprise for those familiar with cranes. Notably, Barth revealed that the collapsed crane could withstand gusts up to 140 mph, but the highest gust reported in Dallas on the day of the accident was 71 mph.

Barth confirmed that two things typically cause a crane accident such as this: lack of training and lack of money.

Crane Safety Violations

OSHA has strict safety standards regarding crane use. These standards are in place to prevent catastrophic crane accidents that can cause serious injuries and property damage. Unfortunately, some individuals and companies overlook OSHA’s crane safety standards. Using an unqualified signalperson or crane operator, failing to perform routine inspections, working too close to power lines, and using an improperly qualified rigger are examples of common safety violations related to cranes.

When any aspect of crane safety is overlooked or intentionally ignored, the results can be disastrous. That’s why our Dallas crane accident attorneys are so passionate about helping people who have lost loved ones or experienced life-changing injuries in preventable crane collapses, falls, and more.

We deal with crane injuries caused by such violations as:

• Improperly qualified and/or documented signalperson
• Materials rigged by an improperly qualified rigger
• Failure to perform monthly or annual inspections
• Failure to ensure a working radius at least 20 feet from power lines
• Failure to keep operator manuals and other documentation in the crane cab
• Failure to follow up on and address a deficiency noted during an inspection
• Failure to replace missing or damaged crane warning labels and decals

Dallas Construction Accident FAQ

All About Dallas

With 1.3 million residents and spanning an area of 385.8 square miles, Dallas is a large and diverse city that’s known for its stable economy and vibrant culture. Dallas is the seat of Dallas County and is the third largest city in Texas. The Dallas area is mostly flat, and the city was originally built at a crossing point on the Trinity River, where it was easier for wagons to get across. The climate is humid and subtropical, and with Dallas located in Tornado Alley, the area gets some extreme weather like thunderstorms, tornadoes, and hailstorms.

Because the city is so economically and culturally diverse, Dallas is a prime choice for businesses and individuals, both single and with families. Dallas is industrialized but has suburbs that appeal to those looking for a quieter lifestyle. There are also plenty of outdoor activities, famous art districts, highly rated restaurants, and more shopping centers per capita than any other city in the country. The Dallas Park System includes 397 parks that cover more than 20,000 acres of land. Popular attractions include the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, Perot Museum of Nature and Science, and Dallas World Aquarium.

Dallas is a part of an urbanized area known as the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, and this region is home to one-fourth of all Texans. There are also 22 Fortune 500 companies headquartered in the Metroplex, and with a major inland port, four railroads, and two airports, Dallas is an established transportation hub. The major industries in the area include financial services, defense, telecommunications, transportation, and information technology. The Dallas housing market is also consistent and has stayed strong through many of the country’s ups and downs.

Dallas, TX Resources

• OSHA Dallas Area Office
• Dallas City Hall
• Dallas-Fort Worth News
• Dallas Wikipedia Page
• Dallas Fire-Rescue
• Dallas Police Department

Our Dallas Construction Accident Lawyers Are Ready to Help: (888) 493-1629

If you need help after a construction accident, we're ready to help. Lost wages, medical bills, and any other damages might be recoverable after your accident. No one should have to suffer because of negligence, and we've stepped in to help workers just like you. In fact, our team has recovered billions of dollars for clients over the years. Whether you need help getting compensation from your small employer or are facing a giant company, we're ready to bring the fight required to help you move forward.

For your free consultation, give our Dallas injury attorneys a call at (888) 493-1629. We have the dedication required to fight for the answers you deserve.