Construction Accident Attorneys in San Antonio

Construction Hazards in San Antonio, TX

San Antonio is one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States. With that growth comes nonstop construction. From large-scale residential developments on the city’s outskirts to high-rise buildings downtown, construction crews work around the clock to meet demand. Roadway projects along I-35, Loop 1604, and Highway 281 bring additional dangers, especially when workers operate near heavy traffic without adequate protections. 

The city’s diverse job sites include both public and private developments, often located near historic neighborhoods or busy commercial areas. Workers must remain alert in fast-changing environments where heavy machinery, large equipment, and shifting weather conditions are daily realities. Unpredictable factors, such as sudden downpours in spring or extreme summer heat, can complicate safety on San Antonio construction sites. Developers who fast-track projects may skip steps in planning or risk management, which raises the chance of accidents.

In every direction, there’s activity—pouring concrete, trenching, hoisting steel, and laying utilities.

Unfortunately, the pace of development often comes at a cost.

When contractors rush to meet deadlines or cut corners on safety, the risk of serious injuries rises quickly. Workers may face hazards from untrained subcontractors, malfunctioning equipment, missing protective gear, or unstable scaffolding. In some cases, crews lack oversight or safety protocols required under state and federal law. 

These failures are more than technical violations—they create life-threatening dangers. Our construction accident lawyers in San Antonio know the local job sites, understand the dangers, and hold companies accountable when workers get hurt. Whether the incident happened on a highway project, in a downtown commercial build, or during residential development in the city's south side, our team is ready to help you find answers and seek compensation.

What Are the Most Common Construction Accidents?

San Antonio’s changing skyline means many workers must work at significant heights, making falls—even more deadly here—an ever-present risk. Commercial zones like the Medical Center, downtown, and fast-growing suburbs often require crews to use scaffolding or unfinished structures where fall protection is essential. As deadlines tighten, some employers skip safety checks, leaving workers exposed to preventable accidents.

OSHA research shows that most fatalities at American construction sites come from four main hazards. These causes—the “Fatal Four" or the "Focus Four”—accounted for 65% of construction fatalities from 2011 to 2021.

In 2021, the following Fatal Four hazards caused:

• Falls (37% of fatalities)
• Struck by Object (8% of fatalities)
• Electrocutions (8% of fatalities)
• Caught-In/Between (5% of fatalities)

Construction deaths can be avoided when worksites address these hazards. Following OSHA rules for fall protection, electrical grounding, equipment guarding, and lockout-tagout lowers risks and protects people from harm. Unfortunately, some employers in San Antonio and beyond cut corners for profit, hoping they won't be held responsible.

How Are San Antonio Construction Workers Injured?

The Fatal Four only preview the most common hazards. In San Antonio, construction accidents happen in many ways, and though not always fatal, they often cause severe injuries. Common construction accidents include:

Many of these incidents result from negligence or weak safety measures by employers. Companies must keep machinery well-maintained, train employees properly, and review safety protocols regularly. Failing to do this not only harms workers but can have legal and financial consequences.

Across projects near San Antonio hotspots like the River Walk, North Side, and Stone Oak, workers often face language barriers, changing building codes, and less supervision during peak seasons. These challenges can make it harder for crews to receive clear safety instructions or hazard training, increasing the chance of injury. In neighborhoods where development moves fast, temporary contractors or day laborers without protective gear can face even greater risks.

Weather also matters. Storms, heat, and lightning raise the risk on construction sites. Employers should plan for these factors by providing equipment and adjusting schedules based on local weather patterns. When companies address external dangers with real action, injuries decline.

Preparation helps reduce the chance of accidents and injuries for every construction worker on the job.

Who Can Be Held Responsible in a Construction Accident?

Many people think only the construction company is liable for an accident, but several parties might be responsible. In San Antonio, liability can include general contractors, subcontractors, property owners, equipment manufacturers, and third-party vendors. Most projects rely on multiple companies working together, increasing the chance that safety duties or communication fall short.

If a property owner leaves the premises unsafe or a manufacturer supplies faulty machinery, either may face legal action. In large, multi-phase builds common to downtown San Antonio, new contractors rotate through the project, creating evolving safety conditions. Our firm investigates every angle to identify all sources of liability so clients have a clear path to pursue compensation from every party that played a part in their injury or loss.

Texas law may hold several parties accountable to ensure companies and outside vendors uphold workplace safety. Pursuing claims against the appropriate party often requires quick action, as evidence and witnesses can disappear fast on busy sites. Determining who may be at fault is key to holding companies accountable and recovering full compensation after a San Antonio construction accident or death.

Some of our San Antonio construction accident firm's recent filings include:

• Wrongful Death Suit Filed After Fatal Scaffolding Accident
• Suit Filed for Truck Driver Electrocuted at Construction Site
• Representing Worker Injured by Unsafe Construction Practices
• Suit Filed for Construction Worker Injured on Highway
• Representing Widow Whose Husband Was Killed in Forklift Accident

What Steps Should You Take After a Construction Accident?

After a construction accident in San Antonio, move fast to protect your health and your rights. Get treated first—then make sure the evidence doesn't disappear and that you don't say anything insurers can twist against you.

Do this right away:

• Call 911 and get medical care. Let EMS evaluate you and go to the ER if advised. Follow up with your doctor and keep all records, bills, imaging reports, and notices of work restrictions. 
• Report the accident promptly. Notify your supervisor or manager in writing. Ask for a copy of any incident report and the names of everyone notified.
• Document the scene. If it's safe, take photos and/or video of the location, tools, equipment, PPE, scaffolds or ladders, guardrails, signage, and any defects or debris. Note weather, lighting, and time.
• Identify witnesses and companies on site. Get names, phone numbers, and the roles of subcontractors, general contractor, safety personnel, and equipment rental vendors, if applicable.
• Preserve critical evidence. Save damaged PPE, clothing, and tools. Ask that equipment involved (lifts, cranes, saws, forklifts, etc.) be secured and not altered until inspected.
• Do not give a recorded statement to any insurer or employer representative before you understand your rights. Politely decline until you've spoken with counsel. 
• Confirm your employer's coverage. Texas allows employers to opt out of workers' compensation as “non-subscribers.” Ask in writing whether they carry workers' comp and request the carrier/claim number if they do. 
• Track all losses. Keep a detailed log of missed work, mileage and travel costs to and from medical appointments, prescriptions, home help, and out-of-pocket costs.
• Call a San Antonio construction accident lawyer. An attorney can send preservation letters, investigate safety violations, and pursue third-party claims against negligent contractors, manufacturers, or property owners. 

San Antonio courts and Texas law have strict deadlines, and construction firms move quickly after a serious incident to try to limit their liability. When you contact Arnold & Itkin, we act immediately to preserve evidence, conduct an investigation, and build the strongest possible case—so you can focus on healing while we fight for what you're owed.

“They never turn their back on you and never give you any false information. That's exactly what Arnold & Itkin did.” 

- Valiery, wife of work accident survivor

Construction Accident Claims & Lawsuits in San Antonio

In San Antonio, construction workers face unique challenges when seeking compensation for a serious injury. Unlike most states, Texas does not require private employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance. That means injured workers here might have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit directly against employers who opt out of the system—or when employer negligence contributed to an incident.

Filing a lawsuit against an employer can provide access to significantly broader compensation than what’s available under traditional workers’ comp. Instead of being limited to medical bills and a portion of lost wages, an injured worker can pursue damages for pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of future earning capacity, and more.

Even when an employer does carry workers’ comp, injured construction workers may still be able to file a third-party liability claim. These claims target negligent parties other than the employer—such as subcontractors, equipment manufacturers, property owners, or general contractors. For example, if a defective scissor lift fails, the manufacturer may be liable. If a subcontractor fails to follow safety procedures, causing an injury, they may be held accountable.

A successful construction accident case may include compensation for:

Pursuing claims in San Antonio requires deep knowledge of state laws, the construction industry, and the state’s employer opt-out provisions. Our San Antonio personal injury attorneys move quickly to investigate the accident, preserve evidence, and identify all responsible parties. 

With so many major construction employers around San Antonio, including companies on roads, commercial projects, and schools, holding all parties involved requires a smart approach and timely response. Our team stays on top of changing regulations and local rules that can affect claims, especially in cases of wrongful death or catastrophic injury on major builds. We make sure clients know every available option and likely outcome before making a decision.

When your ability to earn a living is at risk, we fight to make sure you're not left paying the price.

Preventative Measures & Worker Rights

San Antonio’s rapid growth drives major development projects, from revitalizing downtown to expanding infrastructure around Loop 1604 and the Pearl District. As the city grows, demand increases on construction workers, creating complex job sites with multiple contractors and tight deadlines. This environment raises the risk of accidents, making skilled legal representation by a knowledgeable construction accident lawyer in San Antonio essential.

OSHA was established in 1971 to hold employers accountable when they fail to implement proper safety standards at their workplaces. So far, the organization has managed to lower the daily death rate of workers from 38 to 14. However, with about 1,850 inspectors designated to watch over 8 million worksites, employers that do not value safety often slip through the cracks of the system. They must be held accountable for the sake of their current and future employees.

Employers in San Antonio should create safety programs that include regular training on hazard recognition and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Effective programs teach workers about the risks of different tasks and their rights to refuse unsafe work. Training should address local hazards like heat illness and severe weather. Companies should improve communication, offering materials in different languages as needed. 

Employers must do more than just put protocols in place—they should ensure every worker follows them. All employees can report unsafe conditions to OSHA or a regulatory body without fear of losing their jobs. Protecting these rights matters, and at Arnold & Itkin, we advocate for construction workers in San Antonio and nationwide in the face of unsafe workplaces, work injuries, and retaliation. 

Our construction accident lawyers in San Antonio remain committed to empowering workers by holding negligent employers accountable, working to make local job sites safer for everyone.

Fighting for Injured San Antonio Construction Workers. No Matter What.

The construction workforce keeps San Antonio growing—from new schools in Alamo Heights to highways in South Texas. When tragedy strikes, you deserve advocates who understand the unique local challenges and bring a proven record of success to the table. At Arnold & Itkin, we fight for what’s right. Our construction accident lawyers in San Antonio work tirelessly to help every client know their rights under Texas law and feel supported throughout the legal process, no matter how tough the fight. This approach is how we've won more than $20 billion for the injured.

Don’t let a construction injury destroy your future. Call (855) 705-1863 to learn more about how Arnold & Itkin can help you!