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    construction worker in South Carolina

    As a major shipping hub and enticing place to live and visit, Charleston  continues to grow. New developments constantly reshape the city, from commercial high-rises in Downtown to infrastructure projects along I-26 and residential expansions in West Ashley. Construction sites are everywhere. These projects create jobs and economic opportunity, but also come with serious risks.

    Construction sites, by their nature, are dangerous places. Risks like falls, heavy machinery mishaps, structural collapses, and electrical hazards can cause devastating injuries. If you or someone you love suffered injuries in a construction accident, you need a Charleston construction accident lawyer to help you obtain compensation for the injuries and financial losses you’ve endured.

    Whether you’re a construction worker hurt on-the-job or a bystander or site visitor injured due to someone else’s carelessness, our attorneys at Joye Law Firm can help. Since 1968, we’ve fought hard on behalf of injured clients throughout the Lowcountry. You can trust that we will do all we can to recover the money you need for medical bills, lost income, and long-term care. Contact us today for a free consultation.

    Construction Accidents in South Carolina and Charleston

    Construction remains one of the most dangerous industries in South Carolina. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), thousands of construction workers suffer serious injuries each year. In South Carolina alone, construction-related injuries and fatalities account for a significant portion of workplace accidents.

    Charleston County has seen multiple construction-related deaths and injuries in recent years. With major commercial and residential projects around North Charleston, Mount Pleasant, and West Ashley, more workers are exposed to the dangers of falls, equipment failures, and collapsing structures. In the most recent year of reporting, 112 construction workers died due to the injuries they suffered on the job in South Carolina.

    Types of Construction Accident Claims We Handle

    Construction accidents happen for many reasons, from improper safety measures to defective equipment. At Joye Law Firm, we handle cases involving all types of construction site injuries including:

    Falls from Heightsworker slip and fall injury

    Falls are one of the leading causes of serious construction site injuries. Workers rely on scaffolding, ladders, and rooftops to complete their jobs, and a single misstep or unstable platform can cause life-altering harm.

    • Scaffolding accidents: Poorly secured scaffolding can collapse, leaving workers with broken bones, spinal injuries, and head trauma.
    • Ladder falls: Defective or improperly placed ladders often result in serious falls.
    • Roofing accidents: Roofers work under dangerous conditions, and missing fall protection can lead to catastrophic injuries.
    • Elevator shaft incidents: Falls into open elevator shafts remain a serious hazard at high-rise construction sites.

    Equipment-Related Accidents

    Heavy machinery and power tools are essential for construction work, but they can also cause severe injuries if defective or improperly handled.

    • Crane accidents: Collapsing cranes or swinging loads can crush workers or cause fatal falls.
    • Forklift incidents: Forklifts tipping over or striking workers can lead to severe injuries.
    • Power tool injuries: Defective tools or improper training often lead to deep lacerations, amputations, and other serious harm.
    • Heavy machinery accidents: Bulldozers, excavators, and other large machines pose crushing hazards if not properly operated or maintained.
    • Auto accidents: Trucks and other vehicles regularly used on job sites can be just as dangerous as heavy machinery. Collisions, rollovers, or workers being struck by moving vehicles can cause life-threatening injuries or fatalities.

    Structural Failures

    When a structure collapses due to improper planning or negligence, workers suffer the consequences.

    • Building collapses: Structural instability, poor materials, and rushed construction schedules can cause buildings to fail.
    • Trench cave-ins: Workers in improperly secured trenches risk suffocation and crushing injuries.
    • Scaffolding failures: Poorly built or overloaded scaffolding can give way, leading to serious falls.
    • Support structure failures: Weak or defective support beams can cause catastrophic collapses.

    Other Common Construction Accidents

    Some construction site hazards don’t fit into a single category but still result in life-changing injuries.

    • Electrical accidents and electrocutions: Faulty wiring and exposed electrical lines cause severe burns and cardiac injuries.
    • Strikes by falling objects: Tools, materials, and debris falling from heights can cause brain injuries and fractures.
    • Chemical exposure: Hazardous materials can lead to respiratory damage, burns, and long-term health problems.
    • Fire and explosion incidents: Gas leaks, flammable materials, and welding sparks put workers at risk of deadly explosions.

    Our Proven Success in Handling Complex Construction Site Injury Cases

    Construction sites are inherently dangerous, and when safety protocols are ignored, the consequences can be life-altering. At Joye Law Firm, we’ve successfully fought for injured workers to receive the compensation they deserve. Here are two cases where our team made a difference for Charleston-area victims:

    $6 Million Verdict for Injured SCDOT WorkerMark Joye
    An inspector for the S.C. Department of Transportation was supervising road repairs on Interstate 526 when a work truck struck him. The accident caused catastrophic injuries, including crushed legs, a broken pelvis, and severe internal trauma. Despite accepting liability, the defendants only offered $3.5 million—far below what our client needed for his ongoing medical care and permanent disability. Attorney Mark Joye rejected the offer and took the case to trial. The jury awarded a $6 million verdict, recognizing the lifelong impact of our client’s injuries.

    Full Case Study

    Workers’ Compensation and Third-Party Settlement for Insulator Apprentice
    Milt Stratos Circle HeadshotAn insulator apprentice’s life was changed forever when a contractor made a reckless mistake on a job site. While working at the Google Data Center in Moncks Corner, a contractor operating a scissor lift struck her—violating safety procedures by controlling the lift from outside the unit. The impact caused severe shoulder and spine injuries.Matt Jackson Headshot

    Attorney Jackson obtained a $160,000 workers’ compensation settlement to cover Diane’s medical expenses and lost wages. Meanwhile, Attorney Stratos identified a key safety failure—non-functioning scissor lift alarms—that strengthened her third-party claim. As the pressure of the upcoming trial approached, the defense offered $1.1 million, which our client accepted. These combined settlements provided the victim with the financial resources to support her family, offering long-term stability despite her ongoing medical challenges.

    Full Case Study

    If you or a loved one has been injured on a construction site, Joye Law Firm is here to fight for you.

    Your Rights After a Construction Accident

    After getting hurt in a construction accident, you have legal rights. Injured workers can turn to the state workers’ compensation systems for medical benefits and, if necessary, partial or permanent disability payments. Non-workers injured at construction sites can seek financial relief for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages through a civil tort claim. While most injured employees are barred from filing a civil claim against their employer, there are situations where workers could qualify for a third-party claim. At Joye Law Firm, we can help you understand all of your options and help you pursue every available source of compensation.

    Workers’ Compensation Benefits

    South Carolina requires most employers to provide workers’ compensation insurance, which covers employees injured on the job. Workers’ comp provides benefits regardless of fault, meaning you don’t have to prove negligence to receive compensation.

    • Medical treatment coverage: Workers’ compensation should cover all necessary medical expenses related to the injury, including doctor visits, surgeries, rehabilitation, and prescription medication.
    • Partial Wage Replacement: If the injury prevents you from working for more than seven days, workers’ comp provides a portion of your paycheck, typically covering about two-thirds of your average weekly wage.
    • Disability benefits: If the injury leads to a permanent impairment, additional compensation may be available based on the severity of the disability.
    • Death benefits for families: If a construction worker loses their life in an accident, surviving family members may receive compensation for funeral expenses and lost financial support.

    Third-Party Liability Claims

    If you’re hurt while working at a construction site and someone other than your employer contributed to your accident, you may have the right to file a third-party claim for compensation in addition to your workers’ comp claim. Third-party personal injury claims hold negligent parties accountable beyond the workers’ comp system. Potential liable parties include:

    • Property owners: If unsafe property conditions contributed to the accident, the property owner may be responsible.
    • Equipment manufacturers: Defective tools, machinery, or safety equipment can lead to product liability claims.
    • Subcontractors: Construction sites often have multiple companies working together. If another subcontractor caused the accident, they may be liable.
    • Architects and engineers: Poor design, miscalculations, or structural failures may lead to professional liability claims.
    • Utility companies: If hazardous power lines, gas leaks, or other utility-related dangers caused the accident, the utility company may be held responsible.

    Third-party claims allow injured workers to seek compensation for pain and suffering, full lost wages, and other damages that workers’ compensation does not cover. If you believe another party played a role in your accident, our legal team at Joye Law Firm can investigate and determine whether a third-party claim is an option.

    How Our Charleston Construction Accident Attorneys Can Help

    Construction accident cases require a strong legal strategy to ensure you and your family receive full and fair compensation. At Joye Law Firm, our attorneys work tirelessly to hold negligent parties accountable. From investigating the accident scene to negotiating settlements and, when necessary, taking cases to court, we are committed to fighting for the compensation you need to move forward.

    Investigation Services

    Gathering strong evidence is critical in any construction accident case. Our legal team conducts in-depth investigations to determine what happened and who is responsible.

    • Accident scene documentation: Our team collects photos, videos, and site records to preserve key evidence before it disappears.
    • Witness interviews: Speaking with coworkers, supervisors, and bystanders helps establish what led to the accident.
    • Expert consultation: Safety experts, engineers, and medical professionals provide critical insights into construction site hazards and injury impact.
    • Evidence preservation: We obtain incident reports, safety violations, medical records, and other documentation to support your claim.

    Legal Strategy Development

    Each case requires a tailored legal approach to maximize compensation. Our attorneys analyze every detail to build the strongest possible claim.

    • Case evaluation: We assess all potential avenues for compensation, including workers’ compensation and third-party claims during a free case review. No appointments are required, our legal team is available 24/7 to take your call.
    • Liability determination: Identifying all responsible parties, including general contractors, subcontractors, property owners, and equipment manufacturers.
    • Damages assessment: Calculating medical costs, lost income, reduced earning potential, and other financial and personal losses.
    • Strategic planning: Developing a legal approach that positions your claim for the best possible outcome, whether through settlement negotiations or trial.

    Compensation Recovery

    Construction injuries can cause lasting financial and personal hardships. Depending on the type of claim you have, our attorneys fight to recover full compensation for:

    • Medical expenses: Coverage for emergency treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing care.
    • Lost wages and benefits: Compensation for missed work or paid time off (PTO) you were forced to use during recovery.
    • Pain and suffering: Financial relief for the impact of long-term pain and reduced quality of life.
    • Future care needs: Ensuring you receive compensation for medical treatment, therapy, and assistive devices needed down the road.
    • Loss of earning capacity: If the injury prevents returning to work at the same level, we pursue compensation for lost future earnings.

    When construction companies, insurance providers, or negligent third parties try to deny or reduce rightful claims, Joye Law Firm is prepared to push back and demand fair compensation.

    Construction Safety Regulations

    Strict safety regulations exist to protect construction workers and visitors from the dangers of a construction site. However, when employers, contractors, or site managers fail to follow these rules, innocent people pay the price. Federal and state laws establish safety standards. Sadly, violations remain a leading cause of construction injuries.

    OSHA Requirements

    The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets nationwide safety standards for construction sites. Employers must follow these rules to minimize hazards and prevent accidents. Some key OSHA requirements include:

    • Safety equipment standards: Employers must provide necessary protective gear, such as helmets, harnesses, gloves, and eye protection.
    • Training requirements: Workers must receive proper instruction on operating equipment, handling materials, and recognizing workplace hazards.
    • Inspection protocols: Job sites require regular safety inspections to identify and correct hazards before accidents occur.
    • Violation reporting: Workers have the right to report unsafe conditions without fear of retaliation from their employer.

    When construction companies cut corners to save time or money, workers suffer. OSHA violations often lead to preventable injuries, making the employer or contractor liable.

    South Carolina State Laws

    South Carolina has additional construction safety regulations that apply at the state level. These rules ensure compliance with both federal and local safety standards.

    • Local construction regulations: Charleston enforces specific safety rules for commercial and residential construction projects.
    • Permit requirements: Proper permits must be obtained before starting construction to ensure projects meet safety and zoning requirements.
    • Safety inspection standards: State and local agencies may conduct inspections to confirm compliance with workplace safety laws.
    • Reporting requirements: Employers must report workplace injuries and fatalities to state agencies within a designated timeframe.

    Joye Law Firm can review your situation and determine whether safety violations played a role in your injury.

    Why Joye Law Firm is the Right Choice

    Choosing the right legal team after a construction accident can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Since opening our doors in Charleston County in 1968, we’ve grown into a statewide presence with a national reputation for our attorneys’ leadership roles and for achieving record-breaking verdicts and settlements. However, we’ve never lost focus on what matters most – providing high-quality legal representation with caring, client service.  Our team understands the challenges construction accident victims face, and we are dedicated to providing the legal support you need to move forward.

    Experience and Knowledge

    Construction accident cases require a thorough understanding of job site safety laws, liability issues, and the tactics insurance companies use to minimize claims. Our attorneys have handled numerous construction-related cases, securing favorable outcomes for injured workers across South Carolina.

    Client-Focused Approach

    At Joye Law Firm, we put our clients first. We know how stressful it is to deal with medical bills, missing paychecks, and an uncertain future after a serious accident. That’s why we work closely with each client to provide personalized legal support.

    • Accessible attorneys: We take the time to answer your questions and keep you informed about your case. We strive to return all calls within one business day.
    • Regular case updates: You’ll always know where your case stands and what to expect next.
    • Clear communication: We break down legal matters in a way that’s easy to understand without confusing legal jargon.
    • No upfront legal fees: We don’t accept attorney fees unless we recover compensation or benefits for you.

    Construction accident cases demand dedicated legal representation that prioritizes injured workers’ needs. Our team is here to ensure you receive the full compensation you need.

    Contact Our Award-Winning Construction Accident Lawyers Now

    Joye Law Firm’s attorneys have been recognized for outstanding service in personal injury and workers’ compensation law. If you or someone dear to you suffered injuries in a construction accident, let us help you seek the financial relief you deserve. Call us today at (888) 324-3100 for a free consultation.

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