
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 Heights
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 Worker
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.
Workers’ Compensation and Third-Party Settlement for Insulator Apprentice
An 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.
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.
If you or a loved one has been injured on a construction site, Joye Law Firm is here to fight for you.