Before filing a claim for an injury sustained on a construction site, it’s wise to understand who may be held accountable for causing the injury. Oftentimes, the construction industry exposes workers to dangerous conditions that escalate their susceptibility to being involved in a severe accident.
Depending on the circumstances, one of the following parties may be held responsible for an injury sustained on a construction site:
- Construction site owner
- General and sub-general contractors
- “Prime” contractors
- Architects and engineers
- Manufacturers of construction machinery or equipment
Construction Site Owner
A land owner’s liability is based on the amount of control he or she has over the construction site. If a landowner gives control of the property to a contractor during construction, the landowner may not be liable for injuries that ensue.
In this case, the person who possesses the land can be held liable for any injuries that occur on the property since they have a legal obligation to ensure the safety of all workers and other people invited onto the site.
General and Sub-General Contractors
Contractors are obligated to ensure that all workers are safe on the construction site. They also have a legal responsibility to provide warnings of any hazards or defects that may exist on the property.
Additionally, contractors are tasked with the duty of making sure that all work is performed safely and all inherent risks are made known to the workers.
“Prime” Contractors
Prime contractors are only held accountable for the work that is presented in their prime contract. Additionally, they are responsible for the work that they delegate to a sub-contractor, including payment and work quality.
Architects and Engineers
Architects must ensure that the projects or buildings they create are safe and practical. They may be held accountable for injuries that are caused as a result of neglecting to adhere to professional standards during a site’s design.
Manufacturers of Construction Machinery or Equipment
If an injury ensues due to a defective part or dangerous design, the manufacturers of the machinery or equipment may be held liable for damages.
If you’ve been injured in a construction accident, it’s critical that you receive the compensation you deserve. We want to see that you get it.
Contact Rancaño & Rancaño, APLC today by calling (916) 884-6554 or by filling out the online contact form with the details of your case to learn more about how we can help you.
