Construction Accident Attorneys

An Unmatched Legal Team Fighting for Construction Accident Victims in the Southwest

Working in the construction industry is inherently risky. Workers are often required to use heavy machinery, handle hazardous materials, and operate at great heights with minimal margin for error. These factors, coupled with the often fast-paced and high-pressure environment of construction sites, create an environment that is particularly prone to accidents and injuries.

If you have been injured while working at a construction site, you may be entitled to compensation, and our compassionate team at Buckingham & Vega Law Firm can help. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, including what specifically caused your injuries and why, you may be able to successfully pursue a workers’ compensation claim, a personal injury claim, or both. Our construction accident lawyers can help you understand your legal options and provide the capable, results-driven representation you deserve. We have decades of experience and a winning track record, so you can trust your case is in good hands. We represent clients in Albuquerque, Las Cruces, Farmington, and beyond.

Contact us online or call (505) 388-0066 to schedule a free initial consultation today. If we choose to take your case, you owe us nothing unless we win.

Have You Been Injured?

We Are Ready to Passionately Advocate For Your Rights

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Our Results Make a Difference

Explore How We Have Helped Our Clients

13 Million Work Injury
Buckingham & Vega represented an oilfield worker who was killed when their company failed to properly train its employees on how to safely move waste bins. Our client was killed when he became trapped between two bins.
$5 Million Catastrophic Amputation
We represented a worker who was injured due to the negligence of his company. A forklift operator failed to keep a proper lookout as the company failed to properly train the operator in how to safely operate the forklift.
$3.25 Million Construction Accident
We obtained a $3.25 million result on behalf of an individual who was injured after a construction site scaffold failure.
$3 Million+ Construction Accident
Our team obtained a $3 million+ construction accident settlement on behalf of a client who was injured at work.

View All Results

Common Causes of Construction Accidents

Proper training, the use of safety equipment, and adhering to all safety regulations can help reduce the possibility of construction accidents. Still, accidents can and do happen for a variety of reasons. Our extensive experience in handling construction accident cases has given us a deep understanding of what can cause these unfortunate incidents. Our construction accident attorneys have seen firsthand the devastation caused by falls, structural collapses, electrocutions, and exposure to hazardous materials, among other hazards. This insight is invaluable in our advocacy. It informs our approach to each case, enabling us to ask the right questions, identify crucial evidence, and determine what legal avenues of recovering compensation are available.

Many construction accidents are caused by:

Falls. Falls can occur from scaffolding, ladders, roofs, or any elevated platform. They are often caused by unsafe working conditions, a lack of proper safety equipment, or inadequate training.
Structural collapses. Trenches, scaffolding, walls, or ceilings can collapse unexpectedly, trapping and injuring workers. These accidents can be the result of flawed design, shoddy workmanship, or failure to follow safety regulations.
Electrocutions. Construction sites are filled with electrical hazards, from overhead power lines to poorly insulated wiring and equipment. Accidental contact can cause severe burns, cardiac arrest, and even death.
Caught-in or caught-between incidents. Workers can get caught in or crushed by equipment, structures, or materials. A lack of safety guards on machines, unsafe debris disposal, and inadequate training are often to blame for these accidents.
Struck by objects. Falling tools, swinging loads, and flying debris can all pose a significant risk. Hard hats can offer some protection, but prevention is paramount.
Exposure to hazardous materials. Construction workers frequently handle toxic materials, which can lead to harmful exposure if proper safety measures are not followed.
Tool and equipment misuse. Improper use or maintenance of tools and heavy machinery can lead to serious accidents.
Overexertion and repetitive movements. The physical demands of construction work can lead to injuries from overexertion, such as sprains, strains, and tears. Repetitive motions can also result in long-term conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or tendonitis.
Vehicle accidents. Construction sites often involve the use of heavy vehicles. Accidents can occur due to operator error, mechanical failure, or inadequate training.
Fires and explosions. Construction sites may store flammable materials or contain potential ignition sources. Fires and explosions can cause severe injuries or fatalities.
Lack of communication. Inadequate communication can lead to misunderstandings that lead to accidents. Clear and concise communication about safety protocols is essential.
Inadequate safety gear. Substandard safety equipment that does not sufficiently protect the workers from reasonably anticipatable risks can lead to more serious injuries in the event of an accident.

Common Construction Accident Injuries

Common construction accident injuries can range from minor to severe and may even be life-threatening. Remember, if you have suffered any type of injury or illness because of your employment at a construction site, you should discuss your case with our construction accident lawyers as soon as possible.

Construction accidents can cause many types of injuries, including:

Fractures and broken bones. Falls, being struck by objects, or being caught in or between equipment can lead to fractures or broken bones. These can range from hairline fractures to compound fractures that may require surgery and extensive rehabilitation.
Head injuries. Given the nature of construction work, head injuries are all too common. They can result from falls, flying debris, or being struck by falling objects. In severe cases, these can lead to traumatic brain injuries, which can have long-term or even permanent effects on cognitive and motor functions.
Spinal cord injuries. These can occur due to falls from great heights or accidents involving heavy machinery. Depending on the location and severity of the injury, it can lead to partial or complete paralysis, potentially causing permanent disability.
Burn injuries. Fires, explosions, or exposure to hazardous chemicals can cause burn injuries. The severity of these burns can range from relatively mild first-degree burns to third-degree burns requiring skin grafts and other comprehensive treatments.
Eye injuries. Construction workers are often exposed to dust, debris, chemicals, and intense light, all of which can cause eye injuries. These can lead to temporary or permanent vision loss if not appropriately treated.
Hearing loss. Constant exposure to high levels of noise can lead to hearing loss over time. This is a common long-term injury among construction workers and can greatly affect their quality of life.
Respiratory diseases. Exposure to dust, fumes, and other hazardous substances can lead to respiratory problems, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asbestosis, or even lung cancer.

Do I Have a Workers’ Compensation or Personal Injury Case?

In the aftermath of a construction accident, you are not just dealing with the physical pain that comes with your injuries: You are also probably wondering how you will cover your medical expenses and lost income due to missed work. Fortunately, injured construction workers generally have one or more means of obtaining compensation for these (and sometimes other) losses. You may likely be able to file a workers’ compensation claim or a personal injury claim, or in some cases, both.

Determining whether you have a workers' compensation or personal injury case following a construction accident can be complex and largely depends on the specifics of your situation. While both these routes can provide compensation for your injuries, there are key differences between them that influence the course of action you can take.

Workers’ compensation is a form of insurance that most employers in the United States are required to carry. It is designed to cover medical expenses and a portion of lost income for workers who get injured on the job, regardless of fault. If you have been injured in a construction accident while you were on the clock, you may be able to file a workers' compensation claim. Eligibility requirements vary by state, but this process typically involves reporting the injury to your employer, seeing a doctor, and submitting a claim that proves the link between your injury and your job. However, note that obtaining workers' compensation benefits often precludes you from suing your employer for additional damages. In fact, you may not have the legal right to sue your employer to begin with if they carry workers’ compensation insurance, with some exceptions.

A personal injury claim requires proving negligence but gives you the right to sue for damages beyond medical costs and lost wages. This includes compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and other non-economic damages, which are not covered by workers' compensation. In cases involving construction accidents, you may only be able to successfully file a personal injury claim if the incident was caused by a third party – someone other than your employer or a co-worker.

These cases can be complicated, which is why it is always in your best interest to consult a knowledgeable legal professional. Our construction accident attorneys are prepared to assist with both workers’ compensation claims and personal injury claims. We can help evaluate the circumstances of your accident and advise you on the best path forward. Our goal is to help you recover maximum compensation.

Do not wait to discuss your legal options with our team at Buckingham & Vega Law Firm. Call (505) 388-0066 or contact us online to get started.

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