Injured on a Construction Site? Get Legal Help Now
Cincinnati’s skyline is constantly changing, with new buildings, roadwork, and infrastructure projects shaping the city. From downtown developments to large-scale projects in Over-the-Rhine and the West End, construction sites are a common sight.
While these projects fuel economic growth, they also create hazardous work environments. Heavy machinery, unstable structures, and high elevations put workers and bystanders at risk of serious injuries. Construction accidents are far too prevalent in the city, leaving those injured with questions, rising medical bills, and lost wages.
If you've been hurt on a job site or lost a loved one due to unsafe working conditions, you may be entitled to financial compensation. A Cincinnati construction accident lawyer at O'Connor, Acciani & Levy can fight for the compensation you deserve. Our team has spent decades advocating for injured workers and their families, ensuring they receive the medical care and financial security they need. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Common Types of Cincinnati Construction Accidents
Construction workers and passersby encounter serious hazards every day. A minor oversight, faulty equipment, or a safety violation can lead to devastating consequences. Some of the most common construction accidents in Cincinnati include:
Falls from Heights
Scaffolding, ladders, and rooftops create dangerous fall risks, especially when proper safety gear isn't used. Workers in areas like The Banks development or Clifton’s ongoing renovations are at risk of falling due to unstable platforms or missing guardrails. Falls from heights often result in traumatic brain injuries, spinal damage, or even fatalities.
Struck-By Injuries
Objects falling from cranes, scaffolding, or unsecured loads can cause catastrophic injuries. Workers near the Brent Spence Bridge construction zone or other large projects face dangers from falling debris, swinging equipment, and vehicle collisions on job sites.
Caught-In/Between Accidents
Construction sites have countless moving parts, including heavy equipment, collapsing structures, and trenching operations. Workers can get trapped between machinery, inside collapsing trenches, or caught in malfunctioning equipment. These accidents often lead to crush injuries, amputations, or death.
Electrocution Incidents
Live power lines, faulty wiring, and ungrounded electrical systems pose life-threatening risks. Construction zones near downtown’s expanding commercial district often involve complex electrical work, increasing the chance of electrocution. These accidents can cause severe burns, nerve damage, or fatal shocks.
Machinery Malfunctions
Defective or poorly maintained machinery puts workers in danger. Forklifts, cranes, and backhoes can malfunction, leading to crushing injuries, amputations, or deadly collisions. A failure to follow proper lockout/tagout procedures or inadequate safety training can make these risks even worse.
Trench Collapses
Excavation work is necessary for many Cincinnati projects, from road expansions to underground utility repairs. When a trench lacks proper reinforcement, the walls can cave in, trapping workers under tons of soil and debris. Without quick rescue efforts, trench collapses often result in suffocation or fatal injuries.
Exposure to Toxic Substances
Construction workers are frequently exposed to hazardous chemicals, asbestos, and silica dust. Without proper protective equipment, long-term exposure can lead to respiratory illnesses, chemical burns, or chronic conditions like mesothelioma.
Your Rights After a Construction Accident
Construction accidents often leave injured workers and their families wondering how to cover medical bills and lost income. Ohio law provides multiple legal options for those harmed on a job site, including workers' compensation and third-party liability claims. Understanding these rights can help injured workers pursue the financial recovery they need.
Workers' Compensation Benefits
Ohio requires most employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance, which provides benefits to employees injured on the job. This system allows workers to receive medical treatment, partial wage replacement, and disability benefits without proving fault. However, workers' compensation does not cover all losses, such as pain and suffering.
Workers' compensation benefits may include:
- Coverage for medical expenses, including doctor visits, surgery, and rehabilitation
- Temporary or permanent disability payments based on the severity of the injury
- Vocational training if the injury prevents returning to the previous job
Although workers’ compensation provides financial relief, it limits the ability to sue an employer for additional damages. In some cases, pursuing a third-party claim may provide greater compensation.
Third-Party Liability Claims
While workers’ compensation prevents most lawsuits against an employer, other parties may be responsible for a construction accident. If a negligent subcontractor, equipment manufacturer, or property owner contributed to the injury, a third-party liability claim may be an option.
Third-party claims allow injured workers to seek compensation for:
- Pain and suffering
- Full lost wages, including future earning capacity
- Additional medical costs not covered by workers’ compensation
A lawyer can review the circumstances of an accident to determine whether a third-party claim is available.
Understanding the Difference Between Workers’ Compensation and Third-Party Claims
Workers' compensation provides benefits regardless of fault but offers limited coverage. A third-party lawsuit requires proving negligence but allows for greater financial recovery. Depending on the situation, an injured worker may be eligible for both types of claims.
Statute of Limitations for Filing Claims
Ohio law imposes strict deadlines on construction accident claims:
In most cases, workers' compensation claims must be filed within one year of the injury. Claims involving a worker’s death have two years to file.
Personal injury lawsuits against a third party must be filed within two years from the date of the accident.
Missing these deadlines can prevent an injured worker from securing compensation. Consulting a lawyer as soon as possible ensures that all claims are filed on time.
Why You Need a Construction Accident Attorney
Construction accident claims often involve multiple parties, industry regulations, and insurance companies that try to minimize payouts. Injured workers and their families may struggle to secure fair compensation without legal representation. A construction accident attorney can help by identifying liable parties, gathering evidence, and holding negligent companies accountable.
Handling Complex Liability Issues
Construction sites involve general contractors, subcontractors, property owners, equipment suppliers, and other third parties. When an accident occurs, determining liability requires an in-depth review of contracts, safety protocols, and industry standards. An attorney can investigate whether a third party’s negligence—such as unsafe work conditions or faulty equipment—played a role in the injury.
Identifying OSHA Violations
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) enforces workplace safety regulations to protect construction workers. If an employer, contractor, or site manager failed to follow OSHA standards, their negligence could be used as evidence in a claim. Common violations include:
- Lack of fall protection on scaffolding and rooftops
- Failure to provide protective gear for workers exposed to toxic substances
- Inadequate trench reinforcement, leading to collapses
- Poorly maintained equipment that results in malfunctions
An attorney familiar with OSHA violations can use safety reports and citations to strengthen a case.
Investigating Construction Industry Standards
Understanding how construction projects operate is essential for proving negligence. Attorneys experienced in handling construction accident cases work with industry professionals, engineers, and safety experts to identify preventable hazards that contributed to an injury. Whether a contractor ignored safety protocols or a manufacturer distributed defective machinery, a lawyer can pinpoint the cause of the accident.
A construction accident attorney ensures that responsible parties are held accountable and that injured workers pursue the full compensation they deserve.
Our Approach to Construction Accident Cases
At O’Connor, Acciani & Levy, we understand the devastating impact a construction accident can have on your health, finances, and future. Our legal team takes a strategic and thorough approach to securing maximum compensation for injured workers and their families. From the initial consultation to final case resolution, we fight for your rights every step of the way.
Free Initial Consultation
Every case starts with a free, no-obligation consultation. During this meeting, we listen to your story, review the details of your accident, and explain your legal options. Whether you are seeking workers’ compensation, a third-party claim, or both, we provide clear guidance on the next steps.
Thorough Investigation Process
Construction accidents often involve multiple parties, from general contractors to equipment manufacturers. Our team conducts a detailed investigation to identify all responsible parties by:
- Examining safety records and OSHA reports
- Reviewing witness statements and accident reports
- Gathering medical documentation to prove the extent of your injuries
- Analyzing worksite conditions and employer policies
By uncovering evidence of negligence, we build a strong case to support your claim.
Expert Witness Collaboration
Complex construction accident cases often require testimony from industry experts. We work with medical professionals, engineers, and workplace safety specialists to provide expert opinions on how the accident occurred and the long-term impact of your injuries.
Calculating Full Compensation Value
Insurance companies often try to settle claims quickly for less than what an injured worker needs. We carefully assess the total financial impact of your accident, including:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost income and reduced earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Costs associated with long-term rehabilitation and disability
By accurately calculating your damages, we ensure you pursue the compensation needed for long-term financial stability.
Negotiation and Litigation Strategies
Many construction accident cases settle through negotiations, but insurance companies don’t always offer fair compensation. If the at-fault party refuses to provide a reasonable settlement, we prepare to take the case to trial. Our attorneys are skilled litigators who fight aggressively for the best possible outcome.
At O’Connor, Acciani & Levy, we stand by injured workers throughout the legal process, ensuring they receive the justice and financial recovery they deserve.
About Our Cincinnati Construction Accident Legal Team
At O’Connor, Acciani & Levy, our legal team is dedicated to helping injured construction workers and their families recover the compensation they deserve. With decades of experience handling workplace injury claims, we understand the challenges that come with construction accidents and aggressively advocate for our clients' rights.
Attorney Credentials and Experience
Our firm has successfully handled numerous construction accident cases in Cincinnati and the surrounding areas, securing compensation for workers injured due to safety violations, faulty equipment, and negligent third parties. Our attorneys have extensive knowledge of Ohio workers’ compensation laws, OSHA regulations, and personal injury litigation, allowing us to build strong cases against at-fault parties.
Dedication to Workplace Safety
Construction workers risk serious injuries every day due to unsafe job conditions. We fight to hold negligent employers, contractors, and equipment manufacturers accountable, not only to help injured clients but also to encourage safer workplace practices throughout Cincinnati.
Community Involvement in Cincinnati
Beyond legal advocacy, our firm is committed to giving back to the community. We actively support local worker advocacy groups, labor unions, and safety organizations that promote better conditions for construction workers. Our attorneys participate in Cincinnati-based legal aid programs, ensuring that injured workers have access to legal resources regardless of their financial situation.
Awards and Recognition for Client Service
Our firm has earned numerous awards for excellence in personal injury law and outstanding client service. These recognitions reflect our commitment to fighting for injured workers and ensuring they receive the full compensation they need to rebuild their lives.
24/7 Availability and No-Fee Guarantee
Construction accidents can leave victims struggling with medical bills and lost wages. To ease this burden, our firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay legal fees unless we recover compensation for you. We also offer 24/7 availability, ensuring that clients can reach us whenever they need support or legal guidance.
Convenient Office Location and Service Areas
Our Cincinnati office is located in the heart of downtown, making it easy for injured workers and their families to meet with our legal team. We proudly serve clients throughout Hamilton County, Norwood, Covington, and nearby areas.
If you or a loved one suffered a construction accident injury, O’Connor, Acciani & Levy is ready to fight for your rights. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Cincinnati Construction Accident FAQs
Can I file a lawsuit if I receive workers’ compensation?
Yes, if a third party contributed to your accident, you may have grounds for a separate lawsuit.
What if my employer violated safety regulations?
If an employer willfully ignored safety rules, you may be eligible for additional compensation under Ohio’s workers’ compensation system.
How long does a construction accident case take?
The timeline varies depending on the complexity of the case, the severity of injuries, and whether a settlement is reached.
What if I was injured as a bystander near a construction site?
Non-workers injured due to unsafe construction conditions may file personal injury claims against negligent parties.
How much does it cost to hire a construction accident lawyer?
Our firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay legal fees unless we recover compensation for you.
Contact Our Cincinnati Construction Accident Lawyers Today
If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a construction accident, O’Connor, Acciani & Levy is ready to fight for your rights. Our legal team has received numerous honors for outstanding client advocacy and legal service. Contact us today at 513-241-7111 for a free consultation to discuss your case.
