Construction sites are among the most dangerous workplaces in Southern California. With heavy machinery, elevated work areas, and multiple contractors operating simultaneously, even a moment of carelessness can result in a devastating injury. If you’ve been hurt on the job, workers’ compensation may not be your only option—you may also be entitled to pursue a third-party personal injury claim, which can provide significantly more compensation.
At Law Offices of Michael A. Kahn, we help injured construction workers hold negligent third parties accountable, so they can recover the full compensation they need to heal and move forward.
Why Workers’ Comp Isn’t Always Enough
California workers’ compensation benefits cover:
- Medical expenses
- Partial wage replacement
- Temporary or permanent disability benefits
While helpful, workers’ comp does not cover pain and suffering, emotional distress, or full wage loss—and it doesn’t allow you to sue your employer in most cases.
That’s where third-party claims come in.
What Is a Third-Party Construction Accident Claim?
A third-party claim is a personal injury lawsuit filed against someone other than your employer whose negligence contributed to your injury. On a busy jobsite, that could include:
- Subcontractors from another company
- Equipment manufacturers of faulty tools or machinery
- Property owners who failed to maintain a safe site
- Architects or engineers who created unsafe designs
- Delivery drivers or vendors who caused on-site accidents
These parties are not protected by workers’ comp laws and can be held liable for damages just like in any other personal injury case.
Real-World Examples of Third-Party Liability
- A crane operator employed by another company drops materials onto a worker
- A defective ladder collapses, causing a fall
- A general contractor fails to cordon off a hazardous trench, leading to injury
- An architect’s flawed blueprint results in structural instability
In each of these cases, the injured worker can pursue a claim against the negligent third party in addition to receiving workers’ comp.
What Can You Recover in a Third-Party Claim?
Unlike workers’ comp, a third-party lawsuit allows you to pursue full damages, including:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Punitive damages (in cases of gross negligence)
This often results in a significantly higher financial recovery than workers’ comp alone.
Don’t Wait—The Clock Is Ticking
The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in California is generally two years from the date of the accident. That may sound like a long time, but investigating a construction accident takes work. Evidence can disappear, witness memories fade, and site conditions change rapidly.
That’s why it’s critical to contact a knowledgeable construction accident attorney as soon as possible. At Law Offices of Michael A. Kahn, we conduct prompt, thorough investigations and preserve the evidence needed to build a strong case on your behalf.
How Law Offices of Michael A. Kahn Can Help
Our legal team has extensive experience representing injured construction workers in complex third-party claims. We know how to:
- Identify all potentially liable parties
- Gather and preserve critical evidence
- Work with industry experts to prove negligence
- Maximize your compensation while coordinating with workers’ comp benefits
You’ve already suffered enough on the job—don’t let insurance companies or negligent contractors shortchange your recovery.
If you’ve been injured on a construction site in Southern California, call (310) 209-1600 today for a free consultation. We’ll help you understand your rights and pursue every possible avenue for compensation.
