Albuquerque Construction Accident Attorneys

Construction sites contain numerous hazards. Controlling these hazards to prevent serious injuries is the responsibility of the company overseeing the worksite, which must make sure workers have what they need to safely perform tasks. Construction companies must also make sure people passing by the site are kept safe and secure.

When the proper safety measures aren’t taken, life-threatening injuries may occur. In this case, filing a personal injury or workers’ compensation claim can help accident victims recover from injuries. At Martinez, Hart, Sanchez & Romero, we help victims of construction accidents in Albuquerque and throughout New Mexico seek the fair compensation they are owed. If you believe you may have a case, reach out to our firm right away to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. Our bilingual staff can assist you in English or Spanish (se habla español). 

You can reach us onlineor by phone at (505) 806-1780. There is no cost in speaking to a member of our team, and we only collect legal fees if/when we win your case.

Why Construction Accidents Occur

Construction sites typically involve the use of heavy-duty equipment, including forklifts, backhoes, and lifts. If this equipment malfunctions, there is a high risk of crush injuries and other catastrophic occurrences. Falls are also a common hazard on worksites. Working on a roof or atop a ladder can lead to devastating injuries depending on the height of the fall.

Working from great heights also entail other risks, including the risk of dropping an object on the ground below. Even when workers are wearing hardhats, it may not be enough to prevent damage caused by a falling object. 

Other potential risks include respiratory diseases caused by inhalation of dust and fumes, overexertion, explosions, and collapse of scaffolding and other structures. 

Types of Construction Accident Injuries

Construction workers face numerous risks every day on the job. Due to the dangerous nature of the job, they tend to sustain severe or even catastrophic injuries when they are involved in construction site accidents. 

Some of the most common types of construction accident injuries include: 

People passing by construction sites are also at risk of being seriously injured when safety protocols are not followed or when accidents occur. Such parties may suffer injuries like those listed above and, like construction workers, may be similarly entitled to compensation for their related damages. 

Legal Remedies for Construction Accidents

Legal remedies vary depending on who the injured party is:

• Non-Workers: Non-workers injured when passing by construction sites can freely file personal injury claims alleging negligence. You may be able to bring a personal injury claim for acts of negligence at a construction site that cause injury, including damages for medical expenses, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, loss of household services, and lost wages.
• Construction Workers: Workers injured on construction sites typically file for worker’s compensation. In many instances, it’s not possible to file a personal injury suit against an employer for acts of negligence. However, if your employer caused you intentional harm or failed to have the proper worker’s compensation insurance (which is mandatory in New Mexico) you may be entitled to a personal injury claim against your employer.

If you are a construction worker who suffered a work-related injury or occupational disease, you do not need to prove that anyone—including your employer—was at fault to qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. However, if you are a construction worker or non-worker filing a third-party personal injury claim, you must establish liability. 

The liable party depends on the circumstances of the incident. Was a construction worker negligent, leading to your injury? Were there dangerous conditions present on the construction site, or did the contractor cut corners and fail to follow safety standards? By evaluating these and other factors, our Albuquerque construction accident attorneys are able to determine who is liable for your construction accident injuries and related damages.