Albuquerque Construction Accident Lawyer

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). 

In addition to general construction accident claims, our firm represents clients injured in more specific types of construction incidents, including:

• Crane Accidents – Crane collapses, dropped loads, and rigging failures can cause catastrophic injuries to workers and bystanders alike.
• Forklift Accidents – Forklift tip-overs, collisions, and improper training frequently lead to serious crush injuries on job sites.
• Welding Accidents – Burns, eye injuries, and explosions caused by improper welding safety protocols are a significant risk on many construction sites.

You can reach us online or by phone at (505) 806-1780. There is no cost in speaking to our Albuquerque construction accident lawyers, and we only collect legal fees if/when we win your case.

Common Causes of Construction Site Accidents

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 entails 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. 

OSHA Standards and Construction Site Safety in New Mexico

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets minimum safety requirements for construction sites across the country, covering everything from fall protection and scaffolding to trenching, electrical hazards, and personal protective equipment. In New Mexico, construction employers are expected to comply with these federal standards, and violations often play a central role in establishing liability after an accident.

When we investigate a construction accident, we look closely at whether the site was in compliance with applicable safety regulations, including:

• Fall protection systems on elevated work areas
• Proper scaffolding erection and inspection
• Trenching and excavation shoring requirements
• Equipment maintenance and inspection logs
• Hazard communication for toxic substances and fumes
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements

A documented OSHA violation doesn't automatically win a case, but it can be powerful evidence that a contractor or site owner failed to meet the standard of care owed to workers and visitors alike. Our attorneys know how to obtain and interpret OSHA citations, incident reports, and inspection records to build a strong claim.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Construction Accident?

Construction sites often involve multiple companies working together — a general contractor, several subcontractors, equipment rental companies, and material suppliers. When an accident happens, determining who is legally responsible requires untangling these overlapping relationships. Depending on the facts of your case, liability may fall on one or more of the following parties:

• General contractors, who are typically responsible for overall site safety
• Subcontractors, if their workers' negligence caused or contributed to the accident
• Property owners, if unsafe conditions existed on land they controlled
• Equipment manufacturers, if a defective crane, lift, scaffold, or power tool caused the injury
• Architects and engineers, if a design flaw contributed to a structural failure
• Third-party companies, such as delivery drivers or utility crews working near the site

Because construction accident claims frequently involve more than one at-fault party, it's important to have an attorney who can identify every viable source of compensation — not just the most obvious one.