From new Inner Harbor developments to highway upgrades along I-695, construction continues to shape Baltimore’s future. But when safety rules are ignored, these sites can become dangerous places where serious injuries occur. If you were hurt while working on a construction site in Maryland, you may now be dealing with pain, medical expenses, and uncertainty about your job.
A Baltimore construction accident lawyer at Furman Honick Law can explain your options and protect your rights. Our attorneys focus on construction injury cases throughout Maryland and know how to identify every potential source of compensation. Call (410) 406-7890 today for a free consultation and learn how we can help you move forward with confidence.
Key Takeaways About Baltimore Construction Accident Cases
- A construction site injury in Maryland may give rise to claims beyond workers' compensation, including personal injury lawsuits against negligent third parties.
- Identifying all liable parties, such as general contractors, subcontractors, property owners, or equipment manufacturers, is a detailed process that a knowledgeable attorney undertakes.
- Federal OSHA regulations and state-specific safety standards create legal duties that, if violated, can serve as strong evidence of negligence in your case.
- Preserving evidence from the worksite, including witness statements and equipment, is an immediate priority, and legal intervention can prevent it from being lost.
- Workers' compensation generally prohibits suing your direct employer, but a third-party claim can open pathways to compensation for pain and suffering.
How Furman Honick Law Fights for Injured Construction Workers
After a worksite injury, you may face confusing rules about workers’ compensation and possible third-party claims. The Baltimore construction accident lawyers at Furman Honick Law step in to protect your rights, manage the legal process, and pursue full financial recovery under Maryland law.
We begin with a detailed, independent investigation. Instead of accepting your employer’s explanation, we examine the facts ourselves and act quickly to preserve evidence such as safety records, maintenance logs, and surveillance footage.
Our attorneys review contracts between general contractors, subcontractors, and property owners to identify where safety responsibilities were ignored. These documents often reveal how the unsafe conditions developed.
We handle all communication with insurance companies and know how to counter their efforts to minimize your claim.
Every case we build is based on solid evidence, deep legal insight, and a clear understanding of Maryland law. Our focus is on achieving the strongest possible outcome and holding those responsible accountable.
Common Causes of Construction Accidents in Baltimore
Construction sites are inherently hazardous environments, but many injuries are not just part of the job. They are the direct result of negligence and safety failures. Federal agencies like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) set standards designed to prevent these very incidents.
A Baltimore construction accident lawyer will determine what caused your injury, often by uncovering a violation of established safety rules. Some of the most frequent causes of construction site injuries in the Baltimore area include:
- Falls from heights, including from scaffolding, ladders, or roofs.
- Trench collapses and excavation accidents.
- Electrocutions from contact with live wires or faulty equipment.
- Struck-by incidents involving falling objects or moving vehicles.
- Equipment malfunctions and crane accidents.
Identifying the specific failure that led to your injury is the first step in determining who can be held legally responsible for the harm you have suffered.
Determining Liability in a Maryland Construction Accident Case
A construction site is a dynamic environment with many different companies and individuals working at the same time. This creates a complex web of potential liability that extends beyond your direct employer.
Who May Be Held Liable for a Baltimore Construction Injury?
While your employer is generally responsible for workers' compensation benefits, a personal injury lawsuit may be possible against other negligent parties on the site. Your Baltimore construction accident lawyer will work to identify all who may share responsibility. This investigation may reveal that several parties contributed to the unsafe conditions.
- The general contractor for overall site safety failures.
- Subcontractors for the negligence of their employees.
- The property owner for hazardous conditions on their land.
- Engineers or architects for design flaws.
- Manufacturers of defective tools or equipment.
Holding these third parties accountable in a personal injury claim allows you to pursue compensation, like for pain and suffering, that is not available through workers' compensation alone.
The Role of OSHA and Other Safety Regulations
OSHA provides detailed regulations for the construction industry, covering everything from fall protection to electrical safety. The agency's page on Commonly Used Statistics highlights how frequently serious injuries occur.
When an employer or contractor violates an OSHA standard and that violation leads to an injury, it can be used as powerful evidence of negligence in a Maryland personal injury case. A lawyer experienced with these regulations can effectively use them to strengthen your claim.
Workers' Compensation vs. Third-Party Personal Injury Claims
After a Baltimore construction accident, you generally have two potential avenues for financial recovery: a workers' compensation claim and a third-party personal injury lawsuit. They are separate processes with different rules and potential outcomes.
Understanding Your Workers' Compensation Claim in Maryland
Workers’ compensation in Maryland operates under a no-fault system, meaning you don’t have to prove your employer was negligent to qualify for benefits. These benefits generally cover your medical expenses and a portion of your lost wages.
However, because the system is designed as an exclusive remedy, you typically cannot file a lawsuit against your direct employer for the injury. Claims are handled through the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission.
The Power of a Third-Party Personal Injury Lawsuit
If your injury was caused by the negligence of someone other than your employer or a co-worker, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against that party. This is where a Baltimore construction injury lawyer can provide significant value.
A successful third-party claim allows you to pursue damages not available in workers' comp, including the full amount of your lost wages and compensation for your pain and suffering.
Steps to Take After a Baltimore Construction Site Accident
The actions you take in the hours and days after a worksite injury can have a major impact on your health and your ability to file a successful claim.
Report the Injury and Seek Medical Care Immediately
Report your injury to your supervisor as soon as possible. Delaying a report can give your employer or their insurer an opportunity to argue that the injury didn't happen at work.
Then, seek medical attention right away. Go to an emergency room or see a doctor, and be sure to explain exactly how you were injured on the job. This starts the medical record that will be the foundation of your case.
Document the Scene and Gather Information After the Incident
If you are able, take pictures or videos of the accident scene with your phone. Pay attention to any equipment involved, the location of the incident, and any visible safety hazards.
Get the names and contact information of any witnesses. This evidence can disappear quickly on an active construction site, so preserving it is a priority.
Avoid giving a formal recorded statement to any insurance adjuster until you have spoken with a Baltimore construction accident lawyer.
Potential Compensation in a Baltimore Construction Accident Claim
A serious construction injury can result in substantial financial and personal losses. A legal claim seeks to provide the resources you may need to address these challenges.
What Types of Compensation May Be Available in a Baltimore Construction Accident Case?
Your Baltimore construction accident lawyer will help you pursue compensation for the full scope of your losses. Depending on whether you have a workers' compensation claim, a third-party lawsuit, or both, you may be able to seek different types of financial recovery. A comprehensive legal strategy addresses all potential avenues for compensation.
- All related medical bills and future medical needs.
- Full compensation for lost wages and diminished earning capacity.
- Compensation for physical pain and suffering.
- Damages for emotional distress and mental anguish.
- Compensation for permanent disability or disfigurement.
Successfully claiming these damages requires a thorough valuation of your case, often with input from medical and economic professionals to project future costs.
3 Important Legal Rules on Compensation in Maryland
Maryland has specific laws that affect how much compensation you can recover after a construction accident and how long you have to take legal action. Understanding these rules helps you make informed decisions about your case.
1. Maryland's Non-Economic Damage Cap
Maryland law sets a limit on non-economic damages, which cover pain, suffering, emotional distress, and similar personal losses. This cap is outlined in Maryland Code, Courts and Judicial Proceedings § 11-108.
The amount changes slightly each year to reflect inflation. While this rule does not restrict payment for medical costs or lost income, it can influence the total value of a personal injury claim.
2. Contributory Negligence in Maryland
Maryland follows a contributory negligence rule, one of the strictest standards in the country. If you are found even slightly responsible for the accident, you may not recover compensation in a personal injury lawsuit.
Insurance companies often rely on this rule to deny claims. A Baltimore construction accident lawyer can use evidence, witness accounts, and expert opinions to show that the other party was entirely at fault.
3. Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Claims in Maryland
There is also a time limit for taking legal action. Most personal injury lawsuits in Maryland must be filed within three years of the date of the accident, as stated in Maryland Code, Courts and Judicial Proceedings § 5-101.
Missing this deadline can prevent you from pursuing your claim. Some cases, such as those involving government entities, have shorter notice requirements, so it is best to speak with an attorney as soon as possible after an injury.
Maryland’s compensation rules influence every part of a construction accident claim, including how damages are calculated and whether you are eligible for recovery. A knowledgeable construction accident attorney in Baltimore can guide you through these rules, protect your rights, and pursue the full amount of compensation the law allows.
FAQs for Baltimore Construction Accident Lawyers
What is the difference between a workers' comp claim and a third-party lawsuit?
A workers' compensation claim is filed with your employer's insurer for no-fault benefits, covering medical bills and partial lost wages. A third-party lawsuit is filed against a different negligent party on the worksite, allowing you to pursue additional damages like pain and suffering.
Can I be fired for filing a workers' compensation claim in Maryland?
No. Maryland law prohibits employers from retaliating against an employee for filing a workers' compensation claim in good faith. If this happens, you may have a separate legal claim against your employer.
Who can be considered a third party in a construction accident case?
A third party is anyone on the worksite who is not your direct employer or a co-worker. This can include the general contractor, other subcontractors, property owners, equipment manufacturers, or architects.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a construction accident in Baltimore?
The general statute of limitations for personal injury in Maryland is three years. However, if a government entity is involved, shorter notice deadlines may apply. It is best to consult an attorney quickly.
Do I need a lawyer for a construction accident injury?
Construction accident cases involve complex interactions between workers' comp and third-party liability, as well as specific safety regulations. A Baltimore construction accident lawyer can help you navigate these complexities and pursue all available avenues for compensation.
Can I file a wrongful death lawsuit if a loved one dies in a Baltimore construction accident?
Yes. If the accident causes a fatality, eligible family members may file a wrongful death claim in addition to any claims for the pain and suffering the victim endured before death. This is a separate action from a workers' compensation claim.
Contact a Baltimore Construction Accident Lawyer at Furman Honick Law Today
A construction site injury can suddenly interrupt your life, bringing pain, medical bills, and uncertainty about what comes next. You do not have to face this alone.
Taking action now can make a real difference in your recovery. The Baltimore construction accident lawyers at Furman Honick Law are ready to guide you every step of the way. We listen to your story, explain your options, and stand up for your rights with skill and determination.
You’ve helped build Baltimore. Now let our team help you rebuild your future. Call (410) 406-7890 for a free consultation and find out how we can start working for you today.