Getting hurt in a construction accident in Broward County usually means filing a Workers’ Compensation claim first, though a third-party personal injury lawsuit may also apply depending on who caused the injury. A falling beam, a broken scaffold, or a malfunctioning crane can turn into a case involving more than one responsible party. Additionally, on its own, Workers’ Compensation often falls short of covering all the damages that a serious injury involves for a claimant.
Construction remained Florida’s deadliest private industry in 2024, with 88 fatal workplace injuries reported that year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Behind that number sit real falls, real equipment failures, and real families dealing with the aftermath, which is why a strong legal case can make such a difference. Our Broward County construction accident lawyers at Barnett Fenton Injury Law, P.A., represent injured workers hurt by other parties’ negligence, and we offer free consultations.
Falls from scaffolding, ladders, and unfinished floors cause many construction injuries in Broward County, especially on high-rises along Fort Lauderdale’s coastline. Equipment failures, electrical hazards, and trench collapses also add to the risk across local job sites. Picture a worker stepping onto a scaffold plank that was not secured, then falling 15 feet; that is an accident that happens more often than most people realize.
Florida Workers’ Compensation typically covers medical bills and part of lost wages after a job site injury, regardless of fault. However, it will not pay for pain and suffering, which limits what you can recover overall. Our Broward County construction accident lawyers look at whether a subcontractor or equipment maker bears responsibility as well, since that route can open the door to more compensation.
Finding every responsible party involves taking a close look at evidence such as site records, contracts, and safety inspections. Our Broward County construction accident lawyers dig through that paperwork to locate every possible source of compensation, such as:
How much you can recover depends on whether a claim stays under Workers’ Compensation or expands into a third-party lawsuit. Workers’ Compensation covers medical treatment and a share of lost wages during recovery. A third-party claim can add money for pain and suffering and lost earning capacity, which Workers’ Compensation does not cover. Our Broward County construction accident lawyers weigh both paths carefully for our clients before recommending the next steps.
First, call for help and report the accident to a supervisor right away, since Florida law sets strict deadlines for Workers’ Compensation claims. Then:
Florida law generally requires reporting a job site accident within 30 days and filing a Workers’ Compensation claim within two years. Third-party lawsuits usually must be filed within two years as well, following the 2023 change to Florida’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims. Missing either deadline can end a claim completely; reaching out to our Broward County construction accident lawyers soon after an accident protects your rights.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) often investigates serious job site accidents to determine whether safety violations contributed to the injury. Citations issued during that investigation can serve as strong evidence in a Workers’ Compensation claim or a third-party lawsuit. Our Broward County construction accident lawyers review OSHA findings closely, since a documented violation can strengthen a case considerably.
Florida law allows certain family members to file a wrongful death claim when a construction accident takes a worker’s life. This claim can cover funeral costs, lost financial support, and the loss of companionship the family experienced. A wrongful death case moves separately from any Workers’ Compensation death benefits already available to survivors.
Florida law generally protects employers from lawsuits when they carry Workers’ Compensation insurance, which limits a claim to that system. Exceptions exist when an employer intentionally caused harm or skipped required coverage.
Subcontractors may need to pursue a claim differently than direct employees, depending on their contract status and insurance coverage. Our legal team can review your work arrangement to determine your options.
Workers’ Compensation generally pays regardless of fault, though a third-party claim may get reduced based on the injured worker’s share of responsibility. Florida follows a comparative negligence system for these third-party lawsuits.
If you have legal questions about your work-related injury compensation, contact the Broward County construction accident lawyers at Barnett Fenton Injury Law, P.A. Our respected legal team will review your case and fight to secure full and fair compensation. Call us at 954-736-3070 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Located in Fort Lauderdale, we serve clients across Florida.
