Albuquerque Construction Accident Attorney

Between 2000 and 2010, Albuquerque’s metropolitan area grew by a staggering 21.6%, according to World Population Review. Our city’s current growth rate averages 1% – 2% every year. And with that growth comes the need for more housing, businesses, and roadways. If you were injured while working to improve and expand our wonderful city, you need an Albuquerque construction accident lawyer to stand up for your right to compensation.

A free case consultation with an experienced attorney is just a call or click away. This first informational meeting is no-cost and no-obligation.

I Was Hurt on the Job – Doesn’t Workers’ Compensation Pay for That?

In New Mexico, employers are required to purchase and maintain workers’ compensation insurance coverage if either of the following apply:

• They have three or more employees.
• They own a business licensed under the provisions set forth by the Construction Industries Licensing Act (CID).

This means that a construction business with even just one employee must have workers’ comp insurance. This coverage pays for a portion of an injured worker’s damages, including a percentage of their pre-injury average weekly wage (AWW), related medical costs, disability, and job retraining.

However, workers’ comp alone is often not enough to fully address the entirety of an accident victim’s losses.

If you are hurt, suffering financially, and believe that someone other than your employer caused or contributed to your injuries, you may be eligible to file a third-party personal injury claim.

Filing a Third-Party Injury Claim for a Construction Site Accident

If a negligent third party played a role in the harm you’ve suffered, a third-party civil claim can help you recover additional compensation. Personal injury claims cover a wider range of damages and give you the opportunity to hold a greater number of people accountable for their negligent or reckless actions.

You can simultaneously file a workers’ compensation claim and a personal injury claim.

Compensation for Those Who’ve Been Hurt

The goal of all compensation recovered through a construction injury claim is to make you “whole” again. This means something different for each individual person, so it’s important to work closely with a knowledgeable lawyer to correctly evaluate the worth of your claim.

Examples of economic (monetary) and noneconomic (non-monetary) damages that you may be entitled to recover include:

• The full amount of your lost wages
• Future lost earnings
• Loss of benefits
• All past, current, and future medical expenses related to your injury
• Rehabilitative services (including physical therapy)
• Mental health services
• Transportation costs
• Physical pain and suffering
• Mental anguish
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Loss of enjoyment in life

Unlike workers’ compensation, work injury claims allow recovery for noneconomic losses. This means that successful financial recovery through this type of claim will more fully address your total range of losses.

Potential Liable Third Parties

By maintaining workers’ comp coverage, your employer is shielded from liability for any injuries or accidents. This means that you can’t personally sue your boss or company. What you can do, however, is hold outside parties responsible for any negligent act or omission that caused you harm.

We are prepared to help you hold these individuals accountable:

• Contract workers
• Subcontractors
• Designers or manufacturers of defective tools
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) manufacturers
• Vehicle drivers
• Property owners
• Cargo companies
• And more

Your ability to live a happy and fulfilling life after injury can rest on the outcome of your case. Don’t leave anything up to chance—an Albuquerque construction accident lawyer will conduct an in-depth investigation to identify all liable parties in your case.

Case Types We Handle

There are many hidden dangers on a construction site. Our team of expert attorneys is well-versed in the different types of accidents that can occur in these areas, and we are prepared to handle a broad range of accident causes and types, including but not limited to:

• Falls from heights
• Trip and fall accidents
• Caught-in and caught-by accidents
• Backover and rollover accidents
• Electrocutions
• Explosions
• Fires
• Chemical exposures
• PPE failures
• Dangerous and defective tools

The construction industry is inherently dangerous, but that doesn’t mean you should expect to get hurt. When employers, product manufacturers, and third parties work together to emphasize safety in the workplace, the risk of injury and death significantly decreases. Unfortunately, some businesses don’t make changes until they’re forced to.

If you’ve been hurt, taking legal action is about more than financial recovery. It’s also about holding bad actors accountable for their actions and pushing them to make changes.

On-the-Job Risks for Workers in the Construction Industry

Working on scaffolding. Repairing a roof. Dealing with exposed wiring. With these and other types of risks constantly present, it’s easy to see why injuries associated with the construction industry tend to be so severe.

We represent clients dealing with a variety of injuries, including those ranging from mild to catastrophic.

• Neck and back injuries
• Spinal cord injuries (SCIs)
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Loss of limb
• Crush injuries
• Puncture wounds
• Rib injuries
• Broken bones and fractures

The costs associated with treating a severe injury can quickly outpace savings and earning potential. Don’t put your financial stability at risk—get in touch today to learn more about your right to recovery.

What Can You Do to Create a Safer Worksite?

Your actions matter. While your employer ultimately is in control of policies and procedures, you can model a safety-first approach that encourages your coworkers and superiors to take matters of health and safety seriously.

Here are our top four tips for workers who want to create a safer worksite for everyone:

1. Report unsafe work practices to your employer or the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
2. Abstain from using drugs and alcohol before or during work.
3. Always wear your PPE correctly.
4. Discuss on-the-job safety with coworkers.

Construction Accident & Injury Statistics

The construction industry can be a hazardous place. Let’s consider some of the following statistics:

• The construction industry is among the top six deadliest industries in New Mexico. [BLS]
• In 2021, nine people in our state died from construction-related accidents or injuries. [BLS]
• 2021 saw 2.1 injuries for every 100 full-time construction workers in New Mexico. [BLS]

Albuquerque Construction Accident Lawyers Representing Clients Across New Mexico

Construction is a specialized trade in which many people spend months, years, or even decades building and honing their skills. When an accident or injury makes it difficult or impossible for you to maintain regular employment within the industry, you are entitled to a full and fair recovery.

Barrera Law Group LLC is a personal injury law firm dedicated to representing clients across the state of New Mexico.

If you’re ready to assert your legal rights, we invite you to schedule a risk-free, no-cost case evaluation at our Albuquerque office. Call or contact us online to get matched with the right attorney for you.