Construction Accident Attorneys Washtenaw County

Construction work drives Washtenaw County's growth, from University of Michigan expansion projects to commercial developments and residential construction. But these vital projects come at a human cost. Falls from scaffolding, equipment malfunctions, electrocutions, and collapsing structures cause thousands of serious injuries each year across Michigan's construction sites—and Washtenaw County is no exception.

At Logeman & Iafrate, P.C., our construction accident attorneys have spent over 45 years fighting for injured workers and their families throughout Washtenaw County. We understand the complex intersection of workers' compensation law, third-party liability, and Michigan's unique construction site regulations. When you're facing mounting medical bills and uncertain about your future, we're prepared to fight for every dollar you're entitled to recover.

Understanding Your Rights After a Washtenaw County Construction Injury

Construction injuries trigger multiple legal claims with different rules, deadlines, and sources of compensation. Many injured workers don't realize they may have rights beyond workers' compensation—and insurance companies rarely volunteer this information.

Workers' Compensation: Your Foundation of Benefits

Most construction workers in Washtenaw County are covered by Michigan's workers' compensation system. These benefits are available regardless of fault and provide:

• Complete medical treatment coverage for all accident-related care
• Wage loss benefits at approximately 80% of your after-tax average weekly wage
• Vocational rehabilitation if you cannot return to construction work
• Specific loss benefits for permanent impairments including amputations

You must report your construction injury to your employer within 90 days and file your claim within two years. Missing these deadlines can cost you critical benefits when you need them most.

Workers' compensation is typically your exclusive remedy against your direct employer—you cannot sue them for pain and suffering or additional damages. However, workers' compensation doesn't fully compensate for the devastating impact of serious construction injuries. That's where third-party claims become essential.

Third-Party Liability: Holding Others Accountable

Construction sites involve multiple companies, contractors, and equipment suppliers. When someone other than your direct employer causes your injury, you can pursue a personal injury lawsuit that provides compensation workers' compensation doesn't cover.

Potentially liable third parties on Washtenaw County construction sites include:

• General contractors responsible for maintaining safe common work areas under Michigan's "common work area" doctrine
• Subcontractors whose negligence creates hazards for workers from other trades
• Property owners who fail to address dangerous conditions or maintain inadequate safety measures
• Equipment manufacturers when defective tools, machinery, or safety equipment causes injuries
• Architects and engineers whose design flaws create foreseeable hazards

Third-party claims allow recovery of damages workers' compensation excludes: full wage loss (not just 80%), pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and compensation for permanent disabilities that affect your ability to provide for your family.

Common Construction Accidents in Washtenaw County

Washtenaw County construction sites present predictable hazards that cause preventable injuries when safety standards are ignored:

Falls from Heights

Falls from scaffolding, ladders, roofs, and elevated platforms remain the leading cause of construction fatalities nationwide. Inadequate fall protection, unstable scaffolding, missing guardrails, and improper ladder use cause workers to plummet to the ground, suffering catastrophic injuries or death.

Struck-By Accidents

Construction workers face constant danger from falling objects, swinging loads, and heavy equipment. When crane operators lose control of materials, unsecured tools fall from above, or vehicle operators fail to maintain awareness, workers suffer crushing injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and fatal trauma.

Caught-In and Caught-Between Accidents

Trench collapses, equipment entanglements, and being caught between machinery and fixed objects cause some of the most severe construction injuries. These accidents often result in amputations, crushing injuries to limbs and torsos, and asphyxiation.

Electrocution

Contact with power lines, exposed wiring, and defective electrical equipment causes devastating burns and cardiac injuries. Electrical accidents frequently occur when contractors fail to identify power sources, maintain safe clearances, or use proper lockout-tagout procedures.

Equipment Accidents

Forklifts, backhoes, cranes, and other heavy machinery cause serious injuries when operators lack proper training, equipment isn't maintained, or safety protocols are ignored. Defective equipment—from malfunctioning brakes to faulty safety guards—adds another layer of risk.

Proving Negligence in Washtenaw County Construction Cases

Successfully recovering compensation beyond workers' compensation requires proving that a third party's negligence caused your construction injury. Our attorneys investigate every aspect of your accident, working with safety experts and accident reconstructionists to build the strongest possible case.

Critical evidence includes:

• OSHA violations and citations issued for the construction site
• Site safety plans and records showing what precautions should have been in place
• Equipment maintenance logs revealing whether machinery was properly inspected
• Witness statements from coworkers who observed the hazardous conditions
• Photographs and video documenting the accident scene before conditions change
• Contracts and agreements establishing responsibility for site safety

The "common work area" doctrine under Michigan law creates potential liability for general contractors even when they don't directly employ the injured worker. If the hazard existed in a shared area where multiple trades worked, the general contractor may bear responsibility for failing to maintain safe conditions.

Compensation Available for Construction Injuries

The full cost of a serious construction injury extends far beyond immediate medical bills. Our attorneys work with medical experts, life care planners, vocational specialists, and economists to calculate comprehensive damages including:

• All medical expenses including emergency treatment, surgery, hospitalization, rehabilitation, and future care
• Complete wage loss covering all income you've lost and will lose due to your injury
• Reduced earning capacity when you can no longer perform the same work
• Pain and suffering from both physical injuries and emotional trauma
• Loss of enjoyment of life when injuries prevent activities you once loved
• Permanent disability compensation reflecting lifelong limitations
• Home modifications required for accessibility
• Attendant care when injuries require ongoing assistance

Why Choose Logeman & Iafrate for Your Washtenaw County Construction Accident Case

Construction accident cases demand attorneys who understand both workers' compensation systems and complex liability litigation. We've spent decades mastering both, securing substantial recoveries for injured workers throughout Washtenaw County and Michigan.

When you work with our firm, you get:

• Trial-ready advocates who prepare every case for the courtroom—insurance companies know we don't back down
• Detailed investigation identifying all liable parties and sources of compensation
• Expert networks including safety specialists, medical professionals, and accident reconstructionists
• No fees unless we win—we operate on a contingency-fee basis, so you risk nothing
• Decades of proven results including substantial verdicts and settlements for injured construction workers

Construction accidents overwhelm families already struggling with lost income and mounting bills. We shoulder your legal burdens so you can focus on healing while we fight for the compensation you deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions About Washtenaw County Construction Accidents

What should I do immediately after a construction site injury in Washtenaw County?

Seek medical attention immediately, even if injuries seem minor—some serious conditions aren't immediately apparent. Report the accident to your supervisor right away and ensure an accident report is filed. Document the scene with photos if possible and collect contact information from witnesses. Notify your employer within 90 days to preserve your workers' compensation rights, and consult an experienced construction accident attorney before giving recorded statements to insurance adjusters.

Can I sue my employer after a construction accident in Michigan?

Generally no. Workers' compensation is typically your exclusive remedy against your direct employer—you cannot sue them for pain and suffering or additional damages beyond workers' comp benefits. However, you may have third-party claims against general contractors, subcontractors, property owners, equipment manufacturers, or others whose negligence contributed to your injury. An experienced attorney can identify all potential sources of compensation.

What is Michigan's "common work area" doctrine?

Under Michigan law, a general contractor may be liable for injuries occurring in common work areas shared by multiple trades—even if they didn't directly employ the injured worker. This doctrine recognizes that general contractors control these shared spaces and have a duty to maintain safe conditions for all workers on site. It creates an important avenue for recovery beyond workers' compensation when inadequate safety measures in common areas cause injuries.

How long do I have to file a construction accident claim in Washtenaw County?

You must report your injury to your employer within 90 days and file your workers' compensation claim within two years from the date of injury. For third-party personal injury claims, Michigan's statute of limitations is generally three years. However, product liability claims against equipment manufacturers may have different deadlines. Consulting an attorney promptly ensures you preserve all potential claims and don't miss critical deadlines.

What if I was partially at fault for my construction accident?

Workers' compensation benefits are available regardless of fault—even if you made a mistake, you're still entitled to benefits. For third-party liability claims, Michigan follows a modified comparative negligence rule: you can recover damages as long as you're less than 50% at fault, though your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. An experienced attorney can counter insurance company arguments that blame injured workers for accidents caused by inadequate safety measures.

Can undocumented construction workers recover compensation for injuries?

Yes. Michigan workers' compensation law protects all injured workers regardless of immigration status. Your immigration status should not prevent you from seeking medical treatment or pursuing the compensation you're entitled to after a construction injury. We represent injured workers regardless of documentation status and protect their rights under Michigan law.