Working the trench during a construction job is dangerous and requires a high level of alertness. Many construction sites use trenches and other excavation sites to assist with construction projects. Although many construction companies construct trenches to assist with building pipes and other projects, trench collapses are one of the most common fatal accidents.
When a trench collapses while workers are still inside, it is very rare for construction workers to survive that type of accident. If you are lucky enough to survive a trench accident, your next course of action should be to contact a Phoenix trench accident attorney at Zanes Law. Common causes of trench accidents.
Common Causes of Trench Accidents
The most common causes of trench accidents include unstable soil, flooding, lack of proper planning, lack of adequate safety measures, and more.
Unstable Soil
One of the main reasons why trench accidents happen is that the soil is unstable, which does not allow for construction workers to perform their duties safely. Whether changing weather conditions or vibration changes, an accident is more likely to happen when the soil becomes heavier.
Flooding
The most dangerous time for a construction site with a trench is after the site has become flooded. Flash floods or prolonged rains weaken the structure of a trench. This condition increases the chances of the trench walls caving in.
Lack of Proper Planning
Before a construction project can happen, construction companies must gather the accurate information necessary to design a safe trench for workers. This includes constant testing of the soil for excavation purposes. When construction workers fail to properly plan for trench collapses, it is a form of negligence.
Lack of Adequate Safety Measures
Similar to the pre-planning phase, construction companies must enforce the necessary safety procedures to protect all construction workers. Some safety measures include providing the right safety equipment, supplying appropriate ventilation, and constantly testing for oxygen levels. Failing to enforce these safety measures can cause a trench accident to happen.
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Fatal Injuries from Trench Accidents
Trench accidents are known as one of the most fatal construction accidents because the injuries from these accidents are often fatal. The soil collapses from a trench or excavation site and buries the workers alive. Their oxygen is significantly reduced, and their bodies are crushed under the weight of the soil.
Some fatal injuries construction workers can suffer from a trench accident include asphyxiation, electrocution, crush injuries, and falls.
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Preventable Accidents
When you have been seriously injured in a trench accident, you have the right to sue for your injuries. This is because, like many personal injury accidents, your trench accident could have been prevented. Construction companies often place the profits they can obtain from a project over the safety of their workers.
Construction companies can also take extra precautions to ensure the safety of their workers and prevent trench accidents. When they fail to execute a safety plan or other safety procedures, they need to be held liable for their act of negligence.
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Liable Parties in Trench Accidents
In addition to construction companies, several parties can be held liable for your trench accident. The property owner of the construction site can be held liable for failing to provide safe premises for you and the other construction workers. The designers of the construction site project can be held liable for failing to submit the proper information that could have prevented your accident from happening.
If any other contractors were working on the same project, you could hold the contractors liable if their negligence contributed to your trench accident.
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Trench Accident Lawsuits
The first step in seeking compensation for your trench accident involves filing a lawsuit. Through your lawsuit, you would be able to hold the proper parties liable for your injuries and demand that they compensate for the damages that you have endured from your accident. These damages include medical expenses, lost wages from time taken off work, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
As long as you file your lawsuit within the appropriate deadline, your lawsuit can either be resolved through a settlement or a trial verdict.
Eliminating Liability
While you have the right through your lawsuit to seek compensation from the liable party, the defendant has the right to deny your case and eliminate themselves from being held liable. Because insurance adjusters do not want to pay out any claims related to personal injury accidents, they will fight tooth and nail to deny your claim. Because Arizona is a comparative state, the amount of liability the defendant is accountable for can be reduced based on how much your actions contributed to your accident.
How a Trench Accident Attorney in Phoenix Can Help You
Going up against the construction company and their insurance company will be no easy feat. You will need a skilled legal advocate on your side who can predict the actions that both parties will take against you. That is why an experienced Phoenix trench accident attorney is who you need to reach out to for help in your fight for compensation.
A skilled trench accident attorney can prepare the best legal strategy for your lawsuit and increase your chances of success.
Building the Strongest Case for You
Your trench accident lawyer in Phoenix can present the strongest case for you. Your attorney can gather the best evidence to prove the defendant’s negligence against you. When it is time for you and the insurance adjusters to discuss settlement negotiations, your attorney can use their expertise and argue why your compensation is justified.
If the insurance companies want to play hardball and allow your lawsuit to go to court, your attorney can represent you in court and prepare another beneficial strategy for you to use in court.
Speak with an Experienced Phoenix Trench Accident Lawyer Today
When a construction company’s negligence has caused you to experience a trench accident, you deserve to hold that company liable for your injuries. At Zanes Law, our Phoenix trench accident attorneys have the right expertise and compassion to help you fight for your compensation. Call our office, or fill out a free case evaluation form to schedule a free consultation.
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