Maison Law helps construction workers in California when they’re injured in an accident on the job. Construction is one of California’s fastest-growing industries, but it also comes with serious risks. Beyond the physical dangers of the job, workers often face unsafe conditions, harassment, wage theft, and other workplace violations.
At Maison Law, we stand up for construction workers whether you’ve been injured on the job, denied fair pay, or mistreated at work. Our team handles workers’ compensation claims, personal injury cases, and employment law violations—so you know every angle of your case is covered. Set up a free consultation today to learn more about your options.
Should I Get a Lawyer?
Working in construction is hard enough as it is, but when you get hurt and mistreated by your employer, it makes things even more difficult. And if you’re in that situation, it’s natural to wonder if you should get a lawyer. The truth is, the answer depends on your situation. The more serious your injury, the more likely you’ll need help—whether that means filing a workers’ compensation claim or even a lawsuit if someone else’s negligence played a role. Our team will be there to help you with:
- Explaining your legal options in plain language
- Collecting medical records, accident reports, and other key evidence
- Negotiating with your employer or their workers’ compensation insurer for full benefits or a fair settlement
- Filing a personal injury lawsuit when appropriate
If you’re a construction worker or general contractor, you already know the risks that come with the job. You shouldn’t also have to deal with your employer mistreating you or you being hurt because of someone else’s carelessness. That’s when our team can step in and guide you.
What Evidence Will I Have After a Construction Injury?
It’s hard to think about, but the reality is that if you work in construction, an accident can happen in an instant. At that point, it’s about focusing on your health and ongoing recovery. But it’s also about the information and evidence that’s available. Here’s what you’ll need for a strong claim:
- Accident report – If your supervisor or employer filled one out, get a copy. It creates a paper trail of what happened.
- Medical records – Every doctor’s visit, ER trip, test result, and treatment plan ties your injuries back to the accident.
- Photos and videos – Snapshots of the site, the equipment involved, or even your injuries can make a huge difference.
- Witness statements – If a co-worker or bystander saw what happened, their story can back yours up.
- Safety and training records – If your employer didn’t provide the right gear or skipped safety steps, that matters.
- Pay and work records – Things like pay stubs or schedules show what you’ve lost by being out of work.
- Emails, texts, or letters – Save anything you get from your employer, supervisor, or the insurance company.
Even small details—like notes you write down about how your injury affects your sleep or mobility—can make a big difference. But you might not be able to get some of this documentation. That’s okay. Our team can help you with gathering it and putting it together. From there, though, it’s about taking the right legal steps to help yourself and your family.
What Options Do I Have For Filing a Claim After a Construction Accident?
One of the hardest things to deal with after you get hurt on your construction site is knowing what to do next. On top of the pain you’re dealing with, you’re probably worried about speaking up or rocking the boat. But here’s the reality: you do have options.
- How your accident happened
- Whether you’re a full time employee or a contractor
- Who’s responsible.
An accident at work isn’t just about placing blame–it’s about making sure that you’re treated fairly and you get the help you need. Legally speaking, then, there’s a variety of ways to handle the aftermath of an accident on a construction site:
- Workers’ comp – If you’re a full-time employee of the construction company, you can start with filing a workers’ compensation claim. California law requires nearly every employer to carry it, and for good reason. It covers your medical bills and a portion of your wages while you’re recovering. Workers’ comp is there whether the accident was your fault or not, and it’s usually the quickest way to get help with treatment and lost income.
- Civil claim – While workers’ comp insurance is required with virtually every employer, it actually doesn’t apply to contract workers. So, if you don’t work directly for the construction company, you would have to file a civil claim to get financial help. And with that, you have a few options:
- Insurance claim – If you have a fairly clear idea of who (or what) caused your accident, you can file an insurance claim with the responsible party’s liability insurance. That’s where our team can present all the evidence you have to the company, and they can offer you a settlement based on their investigation. This is usually quicker and happens out of court, so it’s a good option if you have a relatively straightforward injury claim.
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- Personal injury lawsuit – An insurance claim or employment lawsuit has limits. They won’t pay for things like pain and suffering or the full wages you’ve lost if you can’t go back to your usual work. That’s where a personal injury lawsuit may be your best bet. If someone other than your direct employer played a role in your accident, you may be able to recover fuller “damages” like:
- Medical expenses, both current and future
- Lost income or loss of earning potential
- Repair/replacement costs for damaged gear, tools, clothing, etc.
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Reduced quality of life
- Wrongful death expenses in fatal accidents
- Employment lawsuit – If your employer starts treating you unfairly or outright fires you because of your injuries, you might be able to file a separate lawsuit in civil court based on wrongful termination, discrimination, and any other violation of your protections as a worker. These lawsuits can help you recover different damages than you would in an injury claim, usually revolving around:
- Lost income or benefits
- Emotional distress
- Back pay
- Attorneys fees and court costs
- Personal injury lawsuit – An insurance claim or employment lawsuit has limits. They won’t pay for things like pain and suffering or the full wages you’ve lost if you can’t go back to your usual work. That’s where a personal injury lawsuit may be your best bet. If someone other than your direct employer played a role in your accident, you may be able to recover fuller “damages” like:
Sometimes, all of these routes are possible–especially where you’re a full-time worker that’s facing a construction accident. But again, it’s heavily dependent on the circumstances. The bottom line is this: you don’t have to figure it all out on your own. Talking with our team can help you understand which options are on the table and which ones will actually help you move forward. And it’s important for another reason–deadlines. You have one year to file a workers’ comp claim and two years to file a personal injury lawsuit.
Who Pays For My Injuries After a Construction Accident?
One of the biggest worries after an accident is, “Who’s actually going to cover this?” Between medical bills, missed paychecks, and the stress of not knowing, it’s a fair question. If your accident happened while doing your job, then your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance is usually the first in line. That’s what it’s there for—to cover medical care and at least part of your lost income. It doesn’t matter whether the accident was your fault or not.
But that’s not always the whole story. If your injury was caused by someone other than your employer, the responsibility may fall on them. Like any other accident situation, this responsibility lands on them because of their negligence. It’s not always that straightforward, but generally, this happens in construction accidents because of:
- A subcontractor who ignored safety rules.
- A property owner who left a hazard on the site.
- A manufacturer whose defective equipment caused the accident.
Again, a lot is going to depend on what actually happened and what caused the accident. But you don’t have to figure it out by yourself–our team will use our experience and resources to nail down liability so you can focus on getting better.
How Do Construction Accidents Usually Happen in California?
If you’ve been around construction sites long enough, you already know the risks. But when you look at accident reports across California, the same patterns show up over and over. The most common accidents include:
- Falls – Whether off ladders, scaffolds, rooftops, or just a slip-and-fall, falls are by far the leading cause of serious injuries and deaths in construction.
- Struck-by accidents – Objects falling, loose materials, or vehicles moving around a site can lead to serious injuries.
- Electrocution – Contact with live wires, power lines, or unfinished electrical systems is always a risk on most job sites.
- Caught-in/between incidents – Workers frequently get injured after being pinned between heavy machinery, walls, or collapsing trenches.
- Equipment issues – Cranes tipping, forklifts rolling, or smaller tools like nail guns malfunctioning all can lead to injuries.
What’s frustrating is that so many of these accidents are preventable. With the right safety measures, training, and equipment, most workers should be able to go home safe at the end of the day. No matter what your situation is, we’ll help you through the legal process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to go through workers’ comp, or can I file a lawsuit?
Most workers start with workers’ comp—it’s usually required. But if a third party was responsible for your accident, you may also have a personal injury claim. Sometimes, both claims can move forward at the same time.
Do I still have rights if I’m injured at work and I’m undocumented?
Yes. California law protects all workers, regardless of immigration status. You still have the right to workers’ comp and to file an injury claim if negligence was involved.
How long do I have to file a claim?
For workers’ comp, you need to report your injury within 30 days and file a claim soon after (up to one year.) For injury or employment claims, the statute of limitations in California is usually two years.
How much does it cost to hire us?
We work on a contingency fee, which means you don’t pay anything upfront. We take our fee from whatever result you get. That way, you can focus on getting better without worrying about legal bills.
Contact Maison Law For Help After a Construction Accident in California
A construction accident can change everything in a moment. One day you’re on the job, the next you’re dealing with injuries, medical bills, and questions about what comes next. But when corners get cut—whether to save money or rush a project—you’re the one that ends up paying the price. That’s why these cases matter. Our team at Maison Law can help you understand your options and how you can get help. Set up a free consultation today to get started.
