Who’s Responsible for Your Construction Injury in West Palm Beach?

Construction sites are inherently hazardous. With heavy machinery, tall structures, exposed wiring, and a constant flurry of activity, it’s no surprise that injuries happen frequently. If you’ve suffered a construction injury in West Palm Beach, one of the biggest questions you’re likely asking is: Who is legally responsible? Determining liability can be complex, but it’s a crucial step in securing the compensation you deserve.

At Fetterman Law, we’ve helped countless injured workers in Florida understand their rights and hold the proper parties accountable. Below, we’ll break down who might be responsible for your injury and what your next steps should be.

Common Construction Accidents We See

Injuries can happen in many ways on a job site. Knowing how the injury occurred often helps determine who’s liable. Some of the most common types of construction accidents include:

• Falls from scaffolding or ladders
• Electrocutions from exposed wires or faulty equipment
• Being struck by falling tools or debris
• Machinery-related accidents involving forklifts, cranes, etc.
• Trench collapses or structural failures
• Explosions or burns caused by chemicals or flammable materials

While some accidents seem like they’re "just part of the job," many result from someone else’s negligence — which means you may be entitled to compensation beyond workers' comp.

Who Could Be Held Liable?

Identifying who is at fault isn’t always straightforward. Multiple parties are typically involved in construction projects, and liability depends on the circumstances of your case.

1. Your Employer

If you're a full-time employee and were hurt while doing your job, your first route is usually workers’ compensation. This is a no-fault system, so you don’t have to prove your employer did anything wrong. However, workers’ comp usually limits what you can recover — it won’t cover things like pain and suffering.

2. A Subcontractor or Third Party

If your injury was caused by someone who doesn't work for your employer — such as a subcontractor, delivery driver, or equipment operator — you may be able to file a third-party personal injury lawsuit.

Example: You trip over unsecured wires left by another contractor. That contractor, not your employer, could be liable.

3. The Property Owner

In some cases, the property owner may be held responsible — especially if the site had known hazards or wasn’t properly maintained.

4. Equipment Manufacturers

If your injury was caused by defective equipment, the manufacturer might be liable under product liability laws.

How Do You Prove Liability?

To win a personal injury claim, you’ll need to prove negligence — in other words, that someone failed to take reasonable steps to keep the job site safe, and that failure led directly to your injury.

Evidence may include:

• Photos of the accident scene
• Witness statements
• Incident reports
• Medical records
• Maintenance or safety logs

The sooner you collect this evidence, the stronger your case becomes. A qualified attorney from Fetterman Law can help preserve and present the proof you need.

What Damages Can You Recover?

Depending on who is at fault, you may be eligible for more than just workers’ comp. If a third party or manufacturer is liable, you could seek damages such as:

• Medical expenses (past, current, and future)
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Rehabilitation and physical therapy costs
• Disability or permanent impairment

What If You Were Partially at Fault?

Florida follows a comparative negligence system. That means even if you were partially responsible for your injury, you may still recover damages — your compensation would just be reduced by your percentage of fault.

Example: If you were 20% at fault and your total damages were $100,000, you'd still receive $80,000.

Why You Shouldn’t Rely Only on Workers' Comp

While workers’ compensation is designed to help injured employees quickly receive financial help, it often doesn’t go far enough. It may only cover a portion of your lost wages and won't account for pain, suffering, or long-term emotional trauma.

If your construction injury in West Palm Beach was caused by negligence beyond your employer’s, it’s vital to explore your options with a skilled personal injury attorney.

Why Choose Fetterman Law?

We’ve spent decades fighting for injured workers across South Florida. At Fetterman Law, we:

• Investigate your case thoroughly to determine all liable parties
• Handle communications with insurance companies and opposing counsel
• Help you secure maximum compensation through strategic legal action
• Operate on a contingency fee — you pay nothing unless we win

We understand how stressful and life-altering a construction injury can be. Our team is here to handle the legal heavy lifting so you can focus on healing.

Contact Fetterman Law Today

If you or someone you love has suffered a construction injury in West Palm Beach, don’t leave your future to chance. Contact us at 561-845-2510 the trusted legal team at Fetterman Law to explore your rights and next steps.