Polk County
Construction

Accident Attorney

personal injury accident can leave the victim struggling with physical injuries

Polk County Construction Accident Lawyer

Construction is a major industry in Polk County, Florida, with ongoing projects in Lakeland, Winter Haven, Bartow, and across the region. As new developments, road expansions, and commercial buildings rise, so does the risk of serious construction-related accidents. Whether you are a construction worker injured on the job or a bystander hurt near an active site, you may be entitled to compensation.

At Kemp Injury Law, we represent individuals who have suffered severe injuries due to construction site negligence, defective equipment, or unsafe working conditions. If you were hurt on a construction site in Polk County, our legal team is ready to fight for your rights and help you recover the financial support you need.

Common Causes of Construction Accidents in Polk County

Construction sites are inherently dangerous, but many accidents can be prevented when safety regulations are followed. Unfortunately, negligence, inadequate training, and ignored safety protocols often lead to serious injuries. Some of the most common causes of construction accidents in Polk County include:

Falls from Heights: Unsecured scaffolding, unstable ladders, and unprotected ledges can cause severe injuries.
Electrocution: Faulty wiring, exposed power lines, and unsafe electrical equipment increase the risk of electrocution.
Falling Objects: Tools, debris, and building materials dropped from above can cause head trauma and other injuries.
Trench and Structure Collapses: Poorly supported trenches or unstable structures pose life-threatening hazards.
Heavy Machinery Accidents: Forklifts, cranes, and bulldozers can cause crushing injuries or fatalities if not properly operated.
Defective Equipment: Malfunctioning power tools, safety harness failures, and other equipment defects can result in serious injuries.
Exposure to Hazardous Materials: Construction workers may come into contact with toxic chemicals, asbestos, or silica dust, leading to long-term health issues.

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Who Can File a Construction Accident Claim?

Construction accidents can injure workers, subcontractors, pedestrians, and even drivers passing by a work zone. The type of legal claim you can file depends on who is responsible for the accident and where it occurred:

Construction Workers: If you were injured while on the job, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. However, if a third party (such as an equipment manufacturer or subcontractor) contributed to your injury, you may also have grounds for a personal injury lawsuit.
Bystanders & Pedestrians: If you were injured due to falling debris, unsafe scaffolding, or other construction hazards, you may have a claim against the construction company, property owner, or contractor responsible for maintaining a safe site.
Drivers & Passengers: If a construction site caused a road hazard that led to an accident, including one involving a truck, you may be able to file a claim against the responsible parties.

Call us today for a free consultation and learn how we can help you secure the compensation you deserve.

Steps to Take After a Construction Accident in Polk County

If you were injured at or near a construction site, taking the right steps can protect your health and legal rights:

Seek medical attention immediately: Even minor injuries can worsen without proper treatment.
Report the accident: If you are a worker, notify your supervisor or employer as soon as possible.
Document everything: Take photos of the hazard, your injuries, and the construction site conditions at the time of the accident.
Get witness statements: If anyone saw what happened, their testimony may support your claim.
Avoid signing insurance or company documents: Employers and insurance companies may try to minimize your claim.
Speak with a construction accident lawyer: An attorney can help you determine the best course of action for securing compensation.

Other Personal Injury Cases We Handle in Polk County

In addition to construction accidents, Kemp Injury Law represents clients in a variety of serious injury cases, including:

Car Accidents: High-traffic roads like Interstate 4, U.S. Highway 27, and Memorial Boulevard see frequent crashes.
Motorcycle Accidents: Riders in Lakeland and Winter Haven face dangers from negligent drivers.
Truck Accidents: Large commercial vehicle collisions can cause devastating injuries.
Boating Accidents: Polk County’s lakes see many injuries caused by reckless or impaired boating.
Bicycle Accidents: Cyclists often suffer severe injuries in crashes with cars or trucks.
Pedestrian Accidents: Crosswalk and roadside accidents can lead to life-changing injuries.

Contact a Polk County Construction Accident Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one was injured in a construction accident in Polk County—or if the accident resulted in a wrongful death—you need a legal team that understands the unique challenges of these cases. At Kemp Injury Law, we have the experience and dedication to fight for maximum compensation on your behalf.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do after a construction accident in Polk County?

If you’ve been injured in a construction accident in Polk County, your first priority should be to seek immediate medical attention. Prompt care not only protects your health but also provides documentation that can support your case. You should report the accident to your employer or site manager right away and ensure it’s recorded in writing. Try to gather evidence, such as photos of the scene, unsafe equipment, or witness statements. Avoid signing any statements or agreements from your employer or insurance until speaking with an attorney. A construction accident attorney can guide you through your rights and the legal process to seek compensation.

How long do I have to file a claim for a construction injury in Florida?

In Florida, you typically have two years from the date of the construction accident to file a personal injury claim. However, if you're pursuing a workers’ compensation claim, you should notify your employer within 30 days of the incident. Failing to act quickly could forfeit your rights to any compensation. Some cases may involve government entities, which require even shorter notice periods. That’s why it’s crucial to speak with an experienced construction accident attorney as soon as possible. At Kemp Law Group, we handle all deadlines and filings to protect your claim in Polk County.

Can I sue a third-party contractor if I was injured on a construction site?

Yes. Workers injured by subcontractors or third-party contractors may file claims outside of workers’ compensation. Examples include injuries from faulty scaffolding, defective equipment, or negligent subcontractor actions. Workers’ compensation may cover some costs, but third-party claims allow for additional damages like pain and suffering. Evidence from site logs, OSHA investigations, and witness testimony supports these cases. Attorneys identify all possible responsible parties to maximize recovery. This approach ensures both employer and third-party negligence are addressed.

How do OSHA violations impact construction accident claims?

OSHA regulations establish safety standards for construction sites. If violations of these standards caused your injury, this may be powerful evidence of negligence. While OSHA citations do not guarantee liability, they strongly support claims against negligent contractors. Attorneys often obtain OSHA inspection reports to strengthen their case. Violations such as lack of fall protection or unsafe equipment are common examples. Proving these violations helps secure compensation for injured workers.

What compensation is available if I cannot return to construction work due to my injuries?

If injuries prevent you from returning to construction work, you may recover compensation for lost future earning capacity. Workers’ compensation may cover disability benefits, but these may be limited. A third-party claim can also provide damages for long-term financial losses and diminished quality of life. Vocational experts and economists often provide testimony to calculate future income losses. Attorneys fight to ensure these long-term damages are recognized in settlements or trials. This ensures injured workers are not left without support after life-changing injuries.

Why should I choose Kemp Injury Law for my construction accident case?

Kemp Injury law has extensive experience handling construction accident cases across Florida, including Polk County. We understand the unique hazards of construction sites and the complex liability issues they present. Our attorneys are skilled at uncovering negligence, whether it's from faulty equipment, OSHA violations, or unsafe working conditions. We work closely with medical professionals and investigators to build a strong case. From negotiation to litigation, we’re committed to securing the maximum compensation for your injuries. If you've been injured, contact us now to discuss your legal options with a skilled attorney.

Additional Information in Polk County, Florida

U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) – Construction Industry: Dedicated to construction industry safety standards and compliance guidance. It outlines the regulations that employers must follow to protect workers, including fall protection, scaffolding, electrical safety, and hazard communication. The site offers resources like training materials, inspection procedures, and links to specific standards under OSHA’s 1926 regulations. It emphasizes the employer’s duty to provide a safe working environment and prevent foreseeable hazards. In a construction accident case, this page is crucial for establishing legal safety requirements and identifying any violations that contributed to the incident. It may serve as a benchmark to demonstrate employer negligence or failure to comply with federally mandated safety rules.

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) – About Construction: Focuses on health and safety research for the construction sector, one of the most hazardous industries. It highlights the mission of preventing work-related injuries, illnesses, and fatalities through research and outreach. The site lists current safety initiatives, priority risk areas (e.g., falls, struck-by incidents, musculoskeletal disorders), and links to publications and data tools. It also promotes partnerships with industry and labor organizations to develop practical safety interventions. In a legal context, this source can help explain known risk factors and best practices for preventing accidents. It supports expert testimony or claims that the risks were well-documented and preventable through reasonable precautions.

Forbes - Building On Safety: Innovation To Safeguard Construction Workers: Explores modern safety innovations in the construction industry, such as wearable technology, drones, AI-driven site monitoring, and digital safety platforms. It discusses how these tools are improving hazard detection, real-time communication, and worker protection. The article also highlights the role of leadership and culture in enforcing safety protocols and adopting new technologies. It points out that while construction remains dangerous, innovation offers clear paths to reduce accidents and fatalities. In a construction accident case, this article can demonstrate the availability of advanced safety measures that could have mitigated or prevented harm. It strengthens arguments around industry expectations and whether the employer took reasonable steps to embrace evolving safety standards.

Polk County
Construction

Accident Attorney