An Excavation Accident and Trench Collapse Attorney Can Help Understand Your Rights

Trenches and excavations are both important aspects of construction. However, they can be highly dangerous to workers. Often, workers are performing tasks inside the excavation while heavy equipment works near vertical walls. This combination can lead to cave-ins and other serious accidents. As an excavation accident and trench collapse attorney, Michael E. Shelton can provide legal advice and representation for construction workers injured on the job.

After over 40 years working in personal injury law, Mr. Shelton can navigate the legal complexities of workers’ compensation and employer negligence to help you collect the compensation you need. If you were injured in a trench or excavation collapse in the Houston, TX, area, call our office toll-free at (877) 771-6139 or contact us online to schedule a free case evaluation today. 

A construction worker in a trench
If proper safety precautions are not followed precisely, construction workers can sustain serious or fatal injuries. 

Understanding Excavation Accidents

An excavation is defined by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) as any man-made cut, cavity, trench, or depression formed by earth removal, while a trench is a narrow, underground excavation deeper than it is wide and no wider than 15 feet. The most common excavation accident is a cave-in. Cave-ins are more likely than any other excavation accident to result in worker fatality. Other hazards associated with trenches and excavations include:

  • Falls
  • Defective digging
  • Falling loads
  • Equipment issues

All sites using excavations should follow certain safety guidelines, including daily inspections and protective systems. However, when employers do not adhere to these requirements, serious injuries or fatalities can result. 

Trench and Excavation Injuries

According to OSHA, trench collapses result in dozens of fatalities and hundreds of injuries every year. In many cases, accidents can be prevented through the use of proper safety equipment and procedures. Some of the common injuries that result from trench and excavation accidents include:

When a trench or excavation collapses with workers inside, the results can be catastrophic. Those individuals who survive a collapse are often left with lifelong health problems as well as emotional trauma. 

Collecting Compensation

On a construction site, the contractor is responsible for providing a safe work environment for all employees. When they fail to meet safety guidelines and an accident occurs, they should be held responsible for their actions. Often, a personal injury lawsuit allows injured parties to bring unsafe working conditions to light and prevent accidents from occurring in the future. 

As a union card holder who worked on pipelines, Mr. Shelton is uniquely qualified to provide legal representation for construction accidents. 

A personal injury suit can also allow you to recover additional damages to cover expenses related to the accident, such as medical bills, vocational rehabilitation, and lost wages. In some cases, you can also collect compensation for the pain and emotional distress you suffered as a result of the incident. 

Hire an Advocate

Attorney Michael Shelton has a deep understanding of personal injury law. As a union card holder who worked on pipelines, Mr. Shelton is uniquely qualified to provide legal representation for construction accidents. At The Shelton Law Firm, we understand how difficult the aftermath of a trench or excavation collapse can be. We can handle every aspect of your case so you and your family can focus on recovery. Contact our office online or call us toll-free at (877) 771-6139 to schedule a free consultation and begin building your case today.

Michael E. Shelton

The Shelton Law Firm

Personal injury attorney Michael E. Shelton has been representing victims of catastrophic injuries in Houston, Texas, for nearly 50 years. He is proud to be a union card holder as a journeyman pipefitter and General Counsel for the Texas Building Trades Council, AFL-CIO. He is affiliated with several prestigious organizations, including:

  • The Texas Bar Association
  • The Houston Bar Association
  • The Louisiana State Bar
  • The Louisiana Association for Justice

If you are the victim of a personal injury, schedule a free consultation with The Shelton Law Firm today by contacting us online or calling (713) 807-0700.

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