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.
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:
- Brain injury
- Nerve damage
- Broken bones
- Paralysis
- Facial disfigurement
- Spinal cord injury
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.
