Construction zones are inherently dangerous, not just for workers but also for pedestrians and drivers passing nearby. From falling debris to poor traffic control, accidents in these areas can lead to serious injuries—or worse. At Hilton and Somer, we help victims navigate the complex legal landscape of construction zone accidents to ensure they receive the compensation they deserve.
Common Hazards in Construction Zones
In urban areas across Virginia, construction is a constant. Unfortunately, with that comes risk. Some of the most common causes of construction zone accidents include:
- Unsafe scaffolding or falling tools
- Lack of warning signage for pedestrians or drivers
- Improper traffic redirection or barriers
- Negligent heavy machinery operation
- Failure to secure hazardous materials
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), falls, struck-by objects, electrocution, and caught-in/between accidents are among the “Fatal Four” construction hazards. These accidents can affect not only workers but also bystanders and passing motorists.
Who’s Liable?
Liability in construction zone accidents depends on the circumstances and the parties involved.
For Injured Workers:
In Virginia, workers injured on the job are generally covered under Virginia Workers’ Compensation Law. However, if a third party—such as a subcontractor or equipment manufacturer—was negligent, the injured worker may also file a third-party personal injury claim.
For example, if faulty scaffolding supplied by a third-party vendor collapses, the injured worker could pursue compensation beyond workers’ comp by suing the vendor directly.
For Injured Bystanders and Drivers:
Construction companies and site managers have a duty to ensure safety for the public. If you were injured walking past a site or driving through a work zone due to a lack of proper signage, barriers, or flaggers, you may be entitled to damages. In these cases, potential defendants could include:
- General contractors
- Subcontractors
- Municipalities (if the work zone was improperly supervised)
- Private property owners
For instance, Virginia’s Work Zone Safety law (§ 46.2-878.1) mandates speed reductions and visible signage in designated work zones. If these rules aren’t followed and you’re injured as a result, this could demonstrate negligence.
How Hilton and Somer Can Help
At Hilton and Somer, our experienced personal injury attorneys know how to investigate construction zone accidents thoroughly. We:
- Collect eyewitness and expert testimony
- Analyze site safety protocols and OSHA violations
- Identify all potentially liable parties
- Negotiate aggressively with insurers and defendants
We understand the unique liability challenges these cases pose, especially in Northern Virginia and the D.C. metro area, where multiple contractors and agencies often overlap on a single project.
Don’t Let Negligence Go Unchecked
Whether you’re a construction worker injured on the job or a bystander harmed due to negligence, you deserve justice. Let Hilton and Somer fight for the compensation you need to heal and move forward.
Contact us today for a free consultation. We’re here to help you uncover the truth and hold the right parties accountable.
Hilton & Somer, LLC: Virginia, Maryland and Washington, DC Personal Injury Attorneys
If you have suffered an injury, don’t go through it alone. Help is available today. Get in touch with the Personal Injury Attorneys at Hilton & Somer, LLC today to discuss your case with one of our Virginia, Maryland, or Washington, D.C. Attorneys. You can contact us toll-free at (703) 560-0700.
References:
https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/46.2-878.1/
