Construction work is dangerous; thousands of serious injuries occur every year. Getting a fair settlement to cover economic and non-economic damages is essential, but settlements for construction accidents vary widely. Understand what your settlement could be worth in order to make the right decisions.
What are the different types of construction accident claims I could have?

There are three types of construction accident claims, each with separate requirements, potential benefits, and settlement amounts.
Consulting a Seattle construction accident lawyer can help you determine the best approach based on your situation. Here’s what they are:
- L&I / Workers’ Compensation for workplace injuries: If you’re injured on the job as a construction worker, you are eligible for a workers’ compensation (L&I) claim. Workers’ comp is a no-fault system that covers medical expenses, wage replacement, PPD settlement, and rehabilitation for injured construction workers. It does not typically allow for non-economic damages.
- Third-Party Claims: If you have a third-party claim, you have some things to do. This claim could be against parties other than your employer, such as subcontractors, equipment manufacturers, or property owners if their negligence contributed to your injury. A third-party claim can provide compensation in addition to workers’ compensation, including non-economic damages.
- Personal Injury Claims (Non-Work-Related): If you were injured on or near a construction site but not in a work capacity (for example, as a visitor or bystander), you may have a personal injury lawsuit that allows you to seek full compensation for all economic and non-economic damages.
How much can I expect to receive from my construction accident injury?
Construction accident settlement amounts vary based on the type of case, injury, severity, and impact on the worker’s life.
Here are typical settlement ranges with serious injuries for some of the most common construction accident injuries. These amounts are typical; your circumstances and results will vary:
Injury Type | Explanation | Settlement Range |
---|---|---|
Falls from Heights | Falls from unprotected platforms, scaffolding, or ladders are the leading causes of construction injuries, often resulting in severe injuries like fractures, spinal cord damage, or traumatic brain injuries that lead to permanent disability. | $50,000 – $1 million |
Heavy Equipment Accidents | Injuries involving forklifts, cranes, or other heavy machinery can result in serious crush injuries, broken bones, and internal organ damage, requiring extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation. | $75,000 – $2 million |
Electrocutions and Burns | Exposed wiring or faulty electrical systems create the risk of electrocution, which can cause nerve damage, severe burns, and cardiac issues. | $75,000 – $1 million |
Slip and Falls on Site | Slippery or cluttered surfaces frequently lead to slip-and-fall injuries, resulting in concussions, soft tissue damage, and fractures, disrupting an injured person’s ability to earn a living. | $20,000 – $250,000 |
Repetitive Motion Injuries | Constant lifting, bending, or hammering can lead to repetitive strain injuries like tendonitis or carpal tunnel syndrome, which cause chronic pain and limit a worker’s range of motion. | $10,000 – $100,000 |
Chemical Exposure | Contact with hazardous substances like asbestos, silica, or toxic fumes leads to respiratory issues, skin burns, or chronic illnesses such as lung disease or cancer. | $50,000 – $1 million |
Amputations | Accidents involving power tools or heavy machinery without proper safety guards can lead to partial or complete limb amputations, resulting in lifelong disability and costly medical needs. | $100,000 – $2 million |
Hearing Loss | Exposure to loud machinery without ear protection can cause permanent hearing damage, affecting safety and communication on the job. | $10,000 – $250,000 |
Heat Stroke and Hypothermia | Working in extreme weather conditions can lead to heat-related illnesses or hypothermia, which can impact a worker’s health and ability to perform. | $10,000 – $100,000 |
What economic damages can I recover from my construction accident settlement?
Economic damages are critical to ensuring you have the resources needed for recovery, adaptation, and future financial security.
Economic damages cover the direct, quantifiable costs resulting from a construction accident. These damages can include:
Economic Damages | Description | Typical Compensation Range (Serious Injuries) |
---|---|---|
Medical Expenses | Medical costs are often one of the most significant components of a settlement, including emergency care, surgeries, hospital stays, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatments. | Three times your medical expenses, often $20,000 – $500,000 or more |
Lost Wages and Earning Capacity | Compensation for income lost during recovery and, if applicable, reduced future earnings due to disability. | Up to $100,000; higher for permanent disability |
Rehabilitation and Therapy Costs | Physical and occupational therapy and other specialized rehabilitation as needed for recovery. | $10,000 – $150,000 |
Home and Vehicle Modifications | Costs for modifications such as wheelchair ramps or vehicle alterations required due to disability. | $5,000 – $50,000 |
Transportation Expenses | Costs for frequent travel to medical or therapy appointments, especially when specialized transport is needed. | $500 – $5,000 |
Medical Equipment and Assistive Devices | Compensation for wheelchairs, prosthetics, or braces necessary for daily functioning post-injury. | $1,000 – $20,000 |
Household Services | Funds for cleaning, childcare, or yard maintenance if the injury prevents you from performing these tasks. | $2,000 – $10,000 annually |
Future Medical Costs | Covers anticipated future medical treatments or surgeries needed due to injury. | $100,000 – $500,000+ |
Vocational Rehabilitation and Job Training | Vocational rehabilitation can support retraining or job placement assistance if an injury prevents you from returning to your prior job. | $5,000 – $50,000 |
Loss of Retirement Benefits and Pensions | Compensates for lost pension or retirement contributions due to the injury’s impact on career longevity. | $20,000 – $100,000+ |
Cost of Legal Fees | Coverage for a portion of attorney and court costs if substantial legal representation is required. | Varies (depends on legal costs) |
What non-economic damages can my construction accident settlement pay for?
Non-economic damages recognize the lasting impact of your injuries on your life beyond medical bills and lost income.
Non-economic damages cover the intangible but significant impacts of an injury.
Your ability to recover non-economic damages will depend on your claim type. L&I claims will not compensate for non-economic damages. However, if you have a third-party claim or a personal injury claim, you have the right to seek non-economic damages, including:
Non-Economic Damages | Description | Typical Compensation Range (Serious Injuries) |
---|---|---|
Pain and Suffering | Compensation for physical pain and discomfort endured from the injury and during recovery. | $50,000 – $300,000 |
Emotional Distress and Mental Anguish | Psychological impacts such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD resulting from the accident. | $10,000 – $100,000 |
Loss of Enjoyment of Life | Compensation for reduced ability to engage in hobbies or activities that previously brought you joy. | $20,000 – $150,000 |
Loss of Consortium | Compensation for impact on your family relationships, particularly with a spouse, due to the injury. | $10,000 – $100,000 |
Permanent Disfigurement or Disability | It covers lasting physical disfigurement or permanent disabilities affecting mobility, independence, or self-image. | $50,000 – $500,000 |
What factors affect the amount of my construction accident settlement?
Settlement amounts in construction accident cases vary widely. Many factors determine the final settlement range of your claim, accounting for immediate costs and the long-term impact on your life. These factors include:
Factor | Description |
---|---|
Severity and Nature of the Injury | Severe, life-altering injuries (e.g., spinal cord injuries, amputations) result in higher settlements due to extensive medical and rehabilitative needs. |
Lost Wages and Future Earning Potential | Settlements account for lost income if you cannot return to your job or face reduced earning capacity; cases of permanent disability may include a lifetime of lost earnings. |
Medical Expenses | Settlements cover current and future medical costs, including surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing therapy. Future care needs will increase the settlement amount. |
Degree of Employer Negligence or OSHA Violations | Settlements may be higher if gross negligence or OSHA violations contributed to the accident, especially in third-party liability claims. |
Workers’ Compensation vs. Third-Party or Personal Injury Claims | Workers’ compensation benefits provide basic coverage, but third-party claims (against contractors or equipment manufacturers) can lead to higher settlements for additional compensation. |
Permanent Disability or Disfigurement | Injuries that result in permanent disability or visible disfigurement increase settlements to cover lifelong challenges and loss of quality of life. |
Pain and Suffering | Non-economic damages for physical pain and emotional suffering increase settlement amounts, especially in personal injury cases involving long recovery times or chronic pain. |
Insurance Policy Limits | The limits of the employer’s or third-party’s insurance policy may cap the settlement, impacting the final amount the worker can receive. |
Pre-Existing Conditions | If the accident worsens a pre-existing condition, this can influence the settlement amount, sometimes reducing it if the prior condition is significant or symptomatic. |
State Laws | State-specific laws on workers’ compensation, third-party claims, and allowable damages can impact the type and amount of compensation a worker may receive |
What steps should I take after a construction accident?

Immediately after a construction accident, the right action can significantly affect your settlement outcome.
Taking these steps helps protect your rights and strengthens your case when pursuing a construction accident settlement. Here’s what you should do:
- Report the Accident to Your Employer: If the accident occurs while working, report it to your employer or site supervisor as soon as possible. Document as much detail as possible in writing. This report will be an essential record for your claim.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if injuries initially seem minor, get a complete medical evaluation. Some injuries may not show immediate symptoms. You need detailed medical records to support your compensation case.
- Document Everything: Gather as much evidence as possible, including photos of the accident scene, equipment involved, and any visible injuries. Record the names and contact information of witnesses who can corroborate your account.
- Consult a Seattle Personal Injury and L&I Attorney: An attorney with experience in construction accidents can give you free information and guide you through the workers’ compensation or third-party claim process if you choose to hire them.
- File a Workers’ Compensation Claim: Submit your claim quickly. There are deadlines for reporting work-related injuries. An attorney can assist with completing the necessary forms and meeting all requirements. A good doctor is essential.
- Keep Detailed Records of Expenses: Track all medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and out-of-pocket expenses related to your injury. This information will be essential for calculating both economic and non-economic damages.
Why Should I Work with a Seattle Construction Accident Lawyer?
Working with an experienced Seattle personal injury and L&I attorney can significantly improve the value of your construction accident case. Here’s why you should consider legal representation:
- Maximizing Compensation: Attorneys are skilled in identifying all potential compensation sources, including workers’ compensation and third-party claims, and increase the likelihood you receive compensation that covers all economic and non-economic damages.
- Navigating Complex Legal Processes: Construction accident claims involve various legal processes, from filing workers’ compensation claims to negotiating with insurance companies. An attorney understands the paperwork, deadlines, and requirements, helping to ease the process and avoid costly mistakes.
- Establishing Employer or Third-Party Liability: Proving negligence or safety violations requires an expert understanding of workplace safety standards and legal liability. A personal injury lawyer can investigate the accident, gather evidence, and, if needed, consult with additional experts to build a strong liability case.
- Handling Insurance Companies: Insurance companies will try to minimize your payout using dirty tactics to downplay your injuries or dispute claims. Experienced construction accident lawyers protect you against them by handling these negotiations to ensure your settlement offer reflects your injury’s true impact on your life.
- Ensuring Fair Settlement Offers: An attorney can accurately assess your settlement value and advocate for a fair amount by evaluating the long-term costs associated with medical care, lost earning capacity, and quality-of-life impacts.
Call An Experienced Construction Accident Lawyers to Get the Most from Your Settlement
Construction accidents can have lasting consequences, leaving you with severe injuries, overwhelming medical bills, and reduced earning potential. Securing fair compensation is essential if you want to cover immediate expenses and long-term impacts on your quality of life.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a construction accident, working with an experienced personal injury and L&I attorney can make all the difference. Call or write today to discuss your case and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
FAQ – What Are Construction Accident Settlements Worth?
Over 90% of construction accidents are work-related, with only 5-10% being non-work-related personal injury claims. These typically involve visitors, vendors, or non-working individuals injured due to site conditions or safety lapses.
How long do I have to file a construction accident lawsuit?
In Washington State, the deadlines for filing construction accident claims depend on the type of claim. For workers’ compensation, you must file an L&I claim within one year of the accident if it’s an injury claim and within two years if it involves an occupational disease. But the sooner, the better. Delays can complicate the claim process. Washington imposes a three-year statute of limitations from the accident date for a third-party and personal injury case.
Can I still receive compensation if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Yes, you can still recover compensation in Washington State even if you were partially at fault due to comparative negligence laws. Under these laws, your settlement will be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you. For instance, if you’re found to be 20% at fault, your compensation would be reduced by that amount, allowing you to recover 80% of the total damages.
How is a construction accident settlement paid out?
Settlements may be paid in a lump sum or through a structured settlement where payments are distributed over time. The payout structure is typically negotiated and may depend on factors like your preference, the nature of the injury, and the extent of damages.
How are settlement amounts determined in wrongful death claims for construction accidents?
In wrongful death cases, settlements cover economic losses (such as lost income and funeral expenses) and non-economic losses (like loss of companionship). The settlement amount depends on the deceased’s age, income, and dependents.