Construction sites are inherently dangerous, but serious injuries are not an unavoidable part of the job. Many construction accidents occur because basic safety rules are ignored, hazards are left unaddressed, or workers are rushed to meet deadlines.

When unsafe work practices cause injuries, contractors can be held legally responsible under certain circumstances. Understanding when a contractor can be sued is critical for injured workers and others harmed on or near construction sites, and it’s an issue the Law Offices of David J. Karbasian, PC carefully evaluates by examining who controlled the work, what safety rules applied, and how those rules were broken.

Common Causes of Construction Accidents

Construction accidents often stem from preventable failures. These include inadequate safety planning, lack of proper training, poor supervision, and failure to follow established safety standards.

Tight schedules and cost pressures can lead contractors to cut corners, increasing the risk of falls, struck-by injuries, electrocutions, and equipment-related accidents. When these failures are tied to contractor decisions or site control, legal liability may follow.

The Legal Duty Contractors Owe on Construction Sites

Contractors owe a legal duty of care to maintain reasonably safe conditions on construction sites. This duty applies not only to their own workers, but also to subcontractors, delivery personnel, and members of the public who may be exposed to construction hazards.

Duty of care means taking reasonable steps to identify dangers and either eliminate them or warn others. For example, leaving an unguarded trench or unsecured scaffolding may be a breach of this duty.

Situations Where Contractors Can Be Sued for Unsafe Work Practices

Violation of Safety Regulations

Failing to follow required safety rules is strong evidence of negligence. These regulations exist to prevent foreseeable injuries, and violations can directly support a construction accident claim.

Failure to Provide or Enforce the Proper Use of Safety Equipment

Contractors may be liable when they fail to supply proper safety gear or to enforce its use. Providing equipment is not enough—contractors must ensure it is used correctly and maintained.

Unsafe Scaffolding, Ladders, and Fall Hazards

Falls are a leading cause of construction injuries. Liability arises when scaffolding or ladders are improperly installed, overloaded, or uninspected, or when fall protection is missing.

Poor Supervision or Inadequate Training

Allowing untrained workers to perform high-risk tasks, or failing to supervise active work areas, can expose contractors to lawsuits in the event of injuries.

Hazardous Site Conditions Left Unaddressed

Uncovered trenches, exposed wiring, falling debris zones, and poorly marked dangers must be corrected promptly. Ignoring known hazards often forms the basis of contractor negligence claims.

General Contractors vs. Subcontractors

Liability in construction accidents often depends on who controlled the worksite or specific activity that caused the injury.

General contractors may be responsible for overall site safety, while subcontractors may be liable for hazards related to their specific work. In many cases, more than one party may share responsibility for a single accident.

Workers’ Compensation and Third-Party Lawsuits

Injured workers in New Jersey are generally barred by workers’ compensation laws from suing their employer for injuries suffered in the course of their employment. They may, however, still file a third-party lawsuit against any unrelated party whose negligence contributed to the accident. This may include subcontractors, manufacturers of dangerous or defective tools, or drivers of non-work-related motor vehicles. These third-party claims can provide compensation beyond what workers’ compensation covers.

Why Contractor Negligence Claims Are Complex

Construction accident cases require detailed investigation. Contracts between parties, site control, safety records, and witness testimony all play a role in determining liability. Preserving evidence early is often critical to building a strong claim.

How a Construction Accident Lawyer Can Help

An experienced construction accident lawyer in Cherry Hill, NJ, can identify responsible parties, analyze safety violations, and pursue full compensation for medical costs, lost income, and long-term harm. Legal guidance is especially important when multiple contractors or insurance carriers are involved.

Read Also: How Is Evidence Gathered in a Personal Injury Case?

Contact the Law Offices of David J. Karbasian, PC

If you’ve been injured in a construction accident, you deserve answers, support, and strong legal representation. At the Law Offices of David J. Karbasian, PC, we offer free consultations and never charge a legal fee unless we recover compensation for you. We’re available evenings and weekends, and we can meet you at home or in the hospital if needed.

Call 856-667-4666 / 856-600-HURT or contact us online to discuss your case. We’ll handle the legal process while you focus on recovery.