Construction accidents happen fast. One moment, a worker is performing their job. The next moment, a fall, equipment failure, or negligent supervision changes everything. If you or a loved one suffered a serious injury on a construction site in Farmington, you need a Farmington construction accidents lawyer who understands these cases. Claggett, Sykes & Garza Trial Lawyers handles serious construction site injuries across Hartford County, fighting for workers and their families when contractors, equipment manufacturers, or property owners fail to maintain safe conditions.
Why Choose Claggett, Sykes & Garza Trial Lawyers for Your Construction Accident Claim
When you suffer a construction accident, you need more than a general personal injury attorney. You need a firm with experience handling catastrophic injuries and the resources to take your case to trial if necessary. Claggett, Sykes & Garza Trial Lawyers brings that combination to your case.
Our firm was founded by Andrew Garza and Sean Claggett, two trial attorneys with a combined track record of nine-figure verdicts. We have 9 attorneys on staff with over 25+ years of combined experience. We don’t handle every case that comes through our door—we accept only serious injury matters where we can make a real difference. This selective approach means we dedicate substantial resources to each client’s case.
Our approach combines what we call “Big Hearts, Big Data, Big Justice.” We care about our clients’ recovery and future. We use advanced data analysis and technology to build strong cases. And we pursue justice through aggressive negotiation and, when necessary, trial. Our track record reflects this commitment. We secured a $100 million verdict in a warehouse paralysis case—the largest bodily injury verdict in Connecticut history. We’ve recovered $485 million in a foster care abuse case and $145 million in a workers’ compensation bad faith case. These results come from our commitment to thorough investigation, coordination with qualified witnesses, and skilled trial advocacy.
Andrew Garza has earned recognition as a Best Lawyer in America for Personal Injury Litigation and received the Keenan Trial Institute Trial Lawyer of the Year award. He’s been named to Super Lawyers every year from 2016 to 2023. Sean Claggett holds an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell and a 10.0 Superb rating on Avvo. Our team includes partners with 25+ years of experience in client relations, 27 years in medical malpractice, and 37+ years in trial advocacy.
We work on a no-fee-unless-you-win basis. You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. We also offer free consultations with no obligation, so you can discuss your case with an experienced attorney at no cost.
Get the Compensation You Deserve. Our Experienced Lawyers Can Help.
Types of Construction Accidents We Handle
Construction sites present numerous hazards. The accidents that occur can cause devastating injuries. We handle a wide range of construction accident cases.
Scaffold and Ladder Accidents
Scaffolding provides temporary support for workers at height. When scaffolds are improperly constructed, maintained, or inspected, workers fall. Ladder accidents occur when ladders are defective, improperly positioned, or lack proper safety equipment. These falls frequently result in spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and multiple fractures. We’ve handled numerous scaffold and ladder accident cases and understand the negligence patterns that can lead to these injuries.
Let Us Fight for Your Rights and Maximize Your Compensation.
Fall from Height Injuries
Falls from roofs, elevated platforms, and other heights rank among the most serious construction accidents. OSHA regulations require fall protection systems, but many contractors cut corners. When workers fall without proper harnesses, safety nets, or other protection, the results can be catastrophic. These injuries often include paralysis, permanent disability, and wrongful death. Understanding fall protection requirements is critical to establishing negligence.
Experienced Personal Injury Lawyers Ready to Assist You.
Equipment and Machinery Accidents
Construction sites use heavy equipment—cranes, excavators, forklifts, and more. Equipment defects, operator negligence, and inadequate training can cause serious injuries. Amputation, crush injuries, and traumatic brain injuries may result from equipment accidents. We investigate whether the equipment was defective, whether the operator received proper training, and whether the site supervisor maintained safe conditions.
Common Causes of Construction Site Accidents in Farmington
Construction accidents often result from negligence, inadequate safety measures, or defective equipment. Understanding the cause of your accident is important to building a strong claim.
Inadequate safety equipment and training represent major causes of construction accidents. OSHA requires specific safety equipment and training protocols. When contractors fail to provide hard hats, safety harnesses, fall protection systems, or proper training, workers may suffer preventable injuries.
Failure to follow OSHA regulations can create liability. OSHA standards exist to help prevent injuries. When contractors ignore these standards, they may demonstrate negligence. Understanding OSHA compliance is essential to your claim.
Defective equipment or tools can cause accidents. A faulty scaffold connection, a defective ladder, or a malfunctioning crane can cause serious injury. Equipment manufacturers and rental companies bear responsibility for providing safe equipment. These cases often involve product liability claims.
Negligent supervision can allow unsafe conditions to persist. Site supervisors must monitor safety and correct hazards. When supervisors ignore unsafe practices or fail to enforce safety rules, accidents may happen. Our attorneys understand negligent supervision liability.
Unsafe working conditions—inadequate lighting, unstable surfaces, exposed hazards—create accident risks. Property owners and contractors must maintain reasonably safe conditions. Understanding premises liability principles applies to construction sites.
Contractor negligence encompasses many failures—poor planning, inadequate staffing, rushing work, and cutting corners on safety. Contractors may prioritize profit over safety when they fail to allocate sufficient resources to safety measures. Our firm has experience with catastrophic injury litigation.
Third-party liability can extend beyond the direct contractor. Property owners, equipment manufacturers, and other contractors on the site may bear responsibility for your injury.
Injuries Resulting from Construction Accidents
Construction accidents cause serious, life-altering injuries. These injuries often require extensive medical treatment and can result in permanent disability.
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) occur when workers strike their heads during falls or equipment accidents. TBIs range from concussions to severe brain damage. Serious TBIs can cause cognitive impairment, memory loss, personality changes, and loss of earning capacity. Understanding the role of a lawyer in traumatic brain injury cases is important.
Spinal cord injuries and paralysis can result from falls and crush injuries. Paralysis—whether partial or complete—fundamentally changes a person’s life. Paralyzed workers face lifetime medical care, home modifications, and lost independence. Our attorneys understand preparing paralysis claims.
Severe burns occur when workers contact electrical sources or flammable materials. Burn injuries require extensive treatment, cause permanent scarring, and often result in infection and complications. Understanding the benefits of a lawyer in burn injury cases is crucial.
Amputations—loss of fingers, hands, arms, or legs—occur in equipment accidents. Amputation creates permanent disability and requires prosthetic devices, ongoing medical care, and significant lifestyle adjustment.
Crush injuries occur when heavy equipment or materials compress body parts. Crush injuries cause tissue damage, infection risk, and often require amputation.
Multiple fractures from falls and equipment accidents can heal, but serious fractures may result in permanent disability, chronic pain, and reduced function.
Wrongful death occurs when construction accidents prove fatal. Families lose breadwinners, and the emotional and financial impact is devastating. Our firm has experience with wrongful death cases.
How Claggett, Sykes & Garza Trial Lawyers Builds Your Construction Accident Case
Strong construction accident cases require thorough investigation, qualified witness coordination, and detailed analysis. Our team follows a systematic approach to pursue the maximum recovery available.
Our process starts with detailed investigation and evidence gathering. We visit the accident site, photograph conditions, and document hazards. The team obtains OSHA reports, safety records, and equipment maintenance logs. We interview witnesses and collect their statements. Finally, we preserve evidence before anyone alters or removes it. Proper evidence collection is critical to your case.
Qualified witness coordination strengthens your case. We work with engineers who analyze equipment failure, safety professionals who evaluate OSHA compliance, medical professionals who explain your injuries and prognosis, and economists who calculate lost earning capacity. These witnesses provide testimony that supports your claim. Understanding the role of expert witnesses is essential.
Medical documentation review helps us understand the full extent of your injuries. We obtain all medical records, imaging studies, and treatment notes. We work with your medical providers to understand your current condition and future medical needs.
Liability analysis identifies all potentially responsible parties. We determine whether the contractor failed to follow safety protocols, whether the equipment was defective, whether the property owner maintained unsafe conditions, or whether multiple parties share responsibility.
Damage calculation quantifies your losses. We calculate past and future medical expenses, lost wages and earning capacity, pain and suffering, permanent disability, and loss of consortium. We work with economists and life care planners to develop accurate calculations. Understanding types of damage recovery is important.
Settlement negotiation begins once we’ve built a strong case. We present our evidence to insurance companies and defendants, demonstrating the strength of your claim and the risks they face if the case goes to trial. Many cases settle during this phase. Our attorneys have experience determining whether to settle.
Trial preparation and advocacy follow if settlement negotiations don’t produce fair results. Our attorneys have tried over 100 jury trials combined. We prepare thoroughly, present evidence persuasively, and advocate for your rights before a jury.
Construction Accident Compensation You May Recover
Construction accident claims seek to compensate you for losses resulting from your injury. Compensation can include both economic and non-economic damages.
Medical expenses include all past treatment costs and future medical care. This includes emergency room visits, hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, therapy, medications, medical equipment, and ongoing treatment. For serious injuries, future medical expenses often exceed past expenses significantly.
Lost wages and earning capacity compensate you for income you’ve lost and may lose. If your injury prevents you from returning to construction work, we calculate the income you would have earned over your remaining working years.
Pain and suffering compensation recognizes the physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life resulting from your injury. Serious injuries cause substantial pain and suffering, and compensation reflects this reality.
Permanent disability damages apply when your injury causes lasting impairment. If you can no longer perform your job or engage in activities you enjoyed, compensation reflects this permanent change.
Loss of consortium damages compensate family members for the loss of companionship, support, and services resulting from your injury. Spouses and children can recover for these losses.
Punitive damages may apply in cases involving gross negligence or intentional misconduct. When a contractor’s conduct was particularly reckless or intentional, punitive damages can punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct.
Frequently Asked Questions About Construction Accidents
What should I do immediately after a construction accident?
Seek medical attention first. Your health is the priority. Report the accident to your supervisor and the site safety officer. If possible, photograph the accident scene and any hazards that contributed to your injury. Get contact information from witnesses. Don’t sign any documents or give statements to insurance companies without consulting an attorney. Contact Claggett, Sykes & Garza Trial Lawyers for a free consultation as soon as possible.
How long do I have to file a construction accident claim in Connecticut?
Connecticut’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally three years from the date of injury. However, some claims have shorter deadlines. Workers’ compensation claims have different time limits. Don’t delay—contact an attorney promptly to help you meet all deadlines and preserve evidence. Learn more about Connecticut statute of limitations.
Can I sue my employer for a construction accident?
In most cases, workers’ compensation provides the exclusive remedy against your employer. You cannot sue your employer in court if you’re eligible for workers’ compensation. However, you may be able to sue third parties—equipment manufacturers, property owners, contractors other than your employer, or others whose negligence contributed to your injury. Our attorneys understand workers’ compensation claims.
What is the difference between workers’ compensation and a personal injury claim?
Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system. You receive benefits regardless of who caused the accident, but benefits are limited. You don’t need to prove negligence. Personal injury claims require proving negligence, but damages can be much higher. You can often pursue both—workers’ compensation benefits and a personal injury claim against third parties.
How much is my construction accident case worth?
Case value depends on many factors: the severity of your injury, your age and earning capacity, the extent of medical treatment needed, whether your injury is permanent, and the strength of liability evidence. We evaluate your specific case and provide an honest assessment of potential compensation. Understanding how to calculate settlements can help.
How long does a construction accident case take?
Simple cases with clear liability and minor injuries might settle within months. Cases with serious injuries, multiple defendants, or disputed liability take longer. Cases that go to trial typically take one to three years from accident to verdict. We work efficiently but focus on achieving fair results rather than rushing to settle a case. Our experience with car accident trials demonstrates our trial readiness.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Connecticut follows comparative negligence rules. Even if you were partially at fault, you can still recover damages. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were 20% at fault and your damages are $100,000, you recover $80,000. We investigate thoroughly to address any issues of comparative negligence.
Contact Claggett, Sykes & Garza Trial Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you suffered a serious construction accident in Farmington or elsewhere in Hartford County, consider seeking legal help. Claggett, Sykes & Garza Trial Lawyers offers free consultations with no obligation. Call 860-471-8333 today to discuss your case with an experienced construction accident attorney.
Our Farmington office is located at 76 Batterson Park Road, Suite 301, Farmington, CT 06032. We also maintain an office in Enfield. We serve clients throughout Connecticut and are prepared to travel for client meetings.Construction accidents cause serious injuries that change lives. You deserve an attorney who understands these cases, has the resources to investigate thoroughly, and will fight for compensation you may be entitled to pursue. Claggett, Sykes & Garza Trial Lawyers has the experience, the track record, and the commitment to handle your case. Contact us today.
