With the recent economic downturn, the construction industry has been hit especially hard. To stay afloat financially in the weak economy, many contractors have moved beyond their specialties and accepted new types of projects in unfamiliar areas of expertise. Due to this lack of experience, contractors, their subcontractors, clients and employees are increasingly facing heightened risks of personal injury on the worksite or in the finished building.

Construction is already one of the most dangerous industries in America. Not only do workers have a higher rate of injury than those in other industries, but construction injuries are more likely to be serious and to carry consequences such as lost work time, permanent disability and even death. The risk of injury, however, increases for inexperienced workers such as teenagers, young adults or those entering a new area of the construction field. These injuries may include:

  • Cuts and scratches
  • Sprains and strains
  • Slips, trips and falls
  • Overexertion
  • Amputation
  • Electrocution

In addition to an increased risk of injury, inexperienced contractors can inspire risks associated with working in a different state or region. Contractors may not be familiar with the legalities and regulations of the industry in the new area and are therefore more likely to make mistakes. These mistakes may lead to future injury of the homeowner, building owner or employees working on the site.

Should a construction project prove to be defective and dangerous, employees, home and building owners may have the right to legally hold contractors liable for the loss of property value and/or personal injury due to:

  • Faulty design and construction
  • Water intrusion
  • Structural settlement
  • Retaining wall collapse
  • Toxic mold

If a construction employee, homeowner or building owner is risking injury due to contractor or supplier negligence, he or she must take prompt action to resolve the problem. Often the first signs of construction defect problems are only hints of deeper, larger issues. If left alone, the problems may evolve into unfixable situations.

Speaking with an attorney experience in handling construction defects cases is an important step in resolving issues related to potential construction defects and risk of injury due to inexperienced contractor negligence. If the claim is viable, an attorney can guide the employee or building owner through the full legal process and pursue measures to correct the problem.