Call us 24/7The 20-foot scaffold collapsed without warning, sending you crashing to the concrete below at a construction site. As you lay in Hospital with broken ribs, a shattered leg, and mounting medical bills, the workers’ comp adjuster tells you that your weekly benefits will be just $400 – barely enough to cover groceries, let alone your mortgage. What they don’t tell you is that workers’ compensation might only be the beginning of what you can recover after a serious construction accident in Tampa.
Why Construction Sites Are So Dangerous
Tampa’s construction boom has created thousands of jobs, but it’s also led to a spike in serious workplace injuries. Construction sites are among the most dangerous places to work in Florida, with injury rates nearly three times higher than other industries.
The most common Tampa Bay construction accidents include:
- Falls from heights: Scaffolds, ladders, roofs, and unprotected edges
- Equipment failures: Cranes, forklifts, power tools, and heavy machinery
- Electrocution: Power lines, faulty wiring, and electrical equipment
- Struck by objects: Falling tools, materials, and moving vehicles
- Trenching and excavation collapses: Unstable soil and improper shoring
These aren’t just “accidents” – they’re often the result of safety violations, inadequate training, and companies cutting corners to save money.
When You Can Sue Beyond Workers’ Compensation
Most Tampa construction workers know about workers’ compensation, but many don’t realize they might be able to file additional lawsuits that could result in much larger settlements. Florida law allows construction workers to sue third parties who contributed to their injuries.
Third-Party Liability Cases
Equipment manufacturers: If defective tools or machinery caused your accident, you can sue the manufacturer even while receiving workers’ comp benefits.
General contractors: When you work for a subcontractor, you might be able to sue the general contractor for unsafe site conditions.
Property owners: Building owners who create dangerous conditions or interfere with safety measures can be held liable.
Other subcontractors: If another company’s negligence caused your injury, they can be sued separately from your employer.
Types of Compensation Available
While workers’ compensation in Florida covers medical bills and partial wage replacement, third-party lawsuits can provide much more comprehensive compensation:
| Workers’ Compensation | Third-Party Lawsuit |
| Current Medical expenses only | All medical costs + future care |
| 2/3 of average wages | Full lost wages + future earnings |
| No pain and suffering | Pain and suffering damages |
| Limited death benefits | Full wrongful death damages |
| No punitive damages | Punitive damages possible |
What You Can Recover in Third-Party Cases:
Economic damages:
- All past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Rehabilitation and retraining costs
- Home modifications for disabilities
- Transportation and care expenses
Non-economic damages:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish and trauma
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disability compensation
- Disfigurement and scarring
Common Tampa Bay Construction Accident Scenarios
Based on cases we’ve handled in Hillsborough County, here are typical situations where workers can recover additional compensation:
Car Accidents
Florida’s roadways create serious risks:
- Car accidents that happen while your are on the clock, but are caused by someone outside your company
- A co-worker who is allowed to drive without a license
- A vehicle that is unsafely loaded or improperly maintained causes an accident
Scaffold Accidents
Tampa’s high-rise construction requires extensive scaffolding, but many accidents happen when:
- Scaffolds aren’t properly secured or inspected
- Workers aren’t provided proper safety equipment
- Weight limits are exceeded
- Other contractors damage scaffold supports
Crane Accidents
With major projects like downtown Tampa developments and airport expansions, crane accidents often involve:
- Defective crane components
- Improper assembly or maintenance
- Operator error or inadequate training
- Power line contact during operation
Electrocution Injuries
Florida’s weather and Tampa’s older electrical infrastructure create serious risks:
- Contact with overhead power lines
- Faulty electrical equipment on job sites
- Inadequate grounding and GFCI protection
- Work near energized equipment without proper safeguards
OSHA Violations and Your Case
When construction companies violate Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards, it strengthens your third-party lawsuit. Common OSHA violations at Tampa construction sites include:
Fall protection failures:
- Missing guardrails on elevated surfaces
- Inadequate personal fall arrest systems
- Improper ladder use and placement
- Unprotected roof edges and openings
Electrical safety violations:
- Inadequate lockout/tagout procedures
- Missing ground fault circuit interrupters
- Unsafe work practices around power lines
- Defective electrical equipment
Equipment safety violations:
- Inadequate machine guarding
- Poor crane inspection and maintenance
- Missing backup alarms on vehicles
- Improper tool maintenance and repair
Recent Tampa Bay Construction Settlements
Florida construction accident settlements vary widely based on injury severity and circumstances, but recent Hillsborough County cases show the potential value:
- $2.8 million for a roofer who fell due to inadequate fall protection
- $1.9 million for an electrical worker injured by defective equipment
- $3.2 million for a crane operator killed when equipment failed
- $1.5 million for burns from an electrical explosion
These settlements were in addition to workers’ compensation benefits the injured workers received.
Insurance Issues in Construction Cases
Construction sites typically involve multiple insurance policies from different companies:
General contractors usually carry $2-10 million in liability coverage
Equipment rental companies have separate policies covering their machinery
Subcontractors carry their own liability insurance (when they follow the rules)
Property owners may have additional coverage for construction activities
The key is identifying all potentially responsible parties and their insurance coverage before the evidence disappears.
Time Limits You Must Know
Florida gives you only two years from the date of your construction accident to file third-party lawsuits. This deadline is separate from workers’ compensation claims and cannot be extended. Additionally a lawyer needs time to review and prepare your case before filing, so don’t wait.
Critical timing issues:
- Evidence gets destroyed or lost quickly on active construction sites
- Witnesses may leave for other jobs or forget details
- Equipment gets repaired or replaced, eliminating proof of defects
- Safety records and inspection reports can disappear
Don’t Accept Limited Compensation
Construction accidents often result in life-changing injuries that workers’ compensation simply cannot adequately address. While your weekly workers’ comp check helps pay some bills, it may represent only a fraction of what you’re truly entitled to recover.
The experienced Tampa construction accident attorneys at Chris Ligori & Associates have successfully handled hundreds of construction injury cases throughout Hillsborough County. We know how to investigate complex construction sites, identify all responsible parties, and fight for maximum compensation while you focus on recovery.
Don’t let insurance companies shortchange you after a serious construction accident. Check with Chris and Call Chris Ligori & Associates Now at 813-223-2929 or visit ChrisLigoriLaw.com for your free consultation. We’ll evaluate your case, explain all your legal options, and fight to get you every dollar you deserve.
Legal Disclaimer: This article does not constitute legal advice. Every case is different, and the outcome depends on the specific facts and circumstances involved. For advice about your particular situation, contact an experienced personal injury attorney who can review the details of your case.
