Why Foley & Small?

Common Construction Accidents

Areas of work that accidents often occur include:

• Work on scaffolds
• Electrical installation
• Providing for fall protection
• Lifting and moving materials
• Trench work
• Operation of heavy equipment
• Falling debris and items
• Collapse of structures Regulations and Standards Applicable to the Construction Industry

Regulations and Standards Applicable to the Construction Industry

OSHA regulations provide extensive and often detailed sets of rules and procedures to be followed by contractors and others working on construction sites to help ensure safe work practices. Most states have also adopted the federal standards, with many states adding their own rules and procedures. In addition, there are various associations involved either directly or indirectly with the construction industry, such as the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), that have developed safety and other operational standards. These association standards, while not having the same legal effect as a statute or government regulation, can still have the effect of law as they often define the standard of care to be adhered to by those in the industry.

Foley and Small will work with experts regarding such rules, regulations and standards to determine and prove whether any violation of these enactments resulted in the dangerous condition that resulted in the client’s injuries.

Construction Accident Complexity

The attorneys and staff at Foley & Small contribute to and participate in a variety of charitable and civic organizations and causes. It is important to Foley & Small that they help not only their clients, but also the overall community, by deeds and by gifts.

Construction accidents can involve a variety of complex fact and legal questions. These can include:

• Interpreting and applying the terms in the project’s contract documents
• Determining the relationship between and the respective duties of the architects, engineers, prime and general contractors, subcontractors, suppliers and others working on the project
• Technical issues regarding specific construction activities, such as lifting practices, fall protection, construction methods, material handing and others
• Legal factors such as the application of statutes, rules and standards, evaluation of applicable case law and other issues impacting the determination of liability for an accident and injuries