Award Winning
Every day, construction workers across Columbia and the Midlands face serious risks while building South Carolina’s future. From scaffolding collapses to electrical shocks, one moment of negligence can lead to life-changing injuries, or worse.
At Ted Law Firm, our Columbia construction accident lawyers stand up for injured workers, contractors, and families after a job-site injury. We fight for the full compensation you deserve through both workers’ compensation and third-party claims so you can focus on recovery.
Common Types of Construction Accidents in Columbia
Competitors list accident types generally; we localize them.
We handle all types of construction accident claims, including:
- Falls from ladders, roofs, and scaffolding
- Crane and forklift accidents
- Heavy machinery or power-tool injuries
- Electrocution and electrical burns
- Trench collapses and falling debris
- Slips, trips, and falls at work sites
- Fires, explosions, and chemical exposure
- Construction vehicle and roadway zone crashes
Many of these incidents occur on projects around Downtown Columbia, Fort Jackson, and Lexington County industrial zones. Wherever you were injured, we’ll investigate and fight to protect your rights.
What To Do After a Construction Accident
- Report the injury immediately to your supervisor or foreman.
- Seek medical treatment right away at a local facility like Prisma Health Richland Hospital or Lexington Medical Center.
- Document the scene, take photos of equipment, safety hazards, or missing signage.
- Collect witness information from co-workers or subcontractors.
- Do not give recorded statements to insurance representatives before speaking with an attorney.
- Call Ted Law Firm we can launch an investigation and file your claim before deadlines expire.
Workers’ Compensation vs. Third-Party Lawsuits
Competitors mention this briefly to make it clear. Most injured construction workers are covered by South Carolina’s Workers’ Compensation Act.
This no-fault system pays for:
- Medical care and prescriptions
- Partial wage replacement (about ⅔ of average weekly wage)
- Permanent disability or impairment benefits
- Death benefits for surviving families
However, if your injury was caused by a negligent subcontractor, equipment manufacturer, or property owner, you may also file a third-party lawsuit for additional damages such as pain & suffering or loss of future earnings. Our team handles both claims simultaneously to maximize your recovery.
OSHA Violations & Safety Failures
According to OSHA Region IV, South Carolina consistently ranks high for construction-site safety violations. The most frequent issues include:
- Lack of fall-protection systems
- Inadequate scaffolding safety
- Faulty equipment maintenance
- Electrical and lock-out/tag-out failures
- Insufficient hazard communication
When employers or contractors ignore federal safety rules, they put everyone at risk. We use OSHA reports, site logs, and inspection data to strengthen your claim.
Third-Party Construction Accident Claims
Not every construction injury is limited to workers’ compensation. You may have a valid third-party negligence claim if:
- You were injured by defective machinery or tools.
- A subcontractor created an unsafe condition.
- A delivery truck or visitor caused your accident.
- A property owner failed to maintain a safe site.
These claims allow recovery for damages not covered by workers’ compensation, including:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
- Full lost wages
- Punitive damages in cases of gross negligence
We identify every liable party and hold them accountable no matter how complex the job site.
Why Choose Our Columbia Construction Accident Lawyers
- Decades of combined experience with South Carolina workplace and injury law
- Proven results recovering millions for injured workers and their families
- Deep knowledge of Richland County courts and local insurers
- Access to top safety experts, engineers, and medical specialists
- No fees unless we win your case
- 24/7 availability to answer your questions
When construction companies cut corners, we make sure your future isn’t what pays the price.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
Depending on your case type, you may recover:
Through Workers’ Compensation:
- Whiplash and soft tissue damage
- Concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Emotional trauma and post-accident anxiety
- Wrongful death in fatal crashes
Through Third-Party Lawsuits:
- Full lost wages and future earnings
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
- Loss of companionship or enjoyment of life
- Punitive damages for reckless conduct
Our attorneys calculate every category of loss to ensure your settlement reflects your full recovery needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Do I qualify for workers’ compensation after a construction injury?
Yes, most workers are covered, even if you were partly at fault. Learn more on our Columbia Workers’ Compensation Lawyer page.
2. Can I sue my employer for a construction accident?
In most cases, you can’t sue your direct employer if you’re covered by workers’ comp, but you can pursue claims against third parties like subcontractors or equipment makers.
3. How long do I have to file a claim in South Carolina?
You generally have 90 days to report the injury to your employer and two years to file for workers’ compensation benefits.
4. What benefits does workers’ comp provide?
It covers medical care, wage loss, disability payments, and death benefits for families of fatally injured workers.
5. What if my employer denies my claim?
We can appeal to the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission and represent you in hearings.
6. Can I receive both workers’ comp and a third-party settlement?
Yes. If someone other than your employer caused your injury, you can pursue both claims.
7. Do I need a lawyer for a workers’ comp claim?
Yes, insurers often underpay benefits. Our attorneys ensure you receive every dollar you’re entitled to.
8. How much does it cost to hire a Ted Law Firm?
We work on a contingency fee basis, no upfront costs, no fees unless we win.
Talk to a Columbia Construction Accident Lawyer Today
A construction injury can leave you facing pain, lost income, and uncertainty. Ted Law Firm helps injured workers and families rebuild physically, emotionally, and financially. We proudly serve clients in Columbia, Lexington County, Richland County, and throughout the Midlands. No fees unless we win.
