As a popular tourist destination, North Myrtle Beach is constantly growing, and some new building or development is always going up somewhere in town. While these projects provide many local jobs, they can also lead to construction accidents that can take a toll on workers’ health, finances, and long-term well-being.
If you suffer an injury while working in construction in North Myrtle Beach, you could be left unable to work and facing a growing stack of medical bills. However, you should know that you have options that a construction accident lawyer with Jebaily Law Firm can help you explore.
Our attorneys have represented injured South Carolina workers for over 50 years, helping them make ends meet during their most challenging times. We can pursue the financial compensation you deserve for your injuries through a workers’ compensation claim or personal injury lawsuit. We also have experience helping injured construction workers apply for Social Security disability benefits.
Find out what we can do for you when you contact our North Myrtle Beach office today for a free consultation.
Types of Construction Jobs in North Myrtle Beach
According to the South Carolina Department of Commerce, about 5 percent of the South Carolina labor force works in construction. North Myrtle Beach, in particular, is a hub of construction activity. Typical construction jobs in the area include:
- Road work – With all the traffic through North Myrtle Beach, many roads need repairs and improvements. Additionally, new roads are often necessary to accommodate new developments or improve traffic flow. The proposed Interstate 73 project would bring many construction jobs to the area. The South Carolina Department of Transportation also lists dozens of projects under development in Horry County.
- Residential development – South Carolina’s warm climate and low taxes attract many people to move here. The North Myrtle Beach City Council recently approved a massive new development project near the Intracoastal Waterway.
- Commercial development – New businesses are constantly springing up in North Myrtle Beach. The North Myrtle Beach Planning Commission recently heard a proposal for an industrial park off Water Tower Road.
In addition to workers for these kinds of projects, other construction jobs that are often in demand in North Myrtle Beach include:
- Plumbers
- Pipefitters
- Carpenters
- Flooring installers
- Tile setters
- Ironworkers
- Equipment operators
- Roofers
- Surveyors
- Masonry workers
- Electricians
- Site inspectors
- Site managers and engineers
Common Causes of Construction Accident Injuries
Many potential hazards at construction sites can cause accidents, including:
- Falling objects – Objects falling from scaffolds or the upper floors of a building can cause severe injuries if they hit someone working on a lower level.
- Falls from high places – Construction work often happens far above the ground, typically on scaffolds and walkways that lack the stability of a finished building. Workers are at risk of falls, which can result in severe, even fatal, injuries.
- Slip-and-fall accidents – Loose debris and other tripping hazards can cause workers to lose their balance and fall.
- Electrical shocks – Faulty wiring, defective equipment, and operator error can all cause an electrical shock at a job site, leading to severe burns, organ damage, and other injuries.
- Overexertion – Workers who push themselves too hard on the job can suffer severe injuries like inflammation, sprains, strains, and muscle tears.
- Fires and explosions – Many chemicals used in construction work can ignite if they come into contact with a spark or heat source, leading to burns and other injuries.
- Trench collapses – If a construction trench collapses with workers inside, they could be crushed by the weight of the soil or sustain other severe injuries.
- Workers caught between objects – A worker who becomes pinned between two heavy objects or pieces of equipment might lose a limb or suffer other significant injuries.
- Motor-vehicle accidents – Steamrollers and other construction vehicles are large, heavy, and difficult to control. Vehicle operators who are not careful risk colliding with objects and workers.
Your Legal Options After a North Myrtle Beach Construction Accident
Depending on the circumstances, there are three primary options for recovering compensation after a North Myrtle Beach construction accident. They are:
- A workers’ compensation claim – The South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission says most businesses with four or more employees must provide workers’ compensation coverage. However, the rule does not apply to independent contractors, which includes some construction workers. Our construction accident attorneys can determine if you are eligible for workers’ comp benefits and help you file a claim. If your claim is approved, your employer must cover all your medical expenses related to the accident and a sizeable portion of your lost wages.
- A personal injury lawsuit – If you qualify for workers’ compensation benefits, you generally cannot sue your employer after an accident. However, you may have grounds for a third-party lawsuit if someone other than your employer contributed to your injuries. Potential compensation from a personal injury lawsuit includes money for your medical bills, lost wages, pain, suffering, and reduced future earnings.
- Social Security disability benefits – If you develop a long-term or permanent disability from a construction accident and cannot work, you may qualify for Social Security disability benefits. Talk to a lawyer before filing a Social Security disability claim, as it is a complex process with many potential roadblocks. Roughly two-thirds of claims are initially denied, according to the Social Security Administration.
Why You Need Our North Myrtle Beach Construction Accident Lawyers
Recovering compensation after a construction accident is challenging without a lawyer’s help. The North Myrtle Beach construction accident lawyers at Jebaily Law Firm are ready to investigate your case and lay out your legal options. We will identify everyone potentially liable for your injuries and all possible sources of compensation.
From there, we can help you file a workers’ compensation claim, pursue a personal injury lawsuit, and apply for Social Security disability benefits. Our experience means we understand the often-confusing legal process and how to help you seek the money you need.
Doing all this work yourself is a lot to take on when dealing with severe injuries. Instead, let us handle the process while you focus on your medical treatment and putting your life back together.
Get Help from a Construction Accident Lawyer in North Myrtle Beach
The Jebaily Law Firm stands ready to defend your rights after a construction accident and help you pursue the compensation you need. Contact us in North Myrtle Beach today for a free consultation.
