Experienced Legal Representation for Construction Site Injuries in South Carolina
Construction workers in Aiken face daily hazards that can lead to serious injuries or fatalities.
When safety protocols fail and accidents occur, you need skilled legal representation to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.
The Hawk Law Group’s Aiken construction accident lawyers have recovered millions for injured workers and their families throughout South Carolina.
Our Aiken office, located at 156 Laurens St NW, serves construction accident victims across Aiken County and surrounding areas.
With over 71 years of combined experience, our trial attorneys understand the complex regulations governing construction site safety and will fight to hold negligent parties accountable.
Contact us at 706-914-2591 for a free consultation. We’re available 24/7 to discuss your case.
Common Types of Construction Accidents in Aiken
Construction sites present unique dangers that can result in devastating injuries. Our legal team has handled numerous cases involving:
Fall-Related Accidents
- Falls from scaffolding, ladders, and elevated surfaces
- Slip and fall accidents on uneven terrain
- Falls through openings or unprotected edges
Equipment and Machinery Accidents
- Crane accidents and equipment malfunctions
- Forklift and heavy machinery incidents
- Power tool injuries and electrocutions
Struck-by Incidents
- Falling objects and debris
- Moving vehicles and equipment
- Collapsing structures or materials
Caught-in/Between Accidents
- Trench collapses and cave-ins
- Equipment entanglement injuries
- Compression injuries from heavy materials
⚠️ Falls, equipment failures, and struck-by accidents dominate construction injury statistics for a reason: they reflect predictable, preventable hazards. When safety shortcuts are taken to save time or money, workers often pay the price with their health or lives.
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), these four categories account for nearly all construction worker fatalities nationwide.
South Carolina Construction Safety Regulations
Construction companies must comply with strict federal and state safety standards to protect workers. Key regulations include:
| Regulation | Requirement | Violation Consequences |
| OSHA Fall Protection | Required for work above 6 feet | Citations up to $15,625 per violation |
| Excavation Standards | Proper trenching and shoring protocols | Stop-work orders and fines |
| Personal Protective Equipment | Hard hats, safety harnesses, protective eyewear | Individual and company penalties |
| Equipment Inspections | Daily machinery safety checks | Equipment shutdown and citations |
The South Carolina Department of Labor enforces additional state-specific safety requirements that construction companies must follow.
Your Rights After a Construction Accident
Workers’ Compensation Coverage
Most construction workers in South Carolina are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, which provide:
- Medical expenses for accident-related treatment
- Wage replacement during recovery periods
- Disability benefits for permanent impairments
- Vocational rehabilitation when job retraining is necessary
However, workers’ compensation may not fully cover your losses, particularly for pain and suffering or lost future earning capacity.
💡 Workers’ compensation may provide quick relief, but it rarely makes victims whole. Third-party claims open the door to broader damages like pain and suffering or diminished earning capacity—critical when an accident leaves lasting effects.
Third-Party Claims
When parties other than your employer contributed to your accident, you may pursue additional compensation through third-party claims against:
- General contractors who failed to maintain safe job sites
- Equipment manufacturers whose defective products caused injuries
- Property owners who created hazardous conditions
- Subcontractors whose negligence led to accidents
Proving Negligence in Construction Accident Cases
Successfully pursuing a construction accident claim requires demonstrating that negligence caused your injuries. Our attorneys investigate:
Safety Protocol Violations
- OSHA compliance failures
- Inadequate worker training
- Missing or defective safety equipment
- Improper hazard communication
Site Management Issues
- Poor supervision and oversight
- Rushed project timelines
- Inadequate safety planning
- Failure to address known hazards
Equipment and Material Defects
- Faulty machinery or tools
- Defective safety equipment
- Substandard construction materials
- Inadequate maintenance records
Damages You Can Recover
Construction accident victims may recover compensation for multiple types of damages:
Economic Damages
- Past and future medical expenses, including surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing care
- Lost wages from time away from work
- Diminished earning capacity when injuries prevent returning to construction work
- Vocational retraining costs for career changes
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering from physical injuries and emotional trauma
- Loss of enjoyment of life when injuries limit daily activities
- Disfigurement and scarring from severe accidents
💰 Recovery isn’t limited to immediate medical costs. A serious injury can derail a career, force retraining, or require lifetime care. Knowing the full scope of damages ensures victims don’t accept settlements that only cover short-term needs.
Hypothetical Scenario
Consider a 35-year-old carpenter earning $52,000 annually who suffers a spinal injury in a scaffolding collapse. Beyond immediate medical costs of $180,000, this worker might face additional economic impacts including lost future earnings, ongoing medical care needs, and reduced quality of life. Knowing these potential damages helps illustrate why proper legal representation is vital for maximizing recovery.
Injured on a construction site? Contact us today to speak with our experienced construction accident lawyer about your case.
Why Construction Cases Require Specialized Legal Knowledge
Construction accident litigation involves complex legal and technical issues that require specialized expertise:
Regulatory Compliance Analysis
Our attorneys understand federal OSHA standards, South Carolina safety regulations, and industry best practices. This knowledge is vital for identifying violations that contributed to your accident.
Expert Witness Networks
We work with construction safety experts, engineers, and medical professionals who can strengthen your case through:
- Accident reconstruction analysis
- Safety standard interpretation
- Medical testimony regarding injury causation
- Economic loss calculations
Insurance Company Tactic
Construction projects typically involve multiple insurance policies and coverage disputes. Our experience helps us go through these complexities and prevent insurers from shifting responsibility.
The Hawk Law Group Advantage
Proven Trial Experience
Unlike firms that primarily settle cases, our attorneys are experienced trial lawyers. This reputation encourages fairer settlement negotiations and ensures we’re prepared if your case goes to court.
💼 Hawk Law Group blends trial readiness with local credibility. Our history of courtroom success signals to insurers that lowball tactics won’t succeed, while our Aiken roots ensure clients benefit from local insight into courts, contractors, and safety practices.
Local Knowledge
Our Aiken attorneys understand local construction practices, contractors, and court procedures. This insight helps us build stronger cases and achieve better outcomes.
Comprehensive Investigation
We thoroughly investigate every aspect of your accident, including:
- Site inspection and evidence preservation
- Witness interviews and statements
- Safety record review and OSHA citation history
- Expert analysis of accident causation
No Upfront Costs
We handle construction accident cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for your injuries.
Immediate Steps After a Construction Accident
If you’ve been injured in a construction accident:
- Seek immediate medical attention for your injuries
- Report the accident to your supervisor and ensure it’s documented
- Preserve evidence, including photographs of the accident scene
- Collect witness information from coworkers who saw the incident
- Avoid giving detailed statements to insurance adjusters before consulting our attorney
- Contact our firm for a free case evaluation
Aiken Construction Industry Overview
Aiken County’s growing economy has increased construction activity across residential, commercial, and industrial projects. Major developments include:
- Residential communities in areas like New Ellenton and North Augusta
- Commercial projects supporting the Savannah River Site workforce
- Infrastructure improvements throughout the county
- Industrial facilities serving the region’s manufacturing base
This increased activity, unfortunately, correlates with higher accident rates, making experienced legal representation more important than ever.
📌 As Aiken’s construction sector grows, so do risks for workers. Rapid development in residential and industrial sectors creates pressures that can lead to shortcuts in safety, making vigilant legal oversight more important than ever.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sue my employer for a construction accident?
Generally, workers’ compensation laws prevent lawsuits against employers. However, you may pursue third-party claims against other parties whose negligence contributed to your accident.
How long do I have to file a construction accident claim?
South Carolina’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is typically three years from the accident date. However, workers’ compensation claims have different deadlines, and evidence preservation is essential from day one.
What if I was partially at fault for my accident?
South Carolina follows a modified comparative negligence rule. You can still recover damages if you’re less than 51% at fault, though your compensation will be reduced proportionally.
Will I have to go to court?
Many construction accident cases settle before trial. However, having attorneys prepared for litigation often leads to better settlement offers.
Contact Our Aiken Construction Accident Lawyers
Construction accidents can change your life forever.
Don’t face the legal complexities alone or accept inadequate compensation from insurance companies.
Our experienced construction accident attorneys at Hawk Law Group will fight to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.
Business Hours: 9AM-5PM Monday-Friday
Emergency Contact: Available 24/7 for urgent matters
We also serve construction accident victims throughout Edgefield County and surrounding areas. If you can’t come to us, we’ll arrange home or hospital visits to discuss your case.
Remember: You pay nothing unless we win your case. Let our proven track record of success work for you during this difficult time.
Call 706-914-2591 today for your free consultation. Our Aiken office is conveniently located at 156 Laurens St NW, just blocks from the Aiken County Public Defender’s office.