Burlington Construction Accident Lawyer

Protecting Your Rights After a Construction Accident

Construction sites are inherently dangerous workplaces. Despite safety measures, accidents still happen and can leave workers with serious injuries and uncertain futures. If you or a loved one has been hurt on a construction site in Burlington, IA, you may face mounting medical bills, lost wages, and the stress of recovery. At Pothitakis Law Firm, our experienced Burlington construction accident attorneys stand ready to help. We dedicate ourselves to fighting for the compensation and justice you deserve.

Contact our Burlington construction accident attorneys today at (319) 318-0450to fight for the compensation and justice you deserve!

Common Types of Construction Accidents

Construction sites have hazards that raise the risk of injury. Accidents can occur suddenly and often bring lasting consequences. Some of the most common types of construction accidents include:

• Falls: Falls from scaffolding, ladders, or roofs often cause broken bones or traumatic brain injuries.
• Struck by Object: Falling tools, materials, or equipment can lead to severe injuries, especially to the head and neck.
• Electrocution: Exposed wiring or poorly maintained electrical equipment regularly causes serious or even fatal injuries.
• Machinery Malfunctions: Cranes, forklifts, and other heavy machinery can cause life-changing injuries when equipment fails.
• Caught-In or Caught-Between Accidents: Workers may get trapped in machinery, by collapsing structures, or between heavy equipment.
• Slip and Trips: Uneven ground, misplaced tools, or debris on site can result in sprains, fractures, or head injuries.

Those accidents can result in anything from minor injuries to life-altering disabilities. Whatever your circumstances, our construction injury lawyers in Burlington are committed to holding responsible parties accountable and helping you secure the compensation you need as you move forward.

In southeastern Iowa, work crews often tackle multi-level buildings, bridges, and road repairs—each with its own safety risks. Ice, high winds, and weather shifts near the Mississippi River increase fall hazards on exposed scaffolding or platforms. Construction workers in Burlington frequently deal with challenges from older brick structures and narrow downtown worksites that restrict movement. These local job site details can affect liability and compensation, so understanding them matters when building a claim.

Understanding Workers’ Compensation Benefits

Iowa workers’ compensation laws are designed to support construction workers hurt on the job. Every employer must carry workers’ compensation insurance, which can provide benefits such as:

• Medical Expenses: Coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays, medications, physical therapy, and other needed treatments.
• Lost Wages: Income replacement when you cannot work because of injury; this usually covers up to 80% of your wages.
• Disability Benefits: Payment for temporary or permanent disabilities caused by your accident.

Pursuing workers’ compensation in Iowa often involves a complex process, especially if your claim is denied or undervalued. Our workers’ compensation lawyers help you file your claim, appeal denials, and work to make sure you receive the benefits you should under the law.

The Iowa Division of Workers’ Compensation handles claims for construction workers throughout Des Moines County, including Burlington. Iowa regulations require fast reporting—usually within 90 days of the incident. Failing to notify your employer within this period can jeopardize your right to benefits. Working with an attorney who knows Iowa’s compensation laws and Des Moines County court practices provides important support throughout your case.

What If Workers’ Comp Doesn’t Cover Everything?

While workers’ compensation is the first route for employees with construction site injuries, it rarely covers all expenses, especially if you are severely injured. Workers’ compensation generally does not provide payments for non-economic damages like pain and suffering or loss of enjoyment of life.

If a third party contributed to your accident, you may have the option to bring a personal injury lawsuit and seek additional compensation. Third parties can include subcontractors, equipment manufacturers, or property owners. Our team fully reviews your case to identify all liable parties and pursue the maximum compensation allowed by law.

Iowa law permits injured workers to pursue third-party claims when another person or company’s negligence plays a role in a construction accident. For example, if defective equipment causes your injury and the manufacturer ignored safety standards, you may seek supplemental damages through a separate lawsuit. Burlington construction sites often have multiple subcontractors, so reviewing all involved parties helps uncover all potential sources of compensation. Prompt action and thorough documentation help build a strong case when seeking compensation outside workers’ compensation.

Causes of Construction Accidents

Construction accidents often occur due to unsafe working conditions, equipment failures, or human error. Leading causes of accidents on construction sites include:

• Lack of safety gear or proper training
• Poor equipment maintenance
• Unsafe scaffolding or ladders
• Pressure to meet short deadlines creating safety shortcuts
• Negligence by contractors or coworkers

No matter the cause, you deserve a careful review of your case so you are not left handling the financial and personal impact of a workplace accident alone.

Local regulations in Burlington require contractors to comply with Iowa OSHA and city building codes, which call for regular safety training and equipment checks. Weather in spring and winter creates added slip hazards, making some site conditions unpredictable. Riverbank projects may face soft or shifting soil, while updating older buildings can introduce unknown electrical dangers. Carefully assessing local work conditions, site risks, and compliance with safety regulations helps develop a solid case for injured workers in Des Moines County.

Immediate Steps to Take After a Construction Accident in Burlington

Taking the right actions after a construction accident protects your health, your rights, and your future claim. First, report the accident to your supervisor or employer immediately. Iowa law expects you to notify your employer within 90 days of being injured. Receive prompt medical attention, even if your injuries seem minor, as some health issues can surface later. Save all documentation: keep copies of all medical records, write down exactly what happened, and take photographs of the accident scene and your injuries if you can. By gathering these details, you support your case and strengthen your claim. In Des Moines County, delays in reporting or incomplete records may create barriers to workers’ compensation or legal claims. Choosing a firm that has managed Burlington construction accident cases and knows area regulations can ease the process and help you avoid pitfalls.

Statute of Limitations & Timelines for Construction Accident Claims

Iowa law sets strict deadlines after a construction accident for filing legal actions. Generally, you have two years to file a workers’ compensation claim from the date of injury or three years from the last payment of weekly benefits, but these timelines can vary depending on your case. For third-party personal injury claims, you typically have two years to begin legal action. Missing a deadline may prevent you from recovering compensation, so prompt action matters. Each Iowa county, including Des Moines County, may follow its own administrative steps for processing claims, and local court knowledge can be a key advantage. Being aware of these deadlines and the steps needed to meet them helps you protect your rights and keep your options open for fair recovery.