Construction sites are among the most dangerous workplaces in Massachusetts. With heavy equipment, elevated surfaces, electrical systems, and constantly changing environments, accidents can happen in an instant—and the results are often serious or life-changing. If you’ve been injured on a construction site, it’s important to understand your rights and legal options. Depending on the circumstances, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, and in some cases, you may also have grounds for a personal injury lawsuit.

Common Types of Construction Accidents in Massachusetts

Construction accidents take many forms. Some of the most commonly reported incidents include:

• Falls from heights – including falls from scaffolding, ladders, roofs, or platforms. These are among the leading causes of serious injuries and fatalities on job sites.
• Struck-by accidents – involving falling tools, construction materials, or equipment such as cranes and forklifts.
• Electrocution – due to exposed wiring, power lines, or malfunctioning electrical equipment.
• Caught-in or caught-between accidents – where a worker is trapped between machinery, walls, or heavy materials.
• Equipment failures – such as defective power tools or malfunctioning heavy machinery.
• Trench collapses – where improperly supported trenches give way and bury workers.
• Explosions or fires – often caused by gas leaks or flammable materials.

These accidents can result in broken bones, head and spinal injuries, amputations, burns, and long-term disabilities.

Workers’ Compensation: The First Line of Protection

Massachusetts law requires most employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance, which provides benefits to employees injured on the job. If you’re hurt while working on a construction site, you may be entitled to:

• Medical expenses for treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing care.
• Temporary or permanent disability benefits if you are unable to work or suffer lasting impairments.
• Lost wage compensation, typically a percentage of your average weekly wage.
• Vocational rehabilitation services to help you return to work.

You do not need to prove that your employer was negligent to receive workers’ compensation benefits. However, claims can still be denied or delayed, and navigating the process without legal help can be challenging—especially when the injury is serious or long-term.

Third-Party Personal Injury Claims

While workers’ compensation covers most job-related injuries, it does not allow you to sue your employer for negligence. However, you may be able to bring a third-party personal injury claim if someone other than your employer contributed to your accident. These cases can result in compensation for damages not covered by workers’ comp, including pain and suffering.

Examples of third parties who may be liable include:

• Subcontractors or site supervisors who failed to maintain safety standards.
• Property owners or general contractors who created or allowed unsafe conditions.
• Equipment manufacturers if defective tools or machinery caused your injury.
• Other companies or workers on-site whose negligence contributed to the accident.

An experienced attorney can investigate your case to determine whether third-party liability exists and pursue additional compensation on your behalf.

What to Do After a Construction Accident

If you’ve been injured in a construction accident in Massachusetts, take the following steps as soon as possible:

1. Seek immediate medical attention. Even if the injury seems minor, get evaluated by a healthcare professional.
2. Report the injury to your supervisor or employer in writing.
3. Document the scene if possible—take photographs, gather witness names, and preserve any evidence.
4. Consult a construction accident attorney who understands both workers’ compensation and personal injury law.

Legal Support Can Make the Difference

Construction accident cases often involve multiple parties, complex regulations, and aggressive insurance companies. A qualified personal injury attorney can help you understand your options, protect your rights, and fight for the full compensation you deserve.

If you or a loved one has been injured on a construction site in Massachusetts, contact a knowledgeable construction accident attorney today to discuss your rights and explore your legal remedies. Don’t wait—protect your health, your income, and your future.