Injured on a Construction Site? You May Be Entitled to Compensation Beyond Workers’ Comp

Construction sites are among the most dangerous workplaces in New Jersey. Falls, equipment failures, and job site hazards often lead to serious injuries—sometimes permanent. While workers’ compensation may cover basic medical care and lost wages, it does not hold negligent contractors, property owners, or manufacturers accountable.

At Ratliff Jackson LLP, we represent workers, contractors, and bystanders injured on or near construction sites in Cherry Hill and across South Jersey. Our firm pursues full compensation through third-party civil claims, including lawsuits against general contractors, subcontractors, equipment suppliers, and property owners.

We focus on high-impact cases involving complex liability, long-term disability, or wrongful death.

Types of Construction Accident Victims We Represent in Cherry Hill

We represent injured individuals and families in:

• Construction site fall accidents
• Scaffold and ladder injuries
• Equipment and machinery malfunctions
• Forklift and crane-related injuries
• Electrocution or burn incidents
• Trench collapses and excavation failures
• Struck-by-object injuries
• Exposure to hazardous materials (silica, asbestos, concrete dust)
• Collisions involving construction vehicles on or off-site
• Injuries to bystanders near roadwork or public projects

Whether you are a laborer, subcontractor, inspector, or pedestrian, we evaluate every party who may be responsible—not just your employer.

When You Can Sue for a Construction Injury in New Jersey

If you were injured on the job, you may have a workers’ compensation claim through your employer’s insurance. However, workers’ comp does not cover:

• Pain and suffering
• Punitive damages
• Full loss of future earnings
• Injuries caused by third parties (not your employer)

We investigate whether you have a valid third-party liability claim, which allows you to sue for damages beyond what workers’ compensation provides. These claims are often filed against:

• General contractors who failed to provide a safe site
• Subcontractors whose negligence caused injury
• Equipment rental companies or manufacturers
• Site owners or developers
• Architects or engineers who created unsafe designs
• Drivers or third-party vendors who caused off-site injuries

Our attorneys help you pursue both compensation systems—without jeopardizing your workers’ comp benefits.

Holding General Contractors and Property Owners Liable for Construction Injuries

Under New Jersey law, general contractors and site owners may be liable if they:

• Failed to follow OSHA or state safety regulations
• Provided unsafe equipment or conditions
• Did not post warning signs or secure hazard zones
• Improperly supervised subcontractors or workers
• Failed to coordinate safe work across trades or crews

We analyze site safety plans, contractor agreements, and inspection reports to determine whether a party failed in its legal duty to maintain a safe work environment.

Defective Equipment and Tools Causing Construction Site Injuries

Some construction injuries are caused by defective tools, machinery, or protective gear. We pursue product liability claims involving:

• Faulty scaffolding, ladders, or lifts
• Malfunctioning nail guns, saws, or power tools
• Defective fall protection harnesses or safety systems
• Poorly designed or labeled heavy machinery
• Construction vehicles with brake or control defects

These claims often involve manufacturers, rental companies, or suppliers—and are handled under strict liability or negligence theories in New Jersey civil courts.

Fatal Construction Accidents and Wrongful Death Lawsuits in South Jersey

Tragically, construction accidents may result in fatal injuries. We represent surviving spouses, children, and parents in wrongful death lawsuits involving:

• Fatal falls from height
• Electrocution or burn injuries
• Trench collapses or crush injuries
• Equipment rollover or entrapment
• Roadway construction zone deaths

We help families recover compensation for funeral costs, lost household income, emotional distress, and loss of companionship.

Building a Construction Accident Case: Evidence We Collect

Construction accident cases are fact-heavy and time-sensitive. We act quickly to preserve:

• Jobsite surveillance footage
• Incident reports and OSHA filings
• Witness statements from coworkers and supervisors
• Contracts between contractors and subcontractors
• Photos and measurements of the site
• Equipment manuals and maintenance logs

Our team often coordinates with expert engineers, safety consultants, and medical professionals to support liability and damages.

Where We File and Litigate Construction Injury Lawsuits in New Jersey

We represent clients in:

• Camden County Superior Court – Civil Division
• Burlington and Gloucester County courts
• U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey (for federal claims)
• Private arbitration when required by contract
• Settlement conferences and structured negotiations

We are experienced in multi-party litigation and construction site discovery.

Compensation Available in New Jersey Construction Injury Cases

In a third-party construction accident lawsuit, you may be entitled to:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost income and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional trauma
• Disability or disfigurement
• Loss of consortium for spouses
• Punitive damages (in gross negligence cases)

We calculate damages based on your long-term prognosis, ability to return to work, and ongoing care needs.

Construction Accident Lawsuit FAQs for Injured Workers in New Jersey

Q: Can I sue someone other than my employer after a construction injury?
A: Yes. If your injury was caused by a contractor, property owner, equipment supplier, or other third party, you may have a civil lawsuit in addition to workers’ compensation.

Q: What if I was partially at fault?
A: New Jersey follows a comparative negligence rule. You can still recover damages if you were less than 51% at fault, though your award may be reduced.

Q: How long do I have to file a claim?
A: In most cases, you have two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. Shorter deadlines may apply in cases involving public entities or jobsite notices.

Q: Can undocumented workers sue for construction injuries?
A: Yes. Immigration status does not prevent someone from pursuing a personal injury claim in civil court.

Q: Do I need a lawyer if I already have a workers’ comp case?
A: Yes. Workers’ compensation lawyers handle employer claims, while a civil attorney investigates third-party liability and pursues full damages.

Speak with a Construction Accident Lawyer in Cherry Hill Today

If you’ve been seriously injured on a construction site—or lost a loved one to a preventable accident—you have legal rights beyond workers’ compensation. At Ratliff Jackson LLP, we help injured workers and their families pursue full financial recovery through civil lawsuits in Cherry Hill and throughout South Jersey. We handle complex construction litigation with care, speed, and precision.

To speak with an attorney, call (856) 209-3111 or email [email protected]. Our firm is ready to help you understand your legal options and take action to protect your future.