You show up for work expecting another long, physical day on a Los Angeles construction site. But in a moment, a scaffold fails or a live wire sparks, and your life changes. Between hospital visits, lost income, and mounting bills, you’re left wondering: Who’s responsible?
At Artemis Law Group, we know how overwhelming construction accidents can be—especially in a city like Los Angeles, where worksites are busy, high-pressure environments. Understanding the cause of your injury and identifying who may be held legally accountable is critical. Below, we explore some of the leading causes of construction accidents in L.A. and who may be liable.
Leading Causes of Construction Site Injuries in Los Angeles
Falls From Height
Falls remain the number one cause of serious injury and death on L.A. construction sites. Whether working on scaffolds, rooftops, or multi-story buildings in areas like Downtown or Hollywood, fall protection must be used correctly to reduce risk.
Struck by Falling Objects
With high-rise development booming across Los Angeles, especially in neighborhoods like Koreatown and DTLA, tools and materials are often stored or used overhead. If these items are not properly secured, they can fall and cause traumatic injuries to workers or pedestrians below.
Electrocution
Electrical contractors and general laborers alike face electrocution hazards due to faulty wiring, exposed lines, improper deactivation procedures, or other construction defects. This is especially true on older job sites or renovation projects common in neighborhoods like Echo Park or Silver Lake.
Heavy Machinery Accidents
While heavy machinery is frequently used on commercial and infrastructure projects throughout Los Angeles County, they can be dangerous. Accidents with excavators, cranes, and other heavy equipment can occur when it is misused, poorly maintained, or operated by untrained workers.
Trench Collapses
From sewer line replacements to new builds in hillside communities, trench work is common in L.A. Without proper shoring or safety systems, trenches can collapse and bury workers, leading to devastating outcomes.
Fires and Explosions
Los Angeles job sites often house flammable materials such as fuels or pressurized gases. A spark from welding equipment or faulty electrical systems can trigger explosions, causing burns, smoke inhalation, or structural damage.
Hazardous Substance Exposure
Construction workers may encounter asbestos, lead, or chemical solvents, especially during demolition work on older buildings. Chronic exposure can lead to long-term illnesses like respiratory disease or mesothelioma.
Vehicle-Related Injuries
Busy job sites near freeways or in densely populated areas like Westwood or Century City often involve large vehicles maneuvering in tight spaces. A single mistake in traffic control or blind spot awareness can lead to serious collisions or runovers.
Determining Liability in L.A. Construction Accidents
Employers and General Contractors
General contractors and site supervisors in California are required to maintain OSHA-compliant worksites. This includes providing proper safety equipment, training, and supervision. If your employer failed to uphold these standards, they may be liable for negligence.
Subcontractors
L.A. construction projects often involve dozens of subcontractors. If your injury was caused by another crew’s negligence—such as an electrician leaving live wires exposed or a plumbing team ignoring site safety rules—they may share in the responsibility.
Property Owners
In some situations, property owners who retain control over aspects of the construction may be liable. If they knew of a dangerous condition or property damage construction and failed to disclose it or provide adequate warning, legal responsibility may apply.
Equipment Manufacturers
If a defect in scaffolding, ladders, machinery, or safety gear contributed to your injury, the manufacturer or distributor could be held liable under California’s product liability laws.
Third-Party Vendors or Drivers
Delivery drivers, maintenance crews, or outside contractors who enter a job site and cause injury may be subject to third-party personal injury claims. This is particularly common on larger builds where site traffic is frequent and less regulated.
Legal Support You Can Trust
If you were injured on a construction site in Los Angeles, workers’ compensation may not be your only option. At Artemis Law Group, we investigate the details of your case to determine whether additional claims can be made against third parties, manufacturers, or negligent contractors.
Our legal team understands the unique nature of L.A. construction projects and how to navigate complex liability chains. We offer:
- In-depth investigations of accident causes
- Review of site safety protocols and OSHA violations
- Evaluation of third-party liability opportunities
- Skilled negotiation and litigation support
Construction accidents can change your life in an instant. Let Artemis Law Group help you secure the recovery you need while holding the right parties accountable.
