Raleigh Work Zone Injury Lawyer

Road Construction Work Zone at Rush Hour

Work zone injuries in Raleigh, North Carolina, can leave victims with severe physical injuries, growing financial burdens, and uncertain futures. Whether you suffered harm while performing construction duties or sustained injuries as a driver passing through an active work zone, you need experienced legal representation to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you need.

Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with an experienced Raleigh work zone injury lawyer at Hardison & Cochran to discuss your case and explore your legal options.

Common Causes of Work Zone Injuries in Raleigh

Work zones present many hazards that endanger both construction workers and traveling motorists. Understanding the most frequent causes of work zone injuries helps establish liability and build strong claims for compensation.

Common causes include the following:

  • Inadequate signage or traffic control measures
  • Speeding vehicles through construction zones
  • Distracted or impaired drivers
  • Defective construction equipment
  • Equipment operator errors
  • Trench collapses
  • Electrocution hazards from power lines
  • Falls from heights
  • Unsafe scaffolding or elevated work platforms
  • Falling objects and debris
  • Improper lane closures or merges
  • Lack of proper safety barriers
  • Poor lighting in nighttime work zones

Workers’ Compensation vs. Personal Injury Claims for Work Zone Injuries

In North Carolina, workers’ compensation is a no-fault system. That means employees receive benefits regardless of who was responsible for the accident. However, only workers injured while performing job-related duties are eligible to file claims against their employers. The system provides limited but guaranteed benefits for economic losses, but it does not compensate for intangible ones. Workers generally cannot sue their employers directly.

Personal injury claims require demonstrating that another party’s negligence directly caused your injuries, meaning you bear the responsibility of proving fault. If a third party caused your injury in a work zone, you may file a personal injury lawsuit against them. While these claims can result in greater compensation than workers’ compensation, they also demand a higher level of proof. Through a personal injury claim, victims can seek both economic and non-economic damages.

Understanding Liability in Work Zone Accident Cases

Determining who bears responsibility for work zone injuries requires a thorough investigation of the circumstances surrounding your accident. Multiple parties may share liability when their negligence or wrongdoing contributes to the dangerous conditions that caused your harm.

Potentially liable parties include the following:

  • Motorists – Drivers who speed, ignore signs, or operate vehicles while distracted or impaired can cause serious work zone collisions. Their negligence may make them responsible for injuries to workers or other motorists.
  • Construction Companies – Failure to enforce safety protocols, provide training, or maintain secure worksites can lead to preventable accidents. These companies may be liable for unsafe working conditions on their job sites.
  • General Contractors and Project Owners – They oversee overall site safety and coordination among multiple crews. Neglecting supervision or ignoring hazards can expose them to liability for resulting injuries.
  • Subcontractors – When subcontractors perform tasks carelessly or violate safety standards, their actions can endanger others on site. They may be held accountable for injuries caused by their negligence.
  • Equipment Manufacturers – Defective machinery, tools, or vehicles can cause severe harm even when used properly. Manufacturers and distributors may be liable for design flaws, manufacturing errors, or inadequate warnings.
  • Government Entities – Agencies responsible for road design, signage, or traffic control must ensure safe work zone layouts. Failure to comply with safety regulations or address known hazards can result in government liability.
  • Subcontractors – Specialized contractors performing specific work zone tasks owe duties to maintain safe conditions. Their negligent work or safety violations can injure both fellow workers and passing motorists.

Compensation Available for Work Zone Injuries

Economic damages represent quantifiable financial losses you incur due to your work zone injury, while non-economic damages compensate you for intangible losses. The type of claim you pursue — workers’ compensation or personal injury — determines which categories of damages you can recover.

Available compensation may include the following:

  • Medical expenses
  • Lost wages and benefits
  • Loss of earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Post-traumatic stress
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Disability and disfigurement
  • Loss of consortium for spouses
  • Wrongful death benefits for families

How Our Attorneys Can Help with Your Work Zone Injury Case

Hardison & Cochran brings extensive experience handling complex work zone injury claims for both injured workers and motorists. Our Raleigh work zone accidents attorneys understand the intricate legal landscape of workers’ compensation and personal injury law, and we know how to build compelling cases that maximize your recovery.

We provide comprehensive legal services, including the following:

  • Thorough Case Investigation – Our work zone accident attorneys immediately begin gathering evidence from the accident scene, including photographs, witness statements, and official reports. Our investigation identifies all liable parties and establishes the negligence that caused your injuries.
  • Medical Documentation – We work with your healthcare providers to obtain complete medical records that document your injuries and treatment. Proper medical documentation proves the severity of your harm and supports your damage claims.
  • Expert Consultation – Complex work zone cases often require testimony from accident reconstruction specialists, medical experts, vocational rehabilitation professionals, and safety consultants. We retain qualified experts who strengthen your case and explain technical concepts to insurance companies and juries.
  • Workers’ Compensation Navigation – We guide injured workers through the workers’ compensation system, ensuring proper filing of all paperwork and meeting critical deadlines. Our experience helps you obtain the full benefits you deserve while exploring potential third-party claims.
  • Insurance Negotiations – We handle all communications with insurance adjusters who seek to minimize your claim value. Our Raleigh work zone accidents attorney team negotiates aggressively to secure fair compensation without accepting inadequate early offers.
  • Litigation Representation – When negotiations fail to produce just results, we take your case to court. Our trial experience and courtroom skills position us to fight for maximum compensation before judges and juries.
  • Third-Party Claim Identification – Workers injured in work zones may have claims against parties beyond their employers. We identify all potential defendants and pursue every available avenue for compensation.

Contact Hardison & Cochran | Injury & Workers Comp Lawyers Today

We have over 40 years of experience securing compensation for clients who have suffered work zone injuries across North Carolina. Our case results demonstrate our commitment to achieving justice for injury victims, including $6.75 million for a personal injury workplace injury, $3.5 million for a workplace injury, and $3 million for a car accident workplace injury. Additionally, our client testimonials demonstrate the personalized attention and aggressive representation we provide to every person we serve.

You don’t have to navigate workers’ compensation and personal injury claims alone. Call Hardison & Cochran or reach out online today to schedule a free, fully confidential consultation with an experienced Raleigh work zone accidents lawyer.