Construction Site Accidents in California: Common Violations and Your Legal Rights

Why Construction Accidents in California Are So Common

California’s booming construction industry fuels growth across San Diego, Los Angeles, and beyond — but it also brings high risks. Construction sites involve heavy machinery, multiple contractors, and strict deadlines. When safety corners are cut, accidents happen, leaving workers and bystanders with life-altering injuries.

Unlike other injury claims, construction accidents often involve complex liability chains. A general contractor, subcontractor, equipment manufacturer, or even a property owner may be responsible. California law holds employers to rigorous safety standards, but violations are widespread.

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Common OSHA Violations on California Construction Sites

Every year, California OSHA cites thousands of violations that directly cause accidents. Some of the most common include:

• Fall protection failures: Missing guardrails, unsafe scaffolding, and lack of harnesses.
• Unsafe ladders or scaffolds: Poorly assembled equipment leading to collapses.
• Electrical hazards: Exposed wires or failure to de-energize equipment.
• Trench and excavation violations: Collapses due to lack of shoring or protective systems.
• Lack of personal protective equipment (PPE): Workers not provided with helmets, gloves, or eye protection.

These are not technical oversights — they are preventable hazards that put lives at risk. In San Diego, we frequently see accidents tied to roofing projects, highway construction, and high-rise developments.

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Legal Rights of Injured Construction Workers in California

If you are injured on a construction site, your legal rights extend beyond workers’ compensation. While workers’ comp provides basic benefits, it often falls short of covering the true costs of an accident. Victims may also have the right to file third-party claims against negligent contractors, manufacturers, or property owners.

California law allows compensation for:

• Medical expenses, including future treatment.
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity.
• Pain, suffering, and emotional distress.
• Wrongful death damages for families who lose a loved one in a construction accident.

Because construction sites involve multiple entities, identifying all liable parties is key to maximizing recovery.

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Why Construction Accident Cases Are Different

Construction accidents differ from other personal injury claims for three major reasons:

1. Multiple Defendants: Responsibility may rest with contractors, developers, or equipment companies.
   
2. Industry Regulations: California OSHA rules and federal safety standards shape liability.
   
3. Severity of Injuries: Construction accidents often lead to catastrophic harm — traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, amputations — making fair compensation critical.

This complexity requires an experienced legal team familiar with both personal injury law and California’s construction industry.

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Phillips & Pelly: Fighting for Construction Accident Victims in San Diego

At Phillips & Pelly, we’ve represented construction accident victims across San Diego County for decades. From fall injuries on high-rise projects downtown to trench collapses in suburban developments, we know how to investigate violations and hold negligent parties accountable.

Our attorneys work with safety experts, medical specialists, and accident reconstruction professionals to build strong claims. We pursue every avenue of compensation — from workers’ comp to third-party lawsuits — so our clients aren’t left shouldering the financial burden of someone else’s negligence.

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Contact a California Construction Accident Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one has been injured on a construction site in San Diego or anywhere in California, don’t assume workers’ comp is your only option. You may have broader legal rights.

Call Phillips & Pelly at (858) 794-1700 or reach out online for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, identify violations, and fight for the compensation you need to recover and rebuild.