Construction Accident Attorney Bakersfield
Legal Support For Injured Construction Workers & Families
Construction sites in and around Bakersfield keep key industries moving, from energy and agriculture to logistics and public works. When something goes wrong on a jobsite, the results can be life changing. If you or someone you love has been hurt on a construction project here, you may be facing medical bills, missed paychecks, and pressure to get back to work before you are ready. In these moments, it can be difficult to know where to turn or what rights you truly have.
At Klein DeNatale Goldner, we help injured workers and their families understand their options after serious construction and industrial accidents. Our firm has served people and businesses throughout the San Joaquin Valley for more than seven decades, and we bring that local experience to every injury case we handle. If you are looking for a construction accident attorney Bakersfield workers can rely on, our team is here to listen, answer your questions, and guide you through the next steps.
We know how much is at stake when a construction injury threatens your health and your ability to support your household. Our attorneys work to clarify what claims may be available, who may be responsible, and how to move forward in a way that lines up with your medical needs and long term goals.
Construction injuries raise serious questions about medical care, income, and next steps. Call (661) 485-2100 to speak with our Bakersfield team.
Why Injured Construction Workers Turn To Our Firm
Construction and industrial injury cases are rarely simple. A single jobsite in this region may involve a general contractor, several subcontractors, equipment rental companies, property owners, and others. When a serious incident happens, questions of responsibility and insurance coverage can become complicated very quickly. Our firm has a long history handling complex personal injury matters for people throughout the San Joaquin Valley, including cases arising from industrial accidents, oilfield incidents, and other high risk work environments.
Because Klein DeNatale Goldner is a full service firm, we are prepared to address the many legal issues that can intersect in a construction accident case. Personal injury claims, labor and employment questions, business and contract disputes, and even potential appeals may all arise from the same event. Our attorneys collaborate across practice areas so that injured workers are not left navigating separate legal problems alone.
Over the years, our team has obtained significant outcomes in matters involving industrial accidents, oilfield accidents, defective cranes, unsafe stacking of heavy materials, and other situations that are closely related to construction work. These results reflect the seriousness with which we approach claims that grow out of dangerous jobsite conditions. Every case is different, and prior results do not predict future outcomes, but our history shows that we are prepared to take on challenging matters against well resourced opponents.
Just as important, we focus on the people behind every file. When you work with our firm, our goal is to understand how your injuries affect your daily life, your ability to work, and your family responsibilities. We then work to build a legal strategy that supports those priorities and keeps you informed at each major step.
Common Construction Accidents & Injuries In The Area
Construction projects in this part of California range from road and highway improvements to oilfield related builds, warehouse construction, commercial developments, and work on agricultural facilities. Each type of project presents its own safety concerns, and many involve heavy equipment, elevated work, and fast paced schedules. When safety rules are ignored or systems fail, workers can be seriously hurt in a matter of seconds.
Some of the construction related incidents we frequently see include falls from scaffolds, roofs, or ladders, trench or excavation collapses, and workers struck by moving equipment or falling materials. Others involve electrical injuries, machinery entanglements, or accidents with forklifts, cranes, or other large vehicles that operate around the site. In oilfield or industrial construction, workers may also be exposed to hazardous substances or explosions if proper safeguards are not in place.
The injuries that follow can be severe. Workers may suffer broken bones, joint and ligament damage, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, crush injuries, burns, or amputations. Even injuries that seem less dramatic at first, such as back and neck trauma, can limit a person’s ability to return to physically demanding work. Repeated lifting, climbing, and bending are part of many construction jobs, and a serious injury can interrupt a career and disrupt income for an entire family.
We understand the realities of industrial and oilfield work in this region. Our firm has handled serious injury and wrongful death cases arising from industrial accidents and oilfield incidents. That experience helps us recognize how certain hazards develop on worksites and what evidence may be important to preserve early on.
Who May Be Liable After A Construction Accident
After a construction injury, many workers are told that workers’ compensation is their only option. While workers’ compensation benefits are often an important source of medical coverage and partial wage replacement, they are not always the end of the story. In some situations, you may also have what is called a third party claim against someone other than your employer who contributed to the unsafe condition or event.
On a typical project in or around Bakersfield, several companies may share responsibility for safety. A general contractor may oversee the overall site, while subcontractors handle specific trades such as electrical, concrete, or framing. Property owners or developers may control certain aspects of the premises. Equipment and tool manufacturers design and produce the machinery that workers rely on, and separate companies may provide maintenance or inspection services. When a failure in any part of this chain leads to an injury, that party may be legally responsible under California law.
Liable parties in a construction accident can include general contractors, subcontractors, property owners, developers, equipment manufacturers, equipment rental companies, or others whose decisions affect jobsite safety. For example, a third party claim might arise if a defective crane component fails, if a subcontractor removes safety rails, or if a delivery driver causes a collision at the site. Each situation requires a careful review of contracts, safety policies, and the facts of the incident.
Our attorneys work to identify potential sources of liability and insurance coverage so that injured clients are not limited by an incomplete picture of who may be held accountable. We draw on our firm’s experience with business and corporate matters, as well as personal injury litigation, to understand how multiple companies may be involved and how those relationships affect a claim.
What To Do After A Construction Site Injury
The hours and days after a jobsite accident can feel overwhelming. You may be in pain, worried about your job, and fielding questions from supervisors, safety personnel, or insurance representatives. Taking a few focused steps can help protect your health and your potential claims while everything is still fresh.
Protect Your Health & Document The Incident
Your first priority should be medical care. If you are seriously hurt, emergency treatment will come before anything else. Even if you think you were only shaken up, it is wise to see a doctor as soon as you can. Some injuries, including certain head and spine injuries, may not be obvious right away. Medical records created early on often become important evidence if a legal claim is later filed.
It is also important to make sure the incident is reported to your employer or the appropriate supervisor in accordance with workplace policies. When possible, ask for a copy of any written report. If you are physically able, documenting the scene can be very helpful. Photos of equipment, scaffolding, trenches, surfaces, warning signs, and any visible hazards can capture details that might change quickly after an accident. Names and contact information for coworkers or others who saw what happened can also be valuable.
Be Cautious With Insurance & Seek Legal Guidance
You may be contacted by insurance adjusters or company representatives asking for recorded statements or requesting that you sign forms. Before providing detailed statements or accepting any settlement offer, consider speaking with an attorney who handles construction related injury cases. Once you sign certain documents or agree to certain terms, it may be difficult or impossible to change course later.
Our firm can review communications and paperwork with you so that you understand what is being requested and how it may affect your rights. When you reach out to Klein DeNatale Goldner, we can talk through what happened, what medical care you have received, what your work situation looks like now, and whether there may be third party claims to investigate. We strive to make that first conversation straightforward and respectful of the stress you are already experiencing.
How Our Construction Accident Lawyers Help Injured Workers
Choosing a construction accident lawyer Bakersfield workers can trust is an important step toward regaining control after a serious injury. At Klein DeNatale Goldner, we approach each case with the understanding that your health and your ability to support your family are at the center of every decision. Our goal is to take on the legal burden so that you can focus more fully on medical treatment and recovery.
Evaluating Your Case & Identifying Claims
When we evaluate a new construction accident matter, we start by learning the details of the incident and how your injuries are affecting daily life. We then look at how workers’ compensation may apply and whether separate third party claims may exist. In many cases, we review contracts and documents between the companies on the project to understand who controlled different aspects of safety and what insurance coverage may be available.
If we move forward together, our attorneys work to gather evidence that can support your claim. This may include obtaining records, reviewing photographs and incident reports, speaking with witnesses, and, when appropriate, consulting with outside professionals such as engineers or medical providers. We then use that information to present your case to the responsible parties and their insurers in settlement discussions or, when needed, in court.
Keeping You Informed Throughout The Process
Throughout the process, we place a strong emphasis on communication. Our team provides updates at key milestones, explains what to expect at each stage, and answers your questions as they arise. Because we have an office in Bakersfield, we are well positioned to meet with clients in person when that is helpful and to navigate the local courts that hear many of these cases in this part of the San Joaquin Valley.
Time Limits & Construction Accident Claims In California
Time limits can have a major impact on your legal options after a construction accident. California law generally gives injured people a limited period to file personal injury lawsuits. In many cases involving bodily injury, that period is two years from the date of the incident. There are situations that can change how these limits apply, but waiting too long to seek legal advice can put your claims at risk.
Claims that involve public entities often have shorter timelines. If your construction work took place on a city, county, or state project, you may need to provide formal notice to the appropriate government agency within a matter of months, not years. Public road work, municipal building projects, and certain infrastructure jobs in and around the city can fall into this category, so it is important to find out early whether special procedures apply.
Workers’ compensation has its own set of reporting and filing requirements. While these rules differ from those that govern personal injury lawsuits, delays in reporting an injury to your employer or in filing certain workers’ compensation documents can still affect benefits. Because multiple timeframes may overlap, contacting an attorney promptly can help you understand what deadlines may be approaching in your particular situation.
When you speak with our team, we can review what has already been done, what notices have been filed, and what steps remain. Our goal is to give you a clearer picture of the path ahead so that you can make informed decisions about how to proceed.
Get clear guidance after a construction site injury. Contact our Bakersfield office to discuss your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Have A Claim Beyond Workers’ Compensation For My Construction Injury?
In some situations, you may have a claim beyond workers’ compensation, but it depends on how your injury happened and who was involved. Workers’ compensation typically covers injuries that occur in the course of employment, regardless of fault, and provides certain medical and wage benefits. Separate personal injury claims, often called third party claims, may exist when someone other than your employer, such as a subcontractor, property owner, or equipment manufacturer, contributed to unsafe conditions.
For example, a third party claim might arise if a defective tool fails, if another company on the site removes safety guards, or if a delivery driver causes a collision at the jobsite. These claims can allow recovery for types of damages that workers’ compensation does not fully address. Our attorneys can review the facts of your incident, look at which companies were involved, and advise you about what types of claims may be available.
How Soon Should I Talk To A Lawyer After A Construction Accident?
It is generally wise to speak with a lawyer as soon as you have addressed your immediate medical needs. Early legal guidance can help you navigate reporting requirements, protect important evidence, and avoid signing documents that could limit your rights. Time limits for personal injury and government related claims can begin running on the date of the accident, and some evidence, such as site conditions or equipment, can change quickly.
By contacting our firm promptly, you give us a better opportunity to understand what happened while details are fresh and to identify potential sources of liability and coverage. Even if you are unsure whether you want to pursue a claim, an initial conversation can help you understand your options and make a more informed choice about what to do next.
What Will It Cost To Hire Your Team For My Construction Accident Case?
We understand that injured workers are often under financial strain, especially when they are unable to work or are facing ongoing medical treatment. Personal injury firms commonly handle construction accident cases on a contingency fee basis, which generally means legal fees are paid from a recovery rather than up front. Our goal is to make it possible for injured people to seek legal help without adding to the financial pressure they are already experiencing.
When you contact Klein DeNatale Goldner, we can explain how our fee structure works for your type of case and what costs may be involved. We strive to be clear about financial arrangements at the beginning of the relationship so that there are no surprises later. If you have questions about affordability or how fees are calculated, we welcome those questions and will address them directly.
What If My Employer Or Foreman Blames Me For The Accident?
It is not unusual for injured workers to feel blamed or criticized after a jobsite incident, but accusations from supervisors or coworkers do not determine your legal rights. California law recognizes that multiple factors can contribute to an accident, and an initial claim that a worker is at fault may not tell the full story. Site design, equipment condition, training, scheduling pressures, and decisions made by other companies can all play important roles.
Even if you are concerned that you may share some responsibility, you should not assume that you are barred from pursuing a claim. Our attorneys can review what happened from an independent perspective, evaluate available evidence, and discuss how issues of fault are handled in personal injury cases. We also understand that workers can feel vulnerable when their jobs are at stake, and we take care to provide guidance in a private and respectful setting.
Can Your Attorneys Help With Accidents On Oilfield Or Industrial Construction Sites?
Our firm has a long history handling serious injury cases that arise from industrial and oilfield related work in this region. Many of these projects involve construction activity, whether it is building or maintaining facilities, installing equipment, or supporting infrastructure. The risks associated with this type of work can be significant, and the legal issues that follow an accident are often complex.
When an injury occurs on an oilfield or industrial construction site, there may be multiple companies, specialized equipment, and detailed contracts involved. We draw on our experience in industrial and oilfield accident litigation, as well as our broader personal injury and business law practice, to evaluate these matters. If your injury happened in one of these environments, we can discuss how those factors may affect your potential claims.
What Information Should I Bring When We First Talk About My Case?
Bringing whatever information you already have can make an initial consultation more productive, but you should not delay reaching out just because you do not have every document in hand. Helpful materials can include medical records or discharge papers, incident or safety reports, photographs of the jobsite or your injuries, and names and contact information for witnesses or coworkers. Any letters or emails from insurance companies, employers, or project representatives are also useful.
During our first conversation, we can help you identify what additional information may be needed and discuss how it might be obtained. Our goal is to make the process manageable, not to add to your workload. We can often begin evaluating key issues based on your description of what happened and the documents that are readily available.
How Long Can A Construction Accident Case Take To Resolve?
The time it takes to resolve a construction accident case can vary widely based on several factors. The severity of your injuries, the length of your medical treatment, the number of parties involved, and the willingness of insurers to engage in meaningful settlement discussions all play important roles. Some matters resolve through settlement after an investigation and negotiation period, while others proceed into litigation and may require court involvement.
In many cases, it is important to understand the full extent of your injuries and future medical needs before finalizing any resolution. Our attorneys can give you a better sense of likely timeframes after learning more about your situation. Throughout the process, we strive to keep you updated and to explain what is happening at each stage so that you are not left guessing about the status of your case.
Talk With Our Team About Your Construction Accident
A serious construction injury can disrupt every part of your life. Between medical appointments, concerns about work, and pressure from various sides, it can be difficult to see a clear path forward. You do not have to sort through your legal options alone. Speaking with a construction accident attorney Bakersfield workers have turned to for guidance can help you understand what steps are available to you and your family.
For more than 70 years, Klein DeNatale Goldner has helped injured people throughout the San Joaquin Valley confront complex legal challenges. We bring that experience, along with a strong commitment to personalized service, to every construction and industrial injury case we handle. When you contact us, we will listen to your story, answer your questions, and discuss how our team may be able to assist you in pursuing appropriate claims.
To discuss your construction site injury in a confidential consultation, call (661) 485-2100 or contact our firm online today.
