Woonsocket Construction Accident Lawyer

Rhode Island has a relatively low rate of fatal workplace injuries compared to the national average. In 2023, the state reported just 1.2 fatalities per 100,000 workers, the lowest in the nation. However, construction remains one of the most hazardous industries, accounting for approximately 20% of all workplace fatalities. The leading causes of these fatalities include falls, being struck by objects, electrocutions, and being caught in or between objects, collectively known as the “Fatal Four”.

While Woonsocket has not been prominently featured in recent statewide construction accident reports, the city is not immune to such incidents. For instance, in October 2025, a 64-year-old man tragically died after falling approximately 10 feet at a construction site in Burrillville, Rhode Island. This incident underscores the ongoing risks faced by construction workers in the region.

Nationally, the construction industry continues to be one of the deadliest sectors. In 2023, there were 1,075 fatal work injuries in construction, with falls accounting for 35% of these deaths. Despite efforts to improve safety, more than 1,000 workers have died on the job annually since 2016. These statistics highlight the persistent hazards in the industry and the critical need for effective safety measures and legal protections for workers.

Construction sites are inherently dangerous, and accidents can happen even when safety protocols are in place. In Woonsocket and across Rhode Island, certain hazards consistently lead to serious injuries and fatalities. Understanding these common causes highlights the risks workers face and why legal guidance is often necessary after an accident.

Falls remain the leading cause of construction-related injuries and fatalities. Workers can fall from scaffolds, ladders, roofs, or elevated platforms due to unstable surfaces, lack of fall protection, or improper use of equipment. Even a short fall can result in fractures, head trauma, or spinal injuries.

Construction machinery such as forklifts, cranes, and power tools can cause severe injuries when malfunctioning or improperly operated. Accidents involving heavy equipment can crush limbs, cause traumatic injuries, or even result in fatalities. Proper maintenance and operator training are critical to preventing these incidents.

Workers are often injured when struck by moving vehicles, falling objects, or shifting materials. Similarly, “caught-in-between” accidents can occur when employees are trapped between equipment, walls, or heavy machinery. These incidents frequently lead to broken bones, internal injuries, or amputations.

Exposed wires, faulty circuits, and inadequate grounding pose serious risks on construction sites. Electrical accidents can result in burns, nerve damage, cardiac arrest, or death. Even minor lapses in safety can turn routine electrical work into a life-threatening situation.

Many construction accidents occur when employers fail to enforce proper safety protocols or provide adequate training. Lack of personal protective equipment (PPE) — such as hard hats, harnesses, or safety goggles — further increases the likelihood of injury. Employers are legally obligated to maintain a safe work environment, and violations can support a worker’s legal claim.

Slippery surfaces, cluttered work areas, debris, unstable scaffolds, and improperly secured materials create hazardous conditions for workers. Even experienced employees are at risk when the worksite itself is unsafe. These preventable hazards contribute significantly to construction accidents in Woonsocket and throughout Rhode Island.

Construction accidents can result in devastating injuries, many of which have long-term or permanent consequences. Even a single misstep or equipment malfunction can leave a worker with life-altering trauma. Understanding the types of injuries commonly sustained on construction sites underscores the importance of prompt medical attention and strong legal representation.

Head injuries are a leading concern in construction accidents, often caused by falls, being struck by objects, or collisions with equipment. Traumatic brain injuries can range from concussions to severe brain trauma, affecting memory, cognition, and motor skills. These injuries frequently require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.

Spinal cord injuries can result from falls, crushing accidents, or high-impact collisions with heavy equipment. Such injuries may cause partial or complete paralysis, profoundly impacting a worker’s mobility, independence, and ability to earn a living. Long-term care and adaptive support are often necessary.

Broken bones are common in construction accidents, including fractures of the arms, legs, pelvis, and ribs. Severe fractures may require surgery, physical therapy, and months of recovery. Multiple fractures or compound breaks can result in permanent impairment.

Workers can sustain life-threatening internal injuries or crush injuries from heavy machinery, falling debris, or structural collapses. In some cases, limbs or fingers may be amputated due to the severity of the trauma. These injuries often necessitate immediate surgical intervention and long-term rehabilitation.

Sprains, strains, contusions, and other soft tissue injuries are extremely common in construction accidents. While sometimes considered “minor,” soft tissue injuries can cause chronic pain, limited mobility, and long-term disability if not properly treated.

Many construction injuries leave workers with permanent disabilities, requiring ongoing medical care and lifestyle adjustments. Beyond physical harm, accidents often lead to emotional trauma, anxiety, or depression. Lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and the inability to perform daily activities contribute to the overall impact of a construction accident.

Construction accidents often leave injured workers facing significant medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term disability. Rhode Island law provides multiple avenues for recovering compensation, depending on the circumstances of the accident. Understanding these options can help you protect your rights and secure the support you need.

Most injured construction workers are entitled to file a workers’ compensation claim, which covers medical treatment, rehabilitation costs, and partial wage replacement. Workers’ comp is a no-fault system, meaning you can receive benefits regardless of who caused the accident. However, benefits may not fully account for pain, suffering, or long-term financial losses, which is why exploring additional legal claims can be important.

In some cases, other parties beyond your employer may share liability for your injuries. Negligent contractors, subcontractors, property owners, or equipment manufacturers can be held responsible if their actions or products contributed to the accident. Pursuing third-party claims can provide additional compensation for damages that workers’ compensation alone may not cover.

Construction sites are subject to federal and state safety regulations enforced by OSHA and other agencies. If an accident resulted from safety violations, inadequate training, or failure to provide proper protective equipment, it may be possible to file claims based on these regulatory breaches. Such claims can strengthen your case against responsible parties.

Rhode Island law imposes certain requirements on construction accident claims, including notice rules and limited immunity protections for municipalities and employers. Understanding these legal nuances is critical to preserving your rights and ensuring timely action. Our attorneys are well-versed in these requirements and guide clients through each step of the process.

Construction accident claims in Rhode Island are subject to strict deadlines. Failing to act promptly can jeopardize your ability to recover compensation. Contacting an experienced construction accident lawyer as soon as possible ensures that all necessary paperwork is filed on time and critical evidence is preserved.

Suffering a construction accident can be overwhelming, with medical treatment, lost wages, and insurance paperwork piling up. At Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers, we guide injured workers through every step of the process, ensuring they receive the full compensation they deserve while focusing on recovery.

Our team begins with a free consultation to review the details of your accident and assess your legal options. We advise clients on what evidence to preserve, including photos of the site and injuries, witness contact information, accident reports, and medical records. Proper documentation from the start strengthens your case and protects your rights.

We conduct thorough investigations to establish liability and gather crucial evidence. This may include reviewing OSHA reports, inspecting equipment and site conditions, and working with accident reconstruction experts. Our goal is to leave no detail unexamined, providing a clear picture of how the accident occurred and who is responsible.

Your health comes first. We connect clients with trusted medical professionals, coordinate ongoing care, and negotiate medical liens to ensure treatment continues without interruption. From initial evaluation to rehabilitation, we work to make sure your recovery is supported every step of the way.

Navigating workers’ compensation and third-party insurance claims can be complicated. Our attorneys handle all communications with insurers, calculate the full extent of damages, and protect clients from lowball settlement offers. We fight to ensure that you receive compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future care needs.

While many construction accident claims settle out of court, we are fully prepared to litigate when necessary. Our attorneys have extensive experience in Rhode Island courts and are adept at handling complex construction cases, including claims involving multiple parties or municipalities. We prepare every case as if it will go to trial, maximizing your potential recovery.

Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers has a history of securing strong results for construction accident victims. From significant settlements to jury verdicts, our track record demonstrates our commitment to justice and client advocacy. Client testimonials consistently highlight our responsiveness, professionalism, and dedication to achieving the best possible outcomes.

While you are not required to hire an attorney, having experienced legal representation can significantly improve your chances of receiving full compensation. Insurance companies and employers often aim to minimize payouts, even for clearly documented injuries. A skilled construction accident lawyer can protect your rights and handle all communications with insurers and third parties.

Compensation depends on the severity of your injuries and the circumstances of the accident. Common recoverable damages include medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, future medical care, pain and suffering, and lost earning capacity. In cases involving long-term disability or permanent injury, additional damages may be recoverable.

Yes. If a third party contributed to your accident — such as a negligent contractor, property owner, or equipment manufacturer — you may be eligible to file a separate claim for additional damages. Pursuing these claims alongside workers’ compensation can help cover losses not addressed by standard benefits.

Rhode Island follows a comparative negligence system, meaning you may still recover damages even if you were partially at fault. Your compensation may be reduced proportionally based on your share of responsibility, but legal guidance can help minimize allegations of fault and maximize recovery.

The timeline varies depending on the complexity of the accident, severity of injuries, and whether third-party claims are involved. Some cases resolve in a few months, while more complicated claims can take a year or longer. Our attorneys work efficiently while ensuring a thorough investigation and strong case preparation.

If workers’ compensation benefits or third-party claims are denied or underpaid, our firm is prepared to pursue legal action. This may include filing lawsuits, negotiating aggressively, or seeking court intervention to ensure that your rights are protected and you receive the compensation you deserve.