Investigation: In the case of a construction site accident, it is critical to undertake an investigation as early as possible. Witnesses leave town and memories fade. The actual site of the accident can change within hours or days. Unless the evidence is preserved by photographs or other investigation techniques, it may be impossible to later prove how the accident occurred or who was at fault. SGB is adept at managing these investigations to ensure they are carried out properly and thoroughly, and that third parties who may be responsible for your injuries are identified.

Negotiation and litigation: In most construction site accidents, there are many potential witnesses and relevant documents. These accidents are almost always work-related and thus are covered under workers' compensation. However, if someone other than your employer or a co-employee negligently causes your injury, you have a right to compensation above and beyond your workers' compensation claim benefits. We are skilled in using proven techniques to present our clients' cases to a jury. From the utilization of forensic experts to cutting edge computer technology, our clients' cases are presented in an efficient and compelling manner.

Fair settlement: When medical treatment is concluded and we know what the future likely holds for our client in terms of pain, functional loss, earning capacity, and medical care, we then help negotiate a fair and reasonable settlement of the claim. If the insurance company for the third party defendant is unreasonable, we are experienced trial lawyers and will take the case to trial, if necessary. However, most cases will settle because the insurance company understands we have the resources and experience to win at trial.

When should you file?
Anyone involved in a serious construction accident should retain an experienced attorney as soon as possible to investigate possible third party involvement. There are time limits to bringing construction accident claims. Filing a workers compensation claim does not stop the clock from running on possible claims against third parties.

• Multi-million dollar confidential settlement on both workers compensation claims and third party claims on behalf of 17 Boeing workers exposed to phenol/formaldehyde resin fumes on the job. The workers claimed Boeing had intentionally exposed them to toxic materials in order to keep production lines going. Some of these workers became permanently disabled and others claimed the toxic exposures caused brain damage. The case was litigated up to the Washington Supreme Court and changed the law allowing workers greater freedom to sue employers.


• $660,000 jury verdict on behalf of a construction worker (plasterer) who sustained fractures to both heels after falling 12 feet from scaffolding to a concrete sidewalk below. This was one of the largest construction site jury verdicts in Snohomish County history.
   
• $1 million jury verdict for an ironworker injured during construction of a skyscraper in downtown Seattle.
   
• $800,000 settlement on behalf of a maintenance employee who suffered serious burns after attempting to change a fuse in an electrical panel.