Construction Accidents in Fresno

Construction accidents are among the leading causes of workplace injuries in California. Falls from heights, being struck by falling or swinging objects, and electrocutions account for a large share of serious incidents. When a worker in Fresno is hurt, the damage isn’t just physical. Medical bills, time off work, long-term pain, and emotional stress can turn life upside down.

If you’re injured on a Fresno construction site, your priorities need to be clear: get medical help and make sure the incident is documented. Key steps include:

• Getting immediate medical attention and following all treatment recommendations
• Reporting the accident to your supervisor or employer in writing
• Collecting and preserving evidence: photos of the scene, unsafe conditions, and your injuries
• Getting names and contact details for any witnesses

Once the immediate crisis is handled, you need to think about your rights. Workers’ compensation is usually the starting point in Fresno, covering medical care and a portion of lost wages, but it’s not always the end of the story. If someone’s negligence contributed to unsafe conditions, you may have claims beyond workers’ comp. A Fresno construction accident lawyer can investigate liability and help you pursue full compensation, not just whatever the insurer is willing to offer. Important points to keep in mind:

• Document everything: photos, witness statements, medical records, and incident reports
• Don’t rush into a settlement before you know the full extent of your injuries
• Know that California has strict deadlines for workers’ comp and third-party claims
• Get legal advice early so you don’t miss options you didn’t know you had

Every construction accident in Fresno is different, but the need for fair compensation and accountability is constant. Heidari Law Group understands local construction practices, safety regulations, and how insurers operate.

Understanding Your Rights After a Construction Accident in Fresno

You’ve been involved in a construction accident in Fresno. Now you’re hurt, stressed, and unsure what comes next. Recovery is your priority, but you also need to understand your legal rights. What you do in the days and weeks after the accident can affect your health, your income, and your ability to get fair compensation.

In Fresno, most on-the-job injuries start with a workers’ compensation claim. Workers’ comp is meant to cover medical treatment and part of your lost wages. On paper, it sounds simple. In reality, claims get delayed or denied, forms are confusing, and insurance companies don’t always make things easy. That’s why it helps to know from the start that you may need help pushing your claim forward

Deadlines matter. California has strict time limits for both workers’ comp and personal injury claims. Miss those deadlines, and you may lose your right to recover anything, no matter how strong your case is. Acting quickly in Fresno—especially talking to a construction accident lawyer early—gives you a better chance to meet those time limits and preserve evidence before it disappears.

You don’t have to go through this alone. Heidari Law Group handles construction accident cases in Fresno and can help you with both complicated workers’ comp claims and potential personal injury suits. Their job is to investigate what went wrong, identify who’s responsible, and fight for compensation that actually reflects the impact the accident has had on your life. Your rights matter, and getting informed and legal support is your first real step toward protecting them.

How to Choose a Fresno Construction Accident Lawyer

Finding the right Fresno construction accident lawyer can feel overwhelming, but the criteria are actually pretty clear. You want someone who knows construction law, understands how injuries impact your life, and is ready to fight for real compensation, not just a quick settlement. In a serious Fresno construction accident case, the lawyer you choose can directly affect how much you recover and how stressful the process is.

Experience is non-negotiable. You want a Fresno attorney who has handled construction accident and workers’ compensation cases before, not someone learning on your file. Look for:

• A track record with construction site injuries and third-party claims
• Familiarity with OSHA and California safety regulations
• Trial experience, not just “we settle everything” claims

Communication should be a dealbreaker. You deserve a lawyer who:

• Responds to calls, emails, or texts within a reasonable time
• Explains things in plain English, not just legal jargon
• Keeps you updated without you having to chase them

Reputation and fee structure matter, too. Before you hire anyone, check:

• Reviews and testimonials from past clients
• Any disciplinary history with the state bar
• Whether they work on a contingency fee (paid only if you win)
  Clarify up front:
• What percentage do they take if you win
• Who pays case costs (experts, records, filings) and when

Use a free consultation wisely. Many Fresno construction accident lawyers, including firms like Heidari Law Group, offer no-cost initial meetings. Bring questions such as:

• How many construction accident cases have you handled in Fresno?
• What’s your strategy for a case like mine?
• Who will actually work on my file day to day?
• What do you see as the biggest challenges in my case?
  Pay attention not just to what they say, but to how they treat you—do they listen, or just pitch?

Local knowledge is the final edge. A Fresno construction accident lawyer who knows the local courts, judges, insurers, and common issues on local job sites starts ahead. They understand how California law applies in real Fresno cases, not just in theory. In the end, trust both your research and your gut: you should feel comfortable, informed, and confident that your lawyer can guide you through a tough situation while you focus on recovery.

Common Causes of Construction Accidents in Fresno

Fresno’s construction industry is booming, but every new project brings more risk for the people actually doing the work. Most “accidents” on Fresno job sites aren’t random—they come from a mix of negligence, poor planning, and human error. When safety takes a back seat to speed or cost-cutting, workers pay the price with serious, sometimes fatal, injuries.

Some of the most common hazards on Fresno construction sites include:

• Falls from heights – roofs, scaffolds, ladders, unprotected edges, unstable surfaces.
• Struck-by incidents – tools, materials, or equipment falling from above or swinging unexpectedly.
• Electrical hazards – exposed wires, faulty tools, contact with live lines, rushed or sloppy temporary wiring.
  If fall protection isn’t provided, anchors are missing, or guardrails and harnesses aren’t used, the risk of a serious fall shoots up. The same goes for sites where nobody controls overhead work or enforces basic PPE like hard hats.

Heavy machinery is another major source of danger in Fresno. Cranes, forklifts, bulldozers, and other equipment are essential, but they become deadly when:

• Operators aren’t properly trained or supervised
• Machines aren’t inspected or maintained
• Blind spots and swing zones aren’t controlled
  A single mistake—like a crane load swinging over workers or a forklift backing up without a spotter—can cause catastrophic injuries in seconds.

Trenches and excavations add yet another layer of risk. A poorly shored or unsupported trench can collapse in moments, trapping or burying workers. When there’s no proper sloping, shoring, or trench boxes, and no one monitoring soil conditions or water intrusion, it’s not a “freak accident”—it’s a safety failure. These are preventable events that happen when basic OSHA rules are ignored.

Under all of this sits one common problem: lack of proper training and enforcement. Too many Fresno workers are sent out with minimal instruction on equipment, hazard recognition, or emergency procedures. A hard hat and a quick briefing aren’t enough. Without real training and a culture that actually enforces safety rules, workers are exposed to dangers they were never shown how to handle.

If you’re hurt in a Fresno construction accident, understanding these common causes helps you spot when safety protocols were violated. That matters for both your health and your legal options. A Fresno construction accident lawyer, like Heidari Law Group, can investigate falls, struck-by incidents, electrical accidents, machinery failures, and trench collapses, and determine who cut corners. Your safety isn’t optional, and when negligence causes an injury, you have every right to hold the responsible parties accountable.

Steps to Take After a Construction Site Injury in Fresno

After a construction site injury in Fresno, shock and confusion are normal, but your priority has to be your health. Get medical attention immediately, even if you think it’s “just a sprain” or a minor bruise. Some injuries—internal bleeding, concussions, small fractures—don’t show clear symptoms right away. Seeing a doctor protects your health and also creates the first medical record tying your injuries to the Fresno jobsite accident.

Once you’re stable, make sure the incident is officially reported. Tell your supervisor or foreman as soon as you can and ask that an incident report be created. Then start gathering your own documentation if it’s safe to do so. Useful evidence includes:

• Photos of the scene (equipment, tools, spills, debris, lack of guardrails or signage)
• Pictures of visible injuries and damaged gear or clothing
• Names and contact information of any witnesses
• Notes in your own words about what happened and when

Keep every medical and work-related document tied to the accident. That means doctor’s notes, hospital discharge papers, prescriptions, test results, and all bills. Hold on to proof of lost income as well—pay stubs, time-off records, disability paperwork. These records are what back up your claim for medical expenses, lost wages, and any long-term impact on your ability to work after a Fresno construction injury.

Know your rights in California. Workers’ compensation is usually your first source of benefits, but it’s not always the only one. If a subcontractor ignored safety rules, a site owner failed to fix a hazard, or faulty equipment caused the accident, you may have a separate personal injury claim against those third parties. A Fresno construction accident lawyer can:

• Review how the accident happened and who may share fault
• Identify potential third-party claims beyond workers’ comp
• Push back when insurers try to push quick, lowball settlements

Be aware that you’re working against the clock. California has specific deadlines (statutes of limitations) for both workers’ comp and personal injury cases, and missing them can kill your claim completely. Acting promptly—getting treatment, reporting the injury, preserving evidence, and speaking with a lawyer in Fresno—gives you the best shot at full compensation instead of scrambling when it’s already too late.

You don’t have to handle any of this alone. Heidari Law Group understands how construction accidents happen in Fresno and how insurers and employers react when workers get hurt. Their team can take over the legal and insurance headaches so you can focus on recovering. After a construction site injury, having experienced people in your corner is often the difference between being pressured into a quick payout and actually protecting your rights and your future.