South Carolina Construction Accident Lawyer:

Protecting Workers in High-Risk Zones

When the Job Site Becomes a Danger Zone

Construction is a cornerstone of the South Carolina economy, but it remains one of the state’s most hazardous industries. A single faulty scaffold, an ungrounded wire, or a moment of operator error can lead to life-altering injuries. Because construction sites often involve multiple companies—including general contractors, subcontractors, and equipment vendors—determining who is responsible for your recovery requires a sophisticated legal approach.

At The Law Offices of David L. Hood, we understand that a construction injury affects your entire family. Whether you fell from a roof in Myrtle Beach or were injured by heavy machinery in Greenville, we provide the aggressive advocacy needed to secure your future. With over 30 years of experience, attorney David L. Hood and his co-counsel legal team investigate every angle of your accident to ensure you receive both the workers’ compensation benefits you are owed and any additional damages available through third-party lawsuits.

Workers in high visibility gear at a busy construction site with scaffolding and steel frames.

The "Fatal Four" and Common Site Hazards

Two construction workers in hard hats assisting each other at a building site, highlighting teamwork.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) identifies four leading causes of construction fatalities. We handle cases involving these and other common site hazards:

Falls:
The leading cause of death in construction, often involving ladders, unprotected roof edges, or collapsing scaffolding.
Struck-By Incidents:
Being hit by falling tools, moving vehicles like forklifts, or swinging crane loads.
Caught-In/Between:
Crushing injuries from trench collapses, equipment rollovers, or being caught in rotating machinery parts.
Electrocutions:
Contact with overhead power lines, poorly maintained power tools, or exposed temporary wiring.
Beyond Workers’ Comp:

Third-Party Liability

In South Carolina, workers’ compensation usually prevents you from suing your employer directly. However, construction sites are unique because many different parties work side-by-side. You may be able to file a third-party personal injury claim if your injury was caused by:

1
A Subcontractor:
If a worker from a different company created a hazard that caused your fall.
2
Equipment Manufacturers:
If a defective tool, faulty safety harness, or malfunctioning crane caused the accident.
3
Property Owners:
If a dangerous condition on the land (unrelated to the construction work itself) led to your injury.
4
Architects or Engineers:
If a structural failure occurred due to faulty design or improper safety specifications.
Common

Life-Changing Injuries

Woman with head injury holding her head in pain indoors.

Construction accidents often result in “catastrophic” injuries that require long-term care:

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI):
Resulting from falls or being struck by falling debris, even when wearing a hard hat.
Spinal Cord Damage:
Often leading to partial or full paralysis following a fall from height.
Amputations and Crush Injuries:
Caused by heavy machinery malfunctions or caught-between accidents.
Respiratory Illnesses:
Such as mesothelioma or silicosis from long-term exposure to toxic dust and chemicals.
Severe Burns:
Resulting from electrical blasts or chemical explosions.
man writing on paper
Steps to Take

After a Job Site Accident

Because construction sites change daily, preserving evidence is critical:

1
Report the Injury Immediately:
Notify your supervisor within 90 days (though doing so instantly is much better for your claim).
2
Identify the Equipment:
Note the make, model, and serial number of any machine or tool involved in the accident.
3
Gather Witness Info:
Get the names and phone numbers of everyone on the site, especially those working for other companies.
4
Take Photos:
Document the scene before the hazard is repaired or the equipment is moved.
5
Consult a Lawyer:
Do not sign any "incident reports" or settlement offers from an insurance company until you have legal representation.

Statute of Limitations

For workers’ compensation, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a formal claim (Form 50). If you are pursuing a third-party personal injury lawsuit, you typically have three years in South Carolina. However, waiting even a few weeks can result in the loss of crucial evidence or the disappearance of key witnesses.

We Hold Negligent Parties Accountable

You built our state; let us help you rebuild your life. From our principal office in Murrells Inlet to our 17 other locations statewide, we provide the resources of a large firm with the personal attention of a local peer.

Contact The Law Offices of David L. Hood today or reach out online for a free, confidential consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis; you pay nothing unless we recover money for you.

The Law Offices of David L. Hood’s principal office is located in Murrells Inlet, SC and that is where Attorney Hood principally performs legal services and practices law. This website constitutes attorney advertising and is designed for general information only. The information presented in this website should not be construed to be formal legal advice or create an attorney client relationship.
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