Work-Related Construction Accident Lawyers
Riverside, California
Experienced Construction Accident Attorneys in Riverside, CA
Construction is one of the most dangerous jobs in California. When injuries occur, workers are not without legal protection. The law is built to protect them through workers’ compensation and legal action against those at fault.
Every day, construction workers face high-risk conditions: unsecured scaffolding, exposed wiring, malfunctioning equipment, unstable structures, and rushed timelines that often sacrifice safety for speed. These are not accidents. They are preventable failures caused by someone’s neglect, shortcuts, or outright disregard for worker safety.
That’s why California law mandates strict workplace safety regulations. And when those regulations are ignored, the law gives injured workers the right to demand medical care, lost wages, disability benefits, and in many cases, additional compensation through personal injury claims.
At Fontes Law Group, we advocate for injured construction workers across California. Whether you’re a laborer, roofer, electrician, or heavy equipment operator, our experienced workers’ comp lawyers step in immediately to assert your rights and pursue the compensation you’re legally owed.
Why Clients Choose Fontes Law Group
Experience. Compassion. Results.
Construction accidents are some of the most serious and most aggressively contested injury claims in California. We know what you’re up against: unsafe job sites, employers who downplay injuries, and insurance carriers looking to protect their bottom line. That’s where we come in.
- Decades of experience handling construction-related workers’ comp
- All team members speak Spanish
- Offices in Santa Ana and Riverside
- No fees unless we win your case
- Trusted by California workers and their families

Meet Rosa Duarte
Experienced Workers’ Compensation Representative
Scope of Construction Site Injuries in California
Construction workers face some of the highest rates of serious injury across all industries. From heavy equipment to elevated work surfaces, nearly every aspect of the job carries physical risk. When safety standards are ignored or corners are cut, the results can be devastating.
Common types of construction-related injuries include:
- Falls from ladders, scaffolding, or rooftops
- Crush injuries from collapsing materials, machinery, or vehicles
- Traumatic brain injuries from falling objects or blunt-force impacts
- Spinal and back injuries due to falls or lifting heavy loads
- Fractures, dislocations, and joint damage, especially to the knees, ankles, and shoulders
- Electrical burns and shock injuries
- Repetitive stress injuries from tools, lifting, or operating equipment over time
These injuries often lead to long-term disability, loss of income, or the inability to return to physically demanding work. At Fontes Law Group, we understand the toll a construction injury takes, and we make sure the legal system works for you, not against you.
Understanding Construction Accident Claims in California
Injuries on construction sites can happen in an instant or build up over time. Under California Labor Code § 3208.1, workers are protected regardless of how the injury occurred.
You may have a claim if your construction job involves:
- Climbing ladders, scaffolding, or uneven surfaces
- Carrying heavy materials or tools
- Using power equipment or vibrating machinery
- Working long shifts on concrete or hard flooring
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Work-Related Injury Timeline
- Initial filing and treatment: 1–2 weeks
- Investigation and exams: 1–3 months
- Settlement discussions: 3–6 months
- Appeals or litigation: 6+ months
We keep you informed at every stage and work efficiently to minimize delays.
Understanding Employer Duties and Violations in Construction Accidents
Construction sites are high-risk environments, and California law places a legal responsibility on employers to protect workers from preventable harm. When safety protocols are ignored or corners are cut, serious injuries follow, and employers can and should be held accountable under California labor and workers’ compensation laws.
Employer Responsibilities Include:
- Providing personal protective equipment (PPE) such as hard hats, gloves, harnesses, and steel-toe boots
- Enforcing fall prevention measures on scaffolding, ladders, and elevated platforms
- Securing tools, equipment, and debris to prevent falling object injuries
- Clearly marking and maintaining walkways, trenches, and excavation areas
- Training workers on safety procedures and hazard identification
- Promptly reporting workplace injuries and initiating the workers’ comp process
- Carrying active workers’ compensation insurance as required by California Labor Code § 3700
Common Violations We See:
- Failing to provide or enforce use of PPE
- Ignoring job site hazards or OSHA safety violations
- Downplaying serious injuries or refusing to document them
- Delaying or denying access to medical treatment and diagnostics
- Retaliating against injured workers who file claims or raise safety concerns
- Denying responsibility by blaming subcontractors or calling the injury “non-work-related”
At Fontes Law Group, we hold negligent employers and their insurance providers accountable.
Proving Your Construction Accident Case in California
To win a construction accident claim, we must show that your injury is legitimate, work-related, and that your employer or their insurer failed to meet their legal responsibilities.
We prove:
- Your injury is real and medically documented
- Your job duties or site conditions were a major cause
- Your employer or insurer failed to provide proper protection or timely benefits
We use medical records, safety violations, jobsite evidence, and expert testimony to build a strong, well-documented case.
Relevant Legal Standards:
- California Labor Code §§ 3700–3709 – Workers’ comp requirements
- Cal/OSHA Regulations – Safe workplace rules
- QME/AME Evaluations – Used to determine permanent impairment

Understanding Compensation in Construction Accident Cases
A successful construction accident claim through California workers’ compensation can provide essential support while you recover. At Fontes Law Group, we fight to secure the full range of benefits you’re entitled to, not just what your employer’s insurer is willing to offer.
Medical Treatment
- Emergency care and diagnostic imaging such as X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans to assess fractures, ligament tears, or crush injuries
- Surgical procedures for broken bones, torn tendons, or joint damage from falls or heavy impact
- Ongoing physical therapy and rehab to regain strength, mobility, and functionality
- Braces, injections, and mobility support such as crutches, braces, or anti-inflammatory treatments
All medically necessary treatment, including specialist referrals and follow-up care, must be fully covered by workers’ comp.
Wage Loss and Disability
- Temporary disability payments while you are unable to work due to injury or recovery
- Permanent disability compensation if your injury causes long-term or permanent limitations in movement, strength, or physical capacity
We make sure your disability rating reflects your true limitations, not just what the insurer wants to pay.
Additional Support
- Vocational retraining or job reassignment if you can’t return to your previous role on the construction site
- Lump-sum settlements for permanent impairment, ongoing medical costs, or reduced earning capacity
If your injury was caused by a third party, such as a subcontractor, equipment manufacturer, or negligent site manager, we may also pursue a separate personal injury claim for additional compensation, including pain and suffering not covered under workers’ comp.
Q: Can I file both a workers’ comp claim and a personal injury lawsuit?
Yes. If someone other than your employer was responsible (like a subcontractor or equipment company), you can file both types of claims.
Q: How long do I have to file a claim?
You must report the injury within 30 days and file a workers’ compensation claim within one year in California.
Q: What if I’m undocumented?
You still have the right to file for workers’ compensation under California law. Your immigration status does not affect your eligibility.
Q: What if my employer calls me a contractor?
You may have been misclassified. Many workers are wrongly labeled “independent contractors” to avoid liability. We investigate and challenge that if needed.
Q: How much does it cost to hire Fontes Law Group?
There are no upfront fees. We only get paid if we win your case.
Helpful Resources for California Residents
California Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB)
Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC)
California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR)
Cal/OSHA Workplace Safety
MPN Doctor Search Tool
Take the First Step Toward Recovery
If you’ve been injured on a construction site, don’t wait. The sooner you act, the stronger your claim will be.
Fontes Law Group is ready to protect your rights, fight back against negligence, and help you recover the compensation you’re owed.
Request a free case review today.