Trench and Excavation Accidents

Trenching and excavation are among the most dangerous, and most common, types of construction work. Excavators are extremely dangerous pieces of heavy machinery, and even a minor misstep can cause a serious accident. And once dug out, trenches will last only for a certain time before caving in. Given the dangers involved, it is no surprise that there are significant state workplace safety regulations regarding trenching and excavation. However, too often, employers cut corners, jeopardizing employees’ safety. As a result, trench and excavation accidents are far too common. At Krolikowski Law, Orange County trench accident lawyer Adam Krolikowski diligently prepares workers’ compensation claims on behalf of injured construction workers so that they can focus on their recovery and get their lives back on track. With over 20 years of experience handling construction injury workers’ compensation claims, Attorney Krolikowski has the knowledge, skill, and dedication to provide injured workers with the representation that they deserve.

An excavation is a general term referring to any opening in the earth’s surface. Most excavations are made by heavy machines called excavators. The term “trench” refers to a specific type of excavation that is narrower than it is deep. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, an excavation is considered a trench if it is less than 15 feet wide at the bottom. By definition, all excavations and trenches have unsupported walls made of earth or rock as their borders.

Trenches and excavations are responsible for numerous construction accidents. A trench accident attorney in Orange County can help an injured worker bring a claim following any of these types of accidents, including:

• Trench cave-ins
• Trench collapses
• Workers falling into a trench
• Trench workers being hit by falling objects
• Accidents involving excavators or other pieces of heavy machinery
• Failures to provide a ladder or other means of escape
• The presence of dangerous gases

Both trenches and excavations are extremely dangerous, and they should be inspected daily as weather and job site conditions change. Any hazards should be immediately addressed before workers are allowed back into the trench.

Construction workers injured in a trench or excavation accident may be eligible for ongoing benefits through a workers’ compensation claim. The workers’ compensation system allows for injured employees to obtain benefits without proving that their employer – or anyone else – was responsible for their injuries. The availability of benefits in a workers’ compensation claim depends on the nature and extent of an employee’s injuries.

The types of benefits that an Orange County trench accident attorney can help you pursue include medical benefits and disability benefits. Employers must pay for an injured worker’s medical care if it is related to a construction accident. Disability benefits may be temporary or permanent. Temporary disability benefits are based on an injured worker's inability to work due to their injuries. Permanent disability benefits are intended to compensate workers who are unable to ever fully recover from a trench or excavation accident.

Additional benefits include supplemental job displacement benefits, which come in the form of a one-time $6,000 voucher that the employee can use to obtain additional education or job training. Death benefits are payable to a worker’s children or spouse if the worker dies from their injuries.

If you or a loved one has recently suffered serious injuries in a trench or excavation accident, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. However, the application process can be complex, and employers (as well as their insurance companies) often try to find reasons to deny a claim. Attorney Krolikowski is an experienced trench accident lawyer in Orange County who has been handling workers’ compensation claims since 2004. With his help, you can rest assured that your case is in good hands, giving you the opportunity to focus on your recovery so that you can get your life back on track. To learn more, contact Krolikowski Law at (949) 274-9915 to schedule a free consultation today.