At Setareh Law, our Sacramento injury attorneys represent injured workers, subcontractors, and bystanders after serious construction site accidents.
Protecting Injured Workers Across Sacramento’s Growing Construction Industry
Sacramento is home to some of the busiest construction corridors in California, from downtown high rise projects to sprawling residential developments in Elk Grove, Natomas, and Rancho Cordova. Heavy machinery, exposed wiring, unstable scaffolding, and coordinated crews working in tight spaces create conditions where a serious injury can happen in an instant, whether you are a construction worker, a subcontractor, or a bystander walking near an active job site.
At Setareh Law, we understand how devastating a construction accident can be for an injured worker and their family. Led by Daniel Setareh, our firm brings 60 years of combined experience to every case and handles construction accident claims on a contingency fee basis, so you owe nothing unless we recover compensation for you. We have recovered over $400 million for clients across California and remain committed to fighting for the full and fair compensation injured workers and bystanders deserve.
Time-Sensitive, California Law Limits Your Window to File
California Gives You Two Years From Your Injury Date to File a Construction Accident Claim
Evidence at an active job site disappears fast, and insurance companies begin building their defense from day one. With over $400 million recovered, 60 years of combined experience, and 7 office locations plus home visits available, Setareh Law can start protecting your claim today.
How a Construction Accident Claim Works in Sacramento
A Sacramento construction accident claim generally moves through four stages, a free case review, an investigation of the job site and every potentially liable party, a formal claim or lawsuit filing, and negotiation or trial. Understanding each stage helps injured workers and their families know what to expect after a serious job site injury.
Step 1. Free Case Review
We listen to what happened, review your injuries, and explain the legal options available to you at no cost.
Step 2. Investigation
We secure incident reports, site records, and witness statements, and consult with safety professionals to identify every liable party.
Step 3. Filing the Claim
We file your workers’ compensation claim, third-party lawsuit, or both, within California’s filing deadlines.
Step 4. Negotiation or Trial
We negotiate with insurers and liable parties, and we are prepared to take your case to trial if a fair settlement is not offered.
What Makes Construction Sites So Dangerous in Sacramento?
Sacramento is one of California’s fastest growing cities, with major residential and commercial construction projects underway throughout the region. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the construction sector reported 78 fatal construction injuries in California in 2023, with falls, slips, and trips accounting for nearly half of those deaths. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration tracks four leading causes of construction fatalities nationwide, known as the Fatal Four, falls, being struck by an object, electrocution, and being caught in or between equipment, and Sacramento job sites are not immune to any of them.
Common Types of Construction Accidents in Sacramento
Some of the most frequently seen incidents on Sacramento job sites include the following.
- Scaffolding accidents, including falls from elevated platforms and collapsed scaffolding structures
- Electrocution accidents caused by exposed wiring, downed power lines, or improperly grounded equipment
- Heavy machinery and equipment accidents involving cranes, excavators, and other job site equipment
- Forklift accidents resulting from overturns, collisions, or improper loading
- Ladder accidents, including falls from unstable or improperly secured ladders
- Industrial accidents involving trench collapses, toxic substance exposure, and equipment malfunctions
Any one of these incidents can cause injuries that change a person’s life permanently, which is why a thorough investigation into the true cause of the accident matters from the very first day.
Injuries Commonly Seen in Construction Accidents
The physical toll of a construction accident is often catastrophic. Workers and third parties injured on Sacramento construction sites frequently suffer from spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, severe burns, crush injuries, broken bones, and amputations. When wrongful death results from a construction accident, the impact extends to families who are left without financial support and without answers about what happened.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Construction Accident in Sacramento?
Multiple parties may share liability depending on the circumstances, including general contractors, subcontractors, property owners, equipment manufacturers, and site supervisors. California law provides injured workers and victims with several avenues for recovery, including workers’ compensation claims, third-party personal injury lawsuits, and product liability claims when defective equipment is involved.
Third-Party Claims vs Workers’ Compensation
Workers’ compensation covers most employees injured on the job, but it limits the amount of compensation a worker can recover. A third-party claim, filed against a negligent party other than the direct employer, can open the door to significantly greater compensation. The table below compares the two paths.
| Consideration | Workers’ Compensation | Third-Party Claim |
|---|---|---|
| Fault requirement | No fault needed to recover | Negligence must be proven |
| Pain and suffering | Not recoverable | May be recoverable |
| Who can be named | Employer’s insurance carrier | Contractors, manufacturers, property owners |
| Can be pursued together | Yes, many injured workers pursue both at the same time | |
Our team evaluates every angle of a construction accident claim to identify all liable parties and every possible avenue of recovery for our clients.
What Are Your Rights After a Construction Accident in Sacramento?
California law gives injured workers and bystanders several protections after a construction accident. You have the right to choose your own treating physician in many circumstances, the right to file a workers’ compensation claim without fear of retaliation from your employer, and the right to pursue a third-party claim regardless of your role on the job site. California also follows a pure comparative negligence rule, which means you may still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault for the accident, though your recovery may be reduced in proportion to your share of fault. You also have the right to consult with an attorney at any point in the process, and doing so early can help protect evidence before it disappears.
Statute of Limitations for Sacramento Construction Accident Claims
Under California Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1, most construction accident personal injury claims must be filed within two years from the date of the injury, not the date treatment ends or the date you first learn the full extent of your injuries. Wrongful death claims arising from a construction accident are also generally subject to a two year deadline, running from the date of death rather than the date of the accident itself.
If your claim involves a government entity, such as a public works project managed by the City of Sacramento or a state agency, additional notice requirements apply and the window to act can be as short as six months. Missing either deadline is irreversible and will bar you from recovering compensation no matter how strong your case is, so it is important to contact a construction accident attorney promptly after an accident.
How Setareh Law Approaches Your Sacramento Construction Accident Case
When you are injured on a Sacramento construction site, the steps taken in the immediate aftermath matter enormously. Evidence can disappear quickly, witnesses move on, and insurance companies begin building their defense from day one. Our team moves quickly to investigate the scene, preserve physical evidence, obtain incident reports and safety records, consult with engineering and medical professionals, and identify every party who contributed to the accident. We coordinate directly with your treating providers to document the full scope of your injuries and build a comprehensive case designed to maximize your recovery.
We also know that serious construction accidents often involve commercial vehicles, heavy trucks, and transport equipment moving in and out of job sites. If a vehicle was involved in your accident, our Sacramento truck accident lawyers have the knowledge to address that dimension of your claim as well. Across California, Setareh Law has recovered over $400 million for injured clients, and we bring that same level of preparation and persistence to every construction accident case we handle.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Construction Accident?
Victims who pursue a third-party lawsuit may be entitled to compensation beyond what workers’ compensation provides. The table below outlines the categories of damages that may be available, depending on the facts of your case.
| Category | What It May Cover |
|---|---|
| Medical expenses | Past and future treatment, surgery, physical therapy, and medication |
| Lost wages | Income lost during recovery and diminished future earning capacity |
| Pain and suffering | Physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident |
| Long-term care | Rehabilitation, home modifications, and ongoing support for permanent injuries |
| Punitive damages | Additional damages in cases involving gross negligence or willful misconduct |
What to Do Immediately After a Construction Accident in Sacramento
The choices you make right after a construction accident can affect your health and your ability to recover compensation later. Consider these steps.
1. Seek Medical Attention
Get evaluated even if your injuries seem minor, since some construction injuries do not show symptoms right away.
2. Report the Incident
Notify your supervisor or the site manager in writing so an official record of the accident exists.
3. Document the Scene
Photograph the equipment, conditions, and any hazards involved before the site is altered or cleaned up.
4. Avoid Recorded Statements
Speak with an attorney before giving a recorded statement to an insurance adjuster or employer representative.
5. Contact an Attorney
Filing a construction accident claim on your own is possible, but an attorney can help you avoid missed deadlines and preserve evidence that insurers may otherwise dispute.
Frequently Asked Questions About Construction Accidents in Sacramento
Do I have a valid construction accident case in Sacramento?
You may have a valid case if you were injured on a Sacramento job site due to unsafe conditions, defective equipment, or the negligence of a contractor, subcontractor, or property owner. The best way to find out is through a free consultation, where Setareh Law can review the details of your accident and explain your options at no cost.
How long do I have to file a construction accident lawsuit in California?
Under California Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1, most construction accident personal injury claims must be filed within two years of the date of the injury. Claims against a government entity, such as certain public works projects in Sacramento, may require formal notice within as little as six months, so it is important to act quickly.
How much does it cost to hire a Sacramento construction accident lawyer?
Setareh Law handles construction accident cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no upfront legal fees. We only collect a fee if we recover compensation for you, so there is no financial risk in speaking with our team about your case.
Can my family file a claim if a construction accident caused a family member’s death?
Yes, surviving family members may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim when a construction accident causes a fatal injury. These claims can seek compensation for funeral costs, lost financial support, and the loss of companionship, in addition to any workers’ compensation death benefits that may apply.
Can I file a lawsuit if I already received workers’ compensation benefits?
Yes, in many cases you can pursue a third-party claim in addition to workers’ compensation benefits if someone other than your direct employer contributed to the accident. This can include a subcontractor, equipment manufacturer, or property owner, and it may allow you to recover damages that workers’ compensation does not cover, such as pain and suffering.
What should I know about construction accidents on Sacramento’s growing job sites?
Sacramento’s rapid growth has brought a steady increase in residential and commercial construction projects, which means more job sites, more heavy equipment, and more opportunities for accidents to occur. Working with a local construction accident attorney who understands the region’s job sites and courts can help you build a stronger case.
Contact Setareh Law for a Free Consultation
Setareh Law has recovered over $400 million for injured clients across California, brings 60 years of combined experience to every case, and has earned over 900 five-star reviews from the clients we have served. With 7 office locations and home visits available, we meet injured workers and their families where they are, including throughout the Sacramento region.
If you or someone you know has been hurt in a Sacramento construction accident, do not wait to take action. California law limits your window to file a claim, and evidence at a job site can disappear quickly. Fill out our contact form to schedule your free consultation today.
