San Diego Construction Accident Lawyer

Construction sites are among the most dangerous workplaces in the country, especially in California. Workers face risks every single day from falling debris, unstable scaffolding, heavy machinery, and electrocution hazards. When an accident happens, the injuries are seldom minor. Broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and even death are far too common on job sites across San Diego. If you have been hurt in a construction accident, you may have the right to pursue compensation beyond what workers’ compensation benefits alone can provide.

At Setareh Law, we fight for injured workers and bystanders throughout California, including those harmed on San Diego construction sites. Our team brings over 60 years of combined experience to each case, and we have recovered more than $250 million for our clients. We handle every case on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we win. If you are looking for a San Diego personal injury attorney, we are ready to help.

What Makes Construction Sites So Dangerous in San Diego?

San Diego’s construction industry continues to grow alongside the city’s expanding residential and commercial development. That growth, while creating more jobs that are positive for the economy, puts more workers in harm’s way. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the construction sector had the highest number of workplace fatalities in California in 2023 with 78 deaths. Nationwide, construction accounts for roughly 20 percent of all worker fatalities each year.

Several hazard types appear repeatedly at San Diego job sites:

• Falls from scaffolding, ladders, or elevated platforms
• Being struck by falling tools, materials, or equipment
• Electrocution from exposed wiring or downed power lines
• Caught-in or caught-between accidents involving machinery
• Trench collapses and structural failures

These incidents often result in injuries severe enough to change a person’s life permanently. When the cause traces back to a negligent contractor, equipment manufacturer, or property owner, injured workers may have grounds for a claim that goes beyond a standard workers’ compensation filing.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Construction Accident?

Liability in a construction workplace accident can extend to multiple parties depending on how the incident occurred. General contractors have a duty to maintain safe working conditions for everyone on their site. Subcontractors can also be held responsible when their workers or equipment cause harm. Equipment manufacturers may face liability if a defective product contributed to the accident. Property owners, too, can be liable if a dangerous condition on their land was known and left ignored.

California’s comparative fault rules allow injured workers to pursue third-party claims alongside workers’ compensation. This is a critical distinction since workers’ compensation covers medical bills and a portion of lost wages, but does not compensate for pain and suffering, full lost income, or the long-term impact of a catastrophic injury. A personal injury claim against a negligent third party can help fill those gaps. An attorney can evaluate the circumstances of your accident and identify all potential sources of financial recovery.

What Compensation May Be Available After a Construction Accident?

Types of Damages in a Construction Accident Case

The damages available in a construction accident case depend on the severity of the injuries and the circumstances involved. Economic damages include current and future medical expenses, lost wages during recovery, and the cost of long-term care or rehabilitation. Non-economic damages address the physical pain, emotional suffering, and reduced quality of life that often follow serious construction injuries.

In the most tragic cases, when a worker dies on the job, surviving family members may have grounds for a wrongful death claim. California law allows certain family members to seek compensation for funeral costs, the financial support their loved one would have provided, and loss of companionship. These cases require careful legal handling, and the statute of limitations in California generally gives families two years from the date of death to file.

The Role of OSHA Violations

When Cal/OSHA investigates a construction accident, any violations they document can become powerful evidence in a personal injury case. Violations related to fall protection, scaffold safety, and electrical hazard prevention are among the most common findings on California construction sites. If an employer or contractor ignored safety regulations and someone was hurt as a result, that failure can directly support a negligence claim. 

San Diego also has unique conditions, including frequent work near highways, the port, and high-density urban areas, that can introduce additional liability factors. Our team works with investigators and safety professionals to build cases that hold the right parties accountable.

How San Diego Construction Workers Can Protect Their Rights

Taking the right steps after a construction accident can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. If you are physically able, here are some important actions to take right away:

• Report the injury to your employer as soon as possible and request a written record.
• Seek medical attention immediately, even if your injuries seem minor at first.
• Document the scene with photos or video if it is safe to do so.
• Gather names and contact information for any witnesses.
• Avoid signing any documents from an insurance company without speaking to an attorney first.

These early actions help preserve evidence and protect your right to pursue full compensation. Many construction accident victims are unaware they may have options beyond workers’ compensation, particularly when a third party’s negligence contributed to the accident. San Diego has a huge commercial and industrial construction presence, from downtown high-rises to infrastructure projects near the I-5 and I-805 corridors. These large projects often involve multiple contractors, subcontractors, and equipment vendors, all of which can complicate liability. 

If you were injured as a passerby, a delivery worker, or an employee of a subcontractor, your legal options may differ from those of a direct employee. For those injured in related incidents such as a truck accident near a construction zone, additional claims may also apply.

Contact Setareh Law After a San Diego Construction Accident

When a construction accident upends your life, having the right legal team on your side truly matters. Setareh Law has earned over 400 five-star reviews on Google and has the track record to back up our reputation. We serve clients across California from eight office locations, and we offer home visits for those unable to travel due to their injuries. Our bilingual team is available in both English and Spanish, and we are committed to being accessible to our clients around the clock.

You should not have to navigate a complex legal claim alone while recovering from a serious injury. Our attorneys handle each case individually, taking the time to understand what you have been through and what you need to move forward. Since we work on a contingency fee basis, there is no financial risk in reaching out. To discuss your situation with a member of our team, contact our office today.

Client Reviews

★★★★★ “Trabajan en su caso, sempre buscando una compensacion justa para que tanto clientes como apoderados sean beneficiados, los procesos pueden ser largest, pero tratan sempre de apuntar a ganarlos.” wilson javier ortiz bonilla, 2025.10.23

★★★★★ “I had a great experience working with Setareh Law. They all were very detail-oriented, always took the time to explain every step of the process, and made sure I understood everything clearly. Communication was excellent — she always responded quickly and kept me updated throughout the entire case. I really appreciated her & Setareh Law professionalism, patience, and dedication to getting everything handled smoothly. I highly recommend the team at Setareh Law for anyone looking for trustworthy and attentive legal help.” Leslie Cortez, 2025.10.22

★★★★★ “I want to Thank Setareh Law for they hard work and trying to get me most money for my accident Great job team I will definitely be using your firm for any future legal issues” Bruce Williams, 2025.10.21

★★★★★ “Daniel Setareh has been a great help to me over the past year with my accident. Not only did he make sure I got the medical help that I needed, he also got me compensation for the accident it self  in the sum of $300,000. Daniel is a great lawyer that i would use again every time and would 100%   recommend to my friends and have already recommended to my brother and Daniel has been a great help to him as well. Thank You Daniel for all of your hard work .” Mayhem, 2020.12.30

★★★★★ “Had a very positive experience working with attorney Daniel Setareh. Case went smoothly and I am pleased with the settlement. Daniel also responded to every text I sent very quickly, even on weekends. Highly recommend.” roberta grapperhaus, 2020.09.02

Meet Daniel Setareh

Daniel Setareh is a California personal injury attorney and founder of Setareh Law, APLC Personal Injury & Accident Lawyers, a firm that has recovered over $400 million for injury victims across the state. He earned his J.D. from Southwestern School of Law and has been recognized for his dedication to clients through over 100 five-star reviews on Avvo, the Avvo Client’s Choice Award for six consecutive years, and the 2026 Martindale-Hubbell Client Champion Platinum Award, one of the legal industry’s most prestigious client service distinctions.