Who Pays When You’re a Bystander Injured at a Tulsa Construction Site?
Construction sites are everywhere in Tulsa these days. Whether it’s new apartment buildings, road expansions, or commercial projects, construction is a sign of progress. But if you’ve been near one and something went wrong a falling object, an unstable barrier, or some unexpected hazard it can change your life in an instant. If you’ve been hurt in this kind of situation, a Tulsa bystander construction site injury lawyer can help you understand who’s responsible and what steps to take next.
It’s easy to think these accidents are rare, but bystanders are hurt more often than you’d expect. The question many ask afterward is: who’s responsible when you’re just a bystander near a construction site?
The answer isn’t always straightforward. Determining liability in a construction accident can be challenging. Depending on the circumstances, many different parties, like property owners, contractors, and subcontractors may be held liable. If you’re a bystander injured in an Oklahoma construction zone, the personal injury lawyers at Aizenman Law Group stand ready to hold negligent parties responsible and get you paid.
Common Hazards Leading to Tulsa Bystanders Construction Site Injuries
Even with safety rules in place, construction zones can be risky. Workers are trained to navigate those risks during their OSHA safety training, but passersby aren’t. Some of the most common dangers bystanders face include:
- Falling materials or tools from scaffolds or ladders
- Barriers or fencing that fail to keep pedestrians away from dangerous areas
- Uneven sidewalks or debris left around the site
- Exposed electrical wiring
- Construction equipment being operated too close to pedestrian pathways
Construction sites should be closed off and safe for pedestrians navigating sidewalks. When a contractor or property owner’s negligence causes personal injury to a pedestrian, our construction accident attorneys are ready to see the maximum possible compensation for their losses.
Who’s Liable for a Bystander Injury in Oklahoma?
Here’s where things get complicated. Oklahoma law says liability often depends on who controls the construction site. The responsible party could be:
- The property owner – Under premises liability laws if they kept control over the site or failed to fix known hazards before handing the project to a contractor.
- The contractor – Many times, the contractor in charge assumes responsibility for site safety. If the construction contract spells out that the contractor controls the work area, they can be liable for injuries caused by unsafe conditions.
- A subcontractor – If a subcontractor’s specific actions or careless behavior directly led to your injury, they might share the blame.
- Equipment suppliers or manufacturers – Sometimes accidents happen because of a faulty piece of equipment or defective materials. In those cases, the company that provided the equipment or product might also be responsible.
Figuring out liability isn’t always simple. It takes looking at contracts, agreements, and the specific facts of what happened. That’s why it’s a good idea to work with a personal injury lawyer who understands how construction injury cases work in Oklahoma.
Understanding Oklahoma’s Comparative Fault Rules for Construction Site Accidents
Oklahoma follows a modified comparative fault system (Okla. Stat. tit. 23, § 13). This means if more than one party is responsible, including possibly you, each person or company’s share of the blame is determined as a percentage.
If you’re found partially at fault, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example:
- If you’re 10% at fault and your damages are $100,000, you’d recover $90,000.
- If you’re more than 50% at fault, you can’t recover anything.
That’s why it’s crucial to gather solid evidence early on. Even if you think you did nothing wrong, the other side’s insurance company might argue otherwise.
Insurance Challenges After a Tulsa Construction Site Injury
Contractors in Oklahoma are required to carry general liability insurance, and property owners often have coverage as well. These policies should step in when a bystander is injured, but anyone who’s dealt with an insurance company knows it’s not always that simple.
Insurance adjusters might look for reasons to downplay your injuries, suggest that you were partly at fault, or offer you a settlement that doesn’t cover everything. They know how to protect their company’s interests, and they’ll use every trick in the book to do it.
That’s where having a lawyer on your side matters. The attorneys at Aizenman Law Group have been on both sides of these cases and know how to push back. When an insurance company tries to wrongfully deny or dodge its responsibility, we’ll be there to call them out and fight for what you’re owed.
Gathering Evidence for Your Bystander Construction Site Injury Claim
When you’re hurt at a construction site, things can change quickly. The area gets cleaned up, repairs are made, and crucial evidence might be lost. To protect your claim:
- Take pictures of the scene, your injuries, and any unsafe conditions.
- Get names and contact information from people who witnessed the incident.
- Hold onto any records, like accident reports, medical bills, and insurance letters.
- Keep track of every cost related to your injury, doctor visits, prescriptions, missed work, and anything else that adds up.
If you’re not able to gather this information right away, don’t worry. An experienced attorney at Aizenman Law Group can help track down the evidence you need and make sure your claim stays strong.
Time Is Critical: Oklahoma’s Statute of Limitations
In Oklahoma, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim (Okla. Stat. tit. 12, § 95(A)(3)). Missing that deadline can mean losing the chance to seek compensation.
Getting legal advice early helps protect your rights and gives your lawyer time to prepare a strong case before important details get lost.
Why Choose Aizenman Law Group?
Dealing with a construction site injury can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re an innocent bystander. That’s where we come in. At Aizenman Law Group, we bring:
- Experience handling insurance companies – We’ve seen the tactics they use and know how to fight back.
- Personalized support – You’re not just a case number; we listen, understand, and stand with you.
- No upfront costs – You won’t pay a dime unless we win your case.
Our focus is on helping you recover, not adding more stress to your life. We’ll handle the legal details so you can focus on healing.
Don’t Wait – Get the Help You Deserve
If you’ve been injured as a bystander near a construction site in Tulsa, don’t wait. Evidence can disappear, and deadlines can sneak up on you. Contact Aizenman Law Group today for a free consultation. We’ll listen to what happened, explain your options, and fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
Call Aizenman Law Group at 918-215-8856 any time day or night for a no-cost consultation. Let’s work together to get you the compensation you need to move forward.
