Arizona Accident Lawyer Blog

Far too often, as Phoenix personal injury attorneys, we see wounded, even permanently impaired, Arizona construction workers who never avail themselves of their rights under the personal injury system. Many construction site accidents are caused by other subcontractors or workers at the jobsite who fail to follow OSHA standards and other laws related to workplace safety. Disregarding acceptable standards of caution in a construction trade, and causing injury to someone else, often opens the floodgates for claims to be made in addition to workers' compensation. This happens without forfeiting any available rights pertaining to the workers' compensation claim. Personal injury claims are made in addition to, not instead of, the workers' compensation claim.

It is important not to allow the type of construction accident that has occurred to get in the way of a proper analysis. There is no restriction that dictates which types of construction accident allow personal injury claims to be brought. That’s why it’s vital to find a skilled attorney to review a claim and see if more compensation can be sought outside of workers' compensation.

Continue reading "Peoria Construction Accident Attorney Can Help Injury Victims" »

Causes for construction accidents vary and are dependent on the type of job. Dangers include falling objects, working with live electricity, explosive chemicals, equipment failures, and injuries relating to slips and falls. These tend to be the most common type of construction related injuries.

The causes of accidents can be attributed to negligence on the part of general contractors, sub-contractors, vendors, and employees. Such are the extreme dangers that exist on almost every job site throughout the country, which can often lead to construction accidents that then can cause life-threatening conditions. Accidents on construction sites may require reconstructive surgery or amputation, or even result in serious brain injury. Some other incidents may leave construction workers with lifelong conditions that disfigure their bodies and negatively impact their ability to work or even pay for their own care.

Though workers’ compensation may cover a lot of the injuries associated with construction accidents, the monetary value of many workers’ compensation claims are not enough to provide for all the damages that are associated with meeting the workers’ fiscal responsibilities associated with the accident.

Continue reading "Understanding Various Causes of Accidents on Construction Sites" »

There exists an archaic law known as the firefighter’s rule. This rule has been written out of the law in many states throughout the country. Unfortunately, this is not so with Arizona. Arizona’s legal system punishes its police officers and firefighters with unjust laws like the firefighter’s rule. The firefighter’s rule prevents police officers (or their families) from bringing a lawsuit against a person who through their negligent actions seriously injured or killed the officer while in the line of duty. This is even the case when the negligent party directly causes injury or death to a police officer or firefighter.

People like firefighters or police officers who put their lives on the line have a right to hold others whose negligent actions cause them harm accountable. At Breyer Law Offices, we have had the honor to represent a number of brave police officers. We have had to overcome efforts to dismiss their cases because of outdated legislation akin to the firefighter’s rule. We feel it is incredibly important to ensure that full and fair compensation is not denied to those who put their lives on the line for the people of Arizona each and every day. Police officers and firefighters deserve the chance to receive compensation for injuries caused while on the job.

Continue reading "How is it that Arizona Police are Denied Justice? " »

Unfortunately, construction sites can be very dangerous places. Even for those who try to be careful and follow all of the safety requirements under OSHA, they can suffer injuries as a result of the negligence of others. Far too many people are injured due to falls that occur on jobsites in Arizona. Many times, these falls would have been prevented had other subcontractors on the scene been more aware of following fall protection standards under OSHA guidelines.

However, there are many personal injury lawyers that do not handle construction accident injury cases or do not have any experience in finding the right experts to pursue them. For those who have been seriously injured in a construction site accident and need answers, it is best to find the top construction accident lawyer in Arizona that you can seek out. Many times, people injured in construction accidents have the right to not only a workers' compensation claim for the construction accident but also have the right to make an injury claim as an added for of compensation that will not hurt the workers' comp claim.

Continue reading "Finding a Construction Accident Lawyer in Arizona" »

In a construction accident in Arizona, a photograph may be the difference between prevailing over a devastating injury and facing financial ruin.

Construction accident claims in Arizona aren’t simple. Many hurt in construction accidents seek reimbursement only from workers’ compensation. In plenty of cases, workers’ compensation in Arizona is the only possible recovery. However, workers hurt in construction trades are able and entitled to bring a claim against a third party who negligently caused the injury. Most Arizona construction workers don’t know they may have the right to bring this claim. Since they don’t know their rights, they fail to get photo evidence at the job site.

Construction sites change quickly and evidence can be destroyed or altered within moments. It’s vital to inform anybody who has suffered a jobsite injury that photographs of the site must be taken immediately.

Continue reading "Photos Crucial to Jobsite Accident Claims" »

Too many Arizona construction workers suffer serious injuries without seeking aid from the best Arizona construction accident attorney because they don’t know their rights. All too often, those seriously hurt on the job look only to workers' compensation as the most direct remedy after on-the-job injuries.

However, workers' compensation does not pay full wages. Workers' compensation provides no money for the loss of enjoyment of life, pain, and other general damages available in a personal injury situation.

Though not every worksite injury merits a personal injury lawsuit, anyone impaired in an accident should take immediate steps to contact a lawyer who is aware of exceptions to the rule limiting compensation to workers' compensation claims only. And bringing a personal injury lawsuit against a negligent party does not prevent a workers' compensation claim-- many clients have utilized our expertise in construction accident law in Arizona to make sure they get compensation beyond workmen's comp payments.

For instance, on February 10, 2009 it was reported in an article that a 61 year old worker at a Tucson construction site was electrocuted while he was setting a pole near power lines. Whether this worker can bring a claim outside of workers' compensation is unknown, but we strongly encourage this worker and anyone else injured in Arizona construction accidents to seek out a Phoenix construction accident attorney to do a full analysis to indicate whether or not more money is available under the law to help them through such a terrible and tragic event.

We usually imagine gunshot wounds or fights with dangerous assailants when we hear of officers killed in the line of duty. But often our police officers die at the hands of negligent drivers on our roads. According to one account, of 132 officers killed in our country in 2008, no less than 59 were killed in automobile accidents, motorcycle accidents, and train accidents combined. In Arizona four patrolmen tragically lost their lives in 2008.

No feeling equals the heartache and sadness of families who lose a police officer. And many police officers are the primary income to their families.

Too often, officers’ families believe they have no right to bring claims outside of workers’ compensation in Arizona. These families lose the opportunity to receive compensation for the children of fallen officers.

Continue reading "Negligent Drivers Kill Four Arizona Police Officers in 2008 " »

Why do so many people need Arizona construction accident attorneys? According to a government report, construction is one of the most dangerous jobs in the country: construction-related accidents killed 1,239 people in 2006.

Consider the ramifications of serious injury or wrongful death at a construction site. In most cases, the family is grieving because of what may have been a preventable accident.
Beyond the severe emotional trauma to children, spouses and parents, consider the wages lost and all the people who rely upon the hard work they perform. Consider loss of a house, inability to pay bills, changing schools, and maybe even moving to a completely different area after an unnecessary death.

Moreover, too many people who suffer tragedies at a construction site do not even realize they’re entitled to bring a personal injury claim. This is one reason families of those seriously injured or killed, should consult with a top construction accident injury lawyer in Arizona to understand their rights.

Not every serious injury or death demands a lawsuit or an insurance claim. But families should be informed. This is the first vital step to making the best decision for your family.

While we can't speak for all experienced personal injury lawyers, we understand the importance of providing information. We have an open door policy for families touched by construction accidents. We provide families and workers with information at no charge. We help you decide whether to hire a lawyer and what kind, and what type of claim to pursue.

In the aftermath of a construction accident when a loved one has been injured or killed, the last thing on families’ mind is contacting an experienced Tuscon construction accident lawyer. However, in such cases, the hours and days following the accident are crucially important as the victim’s family may be pressured to sign documentation that they do not fully understand. These documents often limit their options for compensation from those responsible for the accident. In many cases, construction accidents occur due to lax safety measures. If you or a family member is injured or killed in a construction site accident, contact the Arizona personal injury law firm of Breyer Law Offices P.C.

A 45-year-old worker at a road construction site was killed recently after he was hit by a pivoting crane. Law enforcement officials investigating the accident say that the man was part of a work crew building an overpass over a set of railroad tracks when a crane lifting a load of concrete pivoted and hit the man. The crane accident took place around 10 in the morning and the worker died of his injuries after being taken to the hospital, according to this article.

The cause of the accident remains under investigation and what caused the crane to pivot while lifting a load is not yet known. Construction workers in Arizona and other states face similar risks on the job every day. If you or a family member has been hurt or killed on the job at a construction site in Arizona, call the Arizona construction site attorneys at Breyer Law Offices P.C. for a free consultation at 602.978.6400. The experienced construction injury lawyers may be able to determine if there is a claim for personal injury as a result of the unfortunate incident.

According to an article, work at a bridge construction site was halted after a worker was crushed to death by a concrete beam. According to investigating officials, the worker was tethered to the concrete beam when the beam collapsed and crushed him to death. After conducting an investigation of the construction accident death, officials said that the concrete beam collapsed because someone had welded couplers to a rod that held together a temporary brace. The welding weakened the rods to the point that they were no longer strong enough to hold the weight of the beam, which lead directly to the beam falling and crushing the worker to death.

Construction workers in Arizona face the very same risks on the job every day. If you or someone you care for is killed or injured at work in a construction accident, the Phoenix construction accident lawyers at Breyer Law Offices P.C. may be able to help with a personal injury claim, in addition to all the benefits allowed under workers compensation laws. With their skills and experience, these Arizona construction accident attorneys can help your family receive the compensation it deserves to offset the high costs of medical care and recuperation. Never sign a document that you do not fully understand. You could be forfeiting your right to compensation. Instead, call the Arizona construction accident law firm of Breyer Law Offices P.C.

Arizona construction workers working around cranes, heavy beams and other heavy equipment face similar dangers on the job every day. If you or someone you care for is injured on a construction site, call the Arizona welding accident lawyers at Breyer Law Offices P.C. today at 602.978.6400 to schedule a free consultation.

On April 5, 2009, a police officer riding his motorcycle was seriously injured in an auto accident in Arizona when he was hit by a woman driving her car. According to a report, the police officer is a 13-year veteran of the Tempe Police Department and was in stable condition after being taken to the hospital.

Arizona citizens pay lip service to the fact that we have great respect for firefighters and police officers. Most people would agree that these people who put their lives on the line to protect us deserve to be treated with a certain amount of respect. They have certainly earned it in most cases, like the one mentioned above.

Why is it, then, that police officers and firefighters are actually afforded less protection than other Arizona citizens under Arizona law if they are hurt in an automobile accident or injured on-the-job? There is an outdated rule known as the Firefighter's Rule. It does apply to police officers as well, according to our recent Arizona Supreme Court decision. The Firefighter's Rule basically says that a firefighter or police officer who is injured on the job in Arizona as a result of doing their job is not entitled to bring a lawsuit for their injuries. Therefore, if a firefighter or police officer is injured while working, there is a chance they would lose all their rights to make a recovery against the other person's insurance company. This is such an outdated rule that many states around the country have come to the point where they are actually eliminating it. At the same time, Arizona courts are actually expanding the rule and explicitly making it clear that the Firefighter's Rule will apply to police as well as firemen in the State of Arizona.

While this is not a surprise, as the Firefighter's Rule usually does extend beyond just firemen and to the police, it is a shame. Also, it is a shame that so many police officers who are injured on the job do not even realize that they have a right to bring a claim. We have helped multiple police officers injured on the job, but we often learn that their counterparts do not even think they have a right to bring a claim. However, the scope of the Firefighter's Rule is narrow. An Arizona personal injury lawyer that can help police officers after these accidents is able to educate most police officers and firefighters about the different categories that these types of claims fall into.

In many cases, after a serious injury from an auto accident, the person who was injured, even on the job and even as a police officer, will still have a right to receive full compensation. Therefore, it is a mistake to assume that there is not a right to fair and full compensation. The first step after an auto accident in Arizona is to consult with an experienced Phoenix personal injury lawyer who is a good fit for you. At Breyer Law Offices, P.C., we give our clients and those who call us for a free consultation an honest analysis of whether a claim exists. Call us today to find out.

As experienced Arizona dog bite lawyers who help people after they have suffered an attack, we have seen the same type of stories unfold on an all too consistent basis. Like many personal injury lawyers that help people who have been severely injured – whether from a car accident or a defective product or a dog bite – we know that some things are consistently dangerous. There are some injuries that happen throughout the State of Arizona that Arizona trial lawyers get used to seeing. Sometimes, you wonder whether or not people will ever use their common sense so that there will not be a need for so many dog bite lawyers to pursue so many Arizona dog bite cases. It has grown tiresome to watch so many pit bull attacks throughout the State of Arizona. Very often, children are bit and attacked by pit bulls throughout Phoenix, Tucson, throughout the State of Arizona and we, as Arizona injury lawyers, come in after the fact to try to help out.

No matter how much work we do and no matter what effort we put in, sometimes it feels as though we're not even making a dent or getting through to the people who do not keep their dogs behind the fence or on a leash. Now, we see a new story about an innocent postal worker was attacked by two pit bulls. Why were these two pit bulls out of the yard? How were they allowed to attack this postal worker who had to be saved by people in the Phoenix neighborhood?

Continue reading "Phoenix Dogs Bite and Attack Postal Worker" »

People who are hurt in Arizona because of somebody else's negligence bring personal injury claims, workers' compensation claims, or both. It depends on the situation and it requires the analysis of a lawyer that knows how to help injury victims pursue their claims, where it is appropriate.

However, in the case where somebody is allowed to bring a personal injury lawsuit in addition to making the workers' compensation claim, there are additional and sometimes confusing procedures. For instance, most personal injury lawsuits have a statute of limitations of two years in Arizona. This means, in most cases, the person who was hurt anywhere in the State of Arizona has the right to bring a lawsuit any time within two years of the date of the accident against the person who was negligent in causing them to be hurt.

Unfortunately, there are many exceptions to this and therefore it is vital to at least speak with the best Arizona personal injury lawyer you can find as soon as you can after an accident to make sure you do not lose your rights because you waited too long to pursue your claim. However, when it comes to somebody who has been injured and they have the right to bring both a workers' compensation claim as well as an injury claim, if they do not file their lawsuit within one year, they may lose all of their rights because their claim is assigned to their workers' compensation carrier.

Continue reading "Arizona Workers' Compensation Complexities And How To Understand Them" »

The Arizona Grain Company was the site of a terrible incident in Maricopa, Arizona. Apparently, the side of a grain-loading building was blown apart by two large explosions, according to reports. Also according to reports, two Arizona Grain employees and a truck driver were severely injured with burns to their face and arms.

First and foremost, we hope everybody involved in this Maricopa on-the-job injury heals as quickly as possible. We cannot imagine what these three men and their families must be going through and we hope for the fastest possible recovery.

It is worth mentioning, however, that a truck driver injured in Arizona at a place where he is not an employee may well have rights beyond Arizona workers' compensation rights. All too often, severely injured people are under the assumption that they are stuck with workers' compensation and are not entitled to the many available levels of compensation through a third party personal injury claim in Arizona.

Continue reading "Maricopa On-the-Job Injuries Caused By Grain Company Explosion" »

The right of some hurt in a car accident or other personal injury to receive punitive damages in Arizona injury claims might be among the most misunderstood concepts to the average person. As Arizona personal injury lawyers who help people after accidents receive full compensation for their injuries whenever possible, we know the difference between compensatory damages and punitive damages can be confusing.

Speaking in general terms, compensatory damages allow somebody to be reimbursed or compensated for a loss that they have suffered. The purpose of general damages, also called compensatory damages, is simply to "make the injury victim whole."

For instance, when we represent people who are injured in car accidents in Arizona, as injury lawyers we help them receive full repayment of all the medical bills they incurred. People who have lost time from work because they were injured in an auto accident in Phoenix want to make sure that they get the money back that they lost from work. This includes overtime pay and reimbursement for all lost wages, in addition to anything that may have been partially reimbursed by Phoenix workers' compensation claims.

Continue reading "The Difference Between Arizona Compensatory Damages And Punitive Damages" »

A picture is worth a thousand words. In the case of a construction accident in Arizona where a construction worker suffered serious injury on a job site, a picture may be the difference between being able to financially overcome a devastating injury and being left with absolutely nothing.

Construction accident claims in Arizona can be tricky. The reality is, we have seen many cases where people who have been hurt in construction accidents seek only reimbursement from workers’ compensation as a result of being hurt on the job. Now, in many cases workers’ compensation in Arizona is the only possible recovery. However, for many people hurt in the construction trades, there is ability and a right to bring a claim against a third party who negligently caused the construction site injury. However, there is simply not enough information out there for most construction workers in Arizona to realize that they may have the right to bring this claim under the right circumstances.

To make matters worse, because so many injured Arizona workers think that they have no such right, they do not try to make sure that somebody takes pictures of the place where they were injured. Construction sites change quickly and evidence can be destroyed or tampered with immediately after an injury in Arizona. As a result, it is vital to get the word out to anybody who works in any of the construction trades or any construction site that if they ever see anybody injured or they themselves ever suffer an injury that as many photographs as possible of the site are taken immediately. While OSHA and Arizona’s portion of OSHA AOSHA will do an investigation of many serious accidents, we have seen very serious injuries that were suffered where no such investigation was done. Or, we have seen serious construction accidents and injuries in Arizona where photographs were simply never taken as part of the investigation.

Continue reading "Arizona Construction Accidents Should Be Photographed To Build Case" »

Far too many Arizona construction workers suffer serious injuries without seeking the help of the best Arizona construction accident attorney they can find because they do not know they have any such rights. All too often, people who are seriously hurt on the job just look only to workers' compensation. It is true that workers' compensation is the "exclusive remedy" in which to get any compensation after many on the job injuries.

However, workers' compensation does not pay all of the lost wages, but only a portion. Workers' compensation does not provide any money for the loss of enjoyment of life, pain, and other general damages available under a personal injury situation. It is not that every on the job injury allows for a personal injury lawsuit. But anyone who has been seriously hurt in a construction accident should take immediate steps to contact a lawyer who is aware of the exceptions to the rule that limit somebody only to workers' compensation claims.

Continue reading "Tuscon Man Electrocuted on Construction Site" »

It has been reported that two more Arizona workers have been killed as a result of electrocution. Recently, both an SRP employee and an APS employee were killed in separate electrocution incidents. There is no lawsuit and no legal claim that can undo this tragedy for these families. However, families who have suffered workplace wrongful death in Arizona need to know that there are resources in some cases beyond just workers’ compensation.

Some may question our discussion of these issues, asserting that lawsuits cannot undo the harm. We understand that. But having helped so many families after wrongful death who have suffered the lost wages and the financial hardship that come due to the negligence of others, we know that personal injury lawyers in Phoenix and throughout Arizona have repeatedly helped families in these tragic times. We can never undo the harm caused by wrongful death. But far too many construction workers are killed, far too many of Arizona’s best workers suffer serious injury on the job, and do not realize that the workers’ compensation claim is not always their only outlet. In many cases, depending on a variety of circumstances, there are other legal resources that can provide compensation to the family and to the victim far greater than workers’ compensation. However, determining whether or not that is the case is always a detailed analysis that requires a construction accident lawyer in Arizona to help them determine whether or not there is money available far beyond that which is afforded through workers’ compensation claims to the injured worker in Arizona.

Continue reading "Wrongful Death in the Workplace Not Always Limited to Workers' Compenstion" »

A 20-year-old construction worker was injured by a 1,000-pound door in an industrial accident on November 4, 2008 at the Gilbert water treatment plant, according to this news blog. The heavy door was being placed inside a 5.5-million gallon tank when the door fell, crushing the worker’s head and cracking his safety helmet. Gilbert fire officials said the worker, whose name has not yet been released, was airlifted to Scottsdale Osborn. His injuries are said to be non-life threatening.

The victim reportedly complained of head and neck pain and a swollen left knee. It is indeed fortunate that this worker did not suffer catastrophic or fatal injuries given the serious nature of the situation and the weight of the door that crushed him. In fact, fire officials say the man would have surely died if his co-workers had not warned him about the falling door. This door apparently allows the tank to shut off a portion of the water flow to other parts of the tank.

When a worker is injured in an on-the-job accident in Arizona, he or she is covered by workers’ compensation. However, this coverage is often not enough to compensate the injured worker for medical expenses, cost of medication, hospitalization and for lost wages. A lot of people are not aware that workers compensation is not the only recourse in these situations. In some cases, workers may be able to file a “third-party claim,” which may be worth a lot more than a workers compensation claim.

If you have been injured on the job or in a Phoenix construction or industrial accident, please contact an experienced and knowledgeable personal injury lawyer at the Breyer Law Offices. We will help you through this tough time by securing you the compensation you rightfully deserve.