Bakersfield is a hub for residential, commercial, and infrastructure development. But with that growth comes risk. Construction is one of the most hazardous industries in the state, where workers face daily threats from heavy machinery, heights, electrical systems, unstable ground, and human error.
Even when safety protocols are in place, accidents can—and do—happen. And when they do, injured workers often struggle to navigate the complex world of workers’ compensation and, in some cases, third-party injury claims.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a construction accident in Bakersfield, you need more than generic legal advice. You need an attorney who understands the dangers of the job, the rules that govern your rights, and how to fight for the full compensation you’re owed.
The general contractor overseeing a construction project is responsible for maintaining a reasonably safe worksite. This includes ensuring that subcontractors follow safety protocols, provide proper training, and meet OSHA standards. If a contractor fails to secure scaffolding, implement fall protection systems, or supervise site activity properly, and that failure causes injury, they can be held liable.
Subcontractors, too, can be held accountable if their negligence—such as unsafe work practices or equipment misuse—contributes to another worker’s injury.
In some cases, the owner of the property or project developer may share liability. If the owner retained control over the site or failed to warn of known hazards, they could be partially responsible for injuries that occur.
For example, if a developer neglects to address unstable ground conditions or fails to install guardrails around hazardous areas, they may be liable for resulting injuries—even if you weren’t their direct employee.
When injuries are caused by defective or malfunctioning tools, machinery, or safety gear, the company that designed, manufactured, or sold that equipment may be legally responsible. These are known as product liability cases, and they can include issues like:
In these cases, a third-party lawsuit may help you recover damages far beyond what workers’ compensation typically offers.
Construction sites often involve external vendors or delivery drivers who bring in materials, haul debris, or transport equipment. If a delivery truck strikes a worker or a vendor fails to secure materials that later cause a fall or collapse, that third party may be held liable for your injuries.
In California, workers’ compensation is the first line of coverage for most construction injuries. If you were injured while performing your job duties—even if the accident was your fault—you are generally entitled to benefits under your employer’s workers’ comp insurance. This applies to:
Workers’ comp provides essential but limited benefits, including:
However, workers’ comp does not cover pain and suffering, full wage loss, or punitive damages—which is where personal injury claims can fill the gap.
You may also have a valid personal injury claim against a party other than your employer—such as:
Third-party lawsuits allow you to pursue additional compensation, including:
Your top priority should always be your health. Even if your injury doesn’t appear life-threatening, seek medical attention right away. Many construction injuries—including internal trauma, concussions, and musculoskeletal injuries—may not show immediate symptoms but can become serious if untreated.
California law requires that a workplace injury be reported within 30 days, but ideally, you should notify your employer as soon as possible. Failing to report in time can delay or even forfeit your right to workers’ compensation.
If your condition allows, take steps to gather evidence while the scene is fresh:
Filing the DWC-1 form officially starts your workers’ comp case and opens access to benefits. Complete this form fully and accurately, and submit it to your employer. Keep a copy for your records, along with any correspondence from the insurance carrier.
Many injured workers make the mistake of waiting too long to speak with a lawyer. The earlier you get legal guidance, the better positioned you are to:
At Tim Wright Law, we understand the nuances of construction injury claims—whether they involve ladders, forklifts, cranes, trench collapses, or defective equipment. We’ll walk you through every step, deal with the paperwork, and fight aggressively to get you the maximum compensation available under California law.
Workers’ compensation typically covers all reasonable and necessary medical expenses related to your injury, including:
Depending on the severity of your injury, you may be entitled to:
If your injury forces you to miss weeks or months of work—or prevents you from returning to your previous position—you may be eligible to recover:
Unlike workers’ compensation, which doesn’t allow for non-economic damages, a third-party lawsuit can seek compensation for:
If your injury prevents you from returning to your previous job, workers’ comp may cover:
California’s Supplemental Job Displacement Benefit (SJDB) provides a voucher to help cover these costs, and an attorney can help ensure you receive the full value of this benefit.
Construction injuries can have life-changing consequences—physically, financially, and emotionally. Whether you’re dealing with lost wages, medical bills, or long-term disability, you don’t have to face this battle alone. At Tim Wright Law, we’re committed to helping injured workers in Bakersfield and across California get the compensation they need to recover and move forward.
Our firm offers free, no-obligation consultations to construction workers hurt on the job. We’ll evaluate your case, explain your rights, and develop a clear strategy for pursuing the maximum benefits you’re entitled to—whether through workers’ compensation, a third-party lawsuit, or both.
Don’t wait for the insurance company to dictate your future. Protect your health, your income, and your legal rights—call us today.
📍 Van Nuys Office – Workers’ Compensation Cases
16555 Sherman Way, Suite B2
Van Nuys, CA 91406
📞 Phone: (818) 428-1080
📧 Email: firm@timwrightlaw.com
🌐 Website: www.timwrightlaw.com
