Denver, Colorado Construction Accident Attorney
Earl & Earl Attorneys At Law
Construction is a driving force behind Denver’s continued growth and transformation, but the industry carries serious risks for both workers and the public. According to the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, construction remains one of the most hazardous occupations in the state, with one of the highest rates of workplace injuries and fatalities. These dangers aren’t limited to the jobsite—residents, pedestrians, and visitors near Denver construction zones can also face severe, life-altering injuries when safety regulations are neglected.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a Denver construction accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. Depending on the situation, this could mean filing a workers’ compensation claim or pursuing a third-party lawsuit against those responsible. Acting quickly is essential—an experienced construction accident attorney can protect your rights and help you pursue the maximum compensation available.
At Earl & Earl, PLLC, we’re proud to serve the Denver community with experienced and compassionate legal representation. Our team has the skill and resources to thoroughly investigate your case, uncover every possible source of recovery, and fight for the justice you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation with one of our attorneys.
What is a Construction Accident in Denver?
A construction accident in Denver, Colorado is any incident that occurs on or around a construction site. With Denver’s rapid growth, ongoing redevelopment, and constant demand for new residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects, active job sites are common throughout the metro area—and they often involve heavy machinery, high-traffic work zones, and complex building operations. Accidents can happen while clearing debris, erecting scaffolding, digging trenches, operating cranes or trucks, handling large materials, or during demolition and new construction.
While many Denver construction accident cases involve injured workers, these incidents can also affect pedestrians, cyclists, drivers, and visitors passing near busy sites in areas such as Downtown Denver, RiNo, Cherry Creek, the Denver Tech Center, and fast-growing suburban neighborhoods throughout the Front Range.
Victims of construction accidents often face severe injuries that require extensive medical care and long recovery periods away from work. The combination of hospital bills, rehabilitation, and lost income can quickly create financial stress. Fortunately, Colorado law allows victims in Denver to pursue compensation for their injuries and related losses. Because every situation is different, it’s important to consult with an experienced Denver construction accident attorney who understands state regulations and the unique challenges of construction projects across the metro area.
COMMON TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION ACCIDENTS
Construction zones in Denver, Colorado are among the busiest and most hazardous worksites along the Front Range. From major residential developments and rapid commercial growth to ongoing infrastructure projects along I-25, I-70, and the expanding light-rail network, these areas bring together heavy equipment, elevated work platforms, and fast-paced crews—creating countless opportunities for serious accidents. Whether you’re a construction worker, a driver navigating lane shifts, or a pedestrian walking near active sites, the risk of injury remains significant.
Some of the most common types of construction accidents reported in the Denver metro area include:
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
Deep cuts and lacerations
Broken bones and fractures
Severe burns
Blunt force trauma
Internal organ damage
Internal bleeding
Respiratory issues caused by dust, chemicals, or construction fumes
Nerve damage
Eye and ear injuries
Hearing loss
Vision loss or blindness
Crush injuries
Amputations
Disfigurement and scarring
Occupational illnesses, including mesothelioma from asbestos exposure
DOES MY CONSTRUCTION INJURY FALL UNDER WORKERS’ COMPENSATION?
In Denver, Colorado, most employers are required by state law to carry workers’ compensation insurance if they have more than one employee, with only a few specific exceptions. By default, workers are presumed to be employees unless the employer can clearly demonstrate otherwise.
The construction industry in Denver is subject to especially close oversight regarding workers’ compensation requirements. If you work in construction here, the chances are high that you qualify for workers’ comp benefits.
Workers’ compensation in Denver is designed to help cover necessary medical costs and a portion of lost wages for eligible employees. These benefits are provided on a no-fault basis, meaning they are typically available regardless of who caused the accident. However, benefits can be reduced or denied if the injury occurs while the worker is intoxicated or involved in willful misconduct.
CAN I FILE A PERSONAL INJURY LAWSUIT AFTER A CONSTRUCTION ACCIDENT?
Workers’ compensation benefits in Denver, Colorado are generally viewed as the exclusive remedy for job-related injuries. In practical terms, this means that if you’re hurt while performing your work duties, you typically give up the right to sue your employer in exchange for medical treatment and wage replacement through the workers’ compensation system. However, there are key exceptions that every injured worker in Denver should understand.
If you believe your Denver employer intentionally caused you harm, you may have grounds to step outside the workers’ compensation system and pursue a personal injury lawsuit. Additionally, workers’ compensation laws do not shield third parties from liability. You may still have the right to bring claims against negligent property owners, equipment manufacturers, subcontractors, or other individuals and businesses that are not your direct employer.
People who are not employees but are injured on a construction site in Denver can also file a lawsuit against any party whose negligence contributed to the accident. Likewise, surviving family members of workers who tragically lose their lives in construction or workplace accidents may pursue a wrongful death claim on behalf of their loved one.
HOW DO I PROVE NEGLIGENCE IN A CONSTRUCTION SITE ACCIDENT CLAIM?
If you’ve been injured in a construction accident in Denver, Colorado, you may have grounds for a personal injury claim if you can show that another party’s negligence contributed to your injuries. This means you must demonstrate that someone else’s careless or reckless actions caused the accident and that you suffered harm as a result. Building a strong case in Denver requires clear, persuasive evidence, such as:
Physical evidence – Items like a damaged hard hat, torn safety gear, or defective personal protective equipment (PPE) can help show exactly what went wrong on a Denver construction site.
Photos and video footage – Images of the accident scene or video recordings of the incident can capture essential details of the conditions and aftermath.
Accident reports – Official documentation, whether from Denver law enforcement, Colorado state agencies, or workplace safety inspectors, often contains crucial information about the event.
Eyewitness statements – Accounts from coworkers, supervisors, or bystanders in Denver who saw the accident can provide valuable, objective insight into what happened.
Expert witness testimony – Specialists such as medical professionals or accident reconstruction experts can explain how the incident occurred and describe the long-term impact on your health, livelihood, and daily life.
By gathering this evidence promptly and thoroughly, you increase your chances of securing the compensation you need to recover and move forward after a Denver construction accident.
WHAT TYPES OF COMPENSATION CAN I RECEIVE FOR MY INJURIES?
If you’ve been injured on the job in Denver, Colorado, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits that can help cover necessary medical care and replace a portion of your lost wages. In some situations, though, you may also have the right to pursue a personal injury lawsuit. Doing so can open the door to additional compensation beyond what workers’ comp provides, including:
• Current and future medical expenses related to your workplace injury
• Out-of-pocket costs, such as mileage for traveling to medical appointments or physical therapy throughout Denver and the surrounding metro area
• The full amount of your lost wages, not just the partial coverage typically offered through workers’ compensation
• Compensation for reduced earning capacity if you’re unable to return to your previous position or must take a lower-paying role
• Damages for pain and suffering, which workers’ compensation does not include
Whether you’re working through the workers’ compensation process or considering a separate personal injury claim, understanding your legal options is essential to protecting your health, financial stability, and future in Denver, Colorado.
HOW CAN A CONSTRUCTION ACCIDENT ATTORNEY IN Denver HELP ME
If you’ve been injured in a construction accident in Denver, Colorado, you don’t have to navigate the aftermath on your own. Our experienced Denver construction accident attorneys are prepared to investigate your case, gather critical evidence, and pursue the full compensation you deserve. Whether you’re filing a workers’ compensation claim, challenging a denial, or seeking justice through a negligence lawsuit, our legal team will work tirelessly to safeguard your rights and maximize your recovery—allowing you to focus on healing. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation case review.
