Grand Junction, Colorado Construction Accident Attorney
Earl & Earl Attorneys At Law
Construction is a driving force behind Grand Junction’s steady growth and revitalization, but the industry comes with serious risks for both workers and the public. According to the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, construction remains one of the most dangerous occupations in the state, with one of the highest fatality rates of any industry. Unfortunately, these hazards don’t stop at the jobsite. Residents, pedestrians, and visitors near construction zones in Grand Junction can also suffer severe, life-changing injuries when safety standards are ignored.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a Grand Junction construction accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. Depending on the circumstances, this could involve filing a workers’ compensation claim or pursuing a third-party lawsuit against the parties responsible. Acting quickly is critical—an experienced construction accident lawyer can protect your rights and help you seek the maximum compensation available.
At Earl & Earl, PLLC, we are proud to serve the Grand Junction community with dedicated, trusted legal representation. Our team has the knowledge and resources to thoroughly investigate your case, identify every potential source of compensation, and fight for the justice you deserve. Call or contact us today for a free consultation with one of our attorneys.
What is a Construction Accident in Grand Junction?
A construction accident in Grand Junction, Colorado is any incident that occurs on or around a construction site. With Grand Junction’s steady growth, revitalized downtown projects, and expanding residential and commercial development, active job sites are a common sight throughout the city—and they often involve heavy equipment, large materials, and powerful tools. Accidents can happen while clearing debris, erecting scaffolds or trenches, loading or unloading machinery, operating cranes or trucks, or during demolition and assembly of new structures.
While many Grand Junction construction accident cases involve injured workers, these incidents can also affect pedestrians, drivers, and visitors passing near busy projects in areas such as Downtown Grand Junction, the Riverside Parkway corridor, the North Avenue commercial district, and the many new residential neighborhoods across Mesa County.
Victims of construction accidents frequently suffer serious injuries that require extensive medical treatment and long recovery periods away from work. The combination of costly hospital bills, rehabilitation, and lost wages can quickly create financial hardship. Fortunately, Colorado law gives victims in Grand Junction the right to seek compensation for their injuries and related losses. Because every situation is unique, it’s essential to consult with an experienced Grand Junction construction accident attorney who understands state regulations and the specific challenges of construction projects in Mesa County.
COMMON TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION ACCIDENTS
Construction zones in Grand Junction, Colorado are some of the busiest and most potentially hazardous areas in Mesa County. From large-scale residential builds and commercial expansions to ongoing highway improvements along I-70 and city street upgrades, these sites combine heavy machinery, elevated work areas, and fast-moving crews—creating countless opportunities for accidents to occur. Whether you’re a construction worker, a motorist navigating detours, or a pedestrian passing through, the risk of serious injury remains high.
Some of the most common types of construction accidents reported in the Grand Junction 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 problems from dust, fumes, or chemical exposure
Nerve damage
Eye and ear injuries
Hearing loss
Blindness
Crush injuries
Amputations
Disfigurement and scarring
Occupational illnesses, including mesothelioma from asbestos exposure
DOES MY CONSTRUCTION INJURY FALL UNDER WORKERS’ COMPENSATION?
In Grand Junction, Colorado, most employers are required by state law to carry workers’ compensation insurance if they have more than one employee, with only a few limited exceptions. By default, workers are presumed to be employees unless the employer can prove otherwise.
The construction industry in Grand Junction is especially regulated when it comes to workers’ compensation coverage. If you work in construction in this area, the likelihood is high that you qualify for workers’ comp benefits.
Workers’ compensation in Grand Junction helps cover essential medical expenses and a portion of lost wages for employees who qualify. These benefits are provided on a no-fault basis, meaning they are generally available regardless of who caused the accident. However, benefits may be reduced or denied if the injury occurred while the worker was intoxicated or engaged in willful misconduct.
CAN I FILE A PERSONAL INJURY LAWSUIT AFTER A CONSTRUCTION ACCIDENT?
Workers’ compensation benefits in Grand Junction, Colorado are generally considered an 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’ comp system. However, there are important exceptions that every injured worker in Grand Junction should understand.
If you believe your Grand Junction employer intentionally caused you harm, you may have grounds to step outside the workers’ compensation system and file a personal injury lawsuit. In addition, workers’ comp laws do not shield third parties from liability. You may still have the right to pursue claims against negligent property owners, equipment manufacturers, subcontractors, or other individuals and companies that are not your direct employer.
People who are not employees but are injured on a construction site in Grand Junction can also bring 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 Grand Junction, Colorado, you may have grounds for a personal injury claim if you can show that another party’s negligence contributed to your injuries. In other words, you must prove that someone else’s careless or reckless actions caused the accident and that you suffered harm as a result. Building a strong case in Grand Junction requires clear, compelling evidence, such as:
Physical evidence – Items like a damaged hard hat, torn safety gear, or defective personal protective equipment (PPE) can help demonstrate exactly what went wrong on a Grand Junction construction site.
Photos and video footage – Pictures of the accident scene or video recordings of the incident can capture critical details of the conditions and aftermath.
Accident reports – Official reports, whether from Grand Junction law enforcement, Mesa County agencies, or workplace safety inspectors, often include key facts about the event.
Eyewitness statements – Testimonies from coworkers, supervisors, or bystanders in Grand Junction who witnessed the accident can provide valuable, unbiased accounts.
Expert witness testimony – Professionals such as medical experts or accident reconstruction specialists can clarify how the incident occurred and explain the impact on your health, career, and daily life.
By gathering this evidence quickly and thoroughly, you improve your chances of securing the compensation you need to recover and move forward after a Grand Junction construction accident.
WHAT TYPES OF COMPENSATION CAN I RECEIVE FOR MY INJURIES?
If you’ve been injured on the job in Grand Junction, Colorado, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits to cover essential medical care and replace part of your lost wages. In some cases, however, you might also have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit. Taking that step can open the door to additional compensation beyond what workers’ comp provides, including:
Current and future medical expenses connected to your workplace injury
Out-of-pocket costs, such as mileage to and from doctors’ appointments or physical therapy sessions around Grand Junction and Mesa County
The full value of your lost wages, not just the partial amount typically covered by workers’ compensation
Compensation for reduced earning capacity if you can’t return to your previous job or must accept lower-paying work
Damages for pain and suffering, which workers’ comp does not cover
Whether you’re navigating the workers’ compensation system or considering a separate lawsuit, understanding your legal options is critical to protecting your health, income, and future in Grand Junction, Colorado.
HOW CAN A CONSTRUCTION ACCIDENT ATTORNEY IN Grand Junction HELP ME
If you’ve been injured in a construction accident in Grand Junction, Colorado, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. Our skilled Grand Junction construction accident lawyers are ready to investigate your case, collect vital evidence, and fight for the full compensation you deserve. Whether you need to file a workers’ compensation claim, appeal a denial, or pursue a negligence lawsuit, our legal team will work relentlessly to protect your rights and maximize your recovery—so you can focus on healing. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation case review.
