*The results are conditioned to the unique circumstances of each case. These results do not guarantee your case will result in the same compensation.
The Schmidt & Salita Law Team has 75 Years of combined experience in thousands of successful cases, representing the victims of Personal Injury, Workers’ Compensation, and Wrongful Death. This experience includes bringing justice to injured workers who have been injured in construction site accidents.
Injuries caused by contact with construction equipment, including overhead cranes and lifting devices, is a major cause of injury.
Recent data shows that every year there are more than 70 crane-related fatal construction site injuries (deaths). The majority of these injuries occurred as a result of a worker being struck by a falling object or the object being transported by the Crane falling from the Crane onto the worker. These injuries include those involving overhead gantry cranes, overhead traveling cranes, harbor cranes, wheel-mounted mobile cranes, truck-mounted cranes, and crawler-mounted cranes.
The following are examples of cases that have been successfully handled by the Schmidt -Salita Law Team:
*The results are conditioned to the unique circumstances of each case. These results do not guarantee your case will result in the same compensation.
Injuries due to falling are the leading cause of construction site injuries according to OSHA (the Occupational Safety and Health Administration). One in ten construction workers is injured every year with injuries due to falling hazards being the leading cause of injury and construction sites.
Common construction site falls, including roof-related falls, crane falls, scaffolding falls, elevator shaft falls, falls resulting from unprotected holes in flooring, and falling objects. Many of these injuries and deaths resulting from falls certainly could have been prevented by the use of proper protective equipment and safety precautions such as a railing and, barricades and other protective devices.
Case Example: This case involved the death of a young construction worker who plunged more than 100 feet to his death when the steel wire rope (cable) that was being used to lift him to the top of a building broke due to prior contact with an improperly insulated electrical wire that had been placed on the side of the building to provide temporary electrical service to the work site at the top of the building.
Electrical accidents are also a major cause of injury and death for construction workers. One study indicated that over 300 construction workers die each year from electric shock, electrocutions, and powerline contacts.
One of the major successes of Doug Schmidt, partner at the Schmidt & Salita Law Team, involved a case of the death of a young construction worker who fell to his death when he was being hoisted to the top of a grain elevator in a man-lift. The steel wire rope (cable) that was lifting him separated because it had previously contacted an electrical line which had been installed to service the equipment at the top of the grain elevator. That electrical contact weakened the cable so that it separated and broke sending the construction worker plunging over hundred feet to his death.
Construction workers can be injured as a result of a defective condition in a building which constitutes a violation of the Uniform Building Code (UBC). Many of these cases involve an injury due to falling. Statistics show that the most common injury to construction workers is that of an injury due to falling-and many of these injuries are the result of a building code violation.
It is fundamental to Minnesota law that the violation of the building code constitutes negligence. The owner of the property is legally responsible for injuries caused when the injuries on of the specific type that the code was designed to protect and prevent.
Building code violations can be used as evidence of negligence in other types of cases than construction site accidents. Any person who is injured as the result of a dangerous condition in any building which amounts to the building code violation as a possible claim against the owner of that building or anyone involved in the construction of the building, which resulted in that building code violation.
Dean Salita is a seasoned Personal Injury lawyer with over 30 years of experience, specializing in workplace injuries and occupational diseases like asbestos-related illnesses. He’s the chair of the Minnesota Association for Justice Workers’ Compensation section and has been recognized as a Super Lawyer with an AV rating by Martindale-Hubbell. Dean is dedicated to providing personal, compassionate legal support to his clients, guiding them through trials and the legal process.
The Personal Injury, Workers’ Compensation, and Wrongful Death lawyers at the Schmidt & Salita Law Team have 160 years of combined experience in bringing justice to the victims of Personal Injury of all types, including the construction accidents listed above. If you have been injured in this type of accident, please contact our experienced lawyers at the Schmidt & Salita Law Team help you to achieve justice.
I understand how overwhelming this can be. Let me handle the legal complexities while you focus on your recovery and getting back to normal.
When you schedule your free consultation with a personal injury attorney in Minnesota, you should come prepared with specific questions for us to address. Some of the common questions clients ask us are:
Yes, in almost all cases, having an attorney is crucial to protect your rights and secure the settlement you deserve. The Schmidt & Salita Law Team is here to guide you through the entire process, from collecting evidence to handling medical bills and lost wages. We’ll help you gather medical records and reports to support your claim, determine the value of your case, and negotiate a fair settlement. If needed, we’re prepared to file suit and take your case to court to ensure the best possible outcome.
It’s very important to start collecting evidence right away to support your case. The Schmidt & Salita Law Team will help obtain accident reports, interview witnesses, and work with treating doctors to ensure you get the proper medical care. We’ll also handle communication with insurance adjusters. Delaying the decision to hire an attorney can lead to lost time and missed opportunities. We’re here to guide you through the process from the start, ensuring you have the best chance for a successful outcome.
Many people worry about the cost of legal fees, but with Schmidt & Salita Law Team, your first consultation is free. We handle most Personal Injury and Workers’ Compensation cases on a contingent fee basis, meaning you won’t pay attorney fees unless there’s a settlement. If we win, you’ll only pay a percentage of the settlement for fees and costs, ensuring you never end up “in the hole.” This system is often called “No fees until you recover” and works like a real estate agent’s commission—paid only when you win.
It’s crucial to hire an attorney with experience in Personal Injury, Workers’ Compensation, and Wrongful Death claims. The Schmidt & Salita Law Team brings over 160 years of combined experience, handling thousands of cases, including auto accidents, construction injuries, medical malpractice, and more. Our team is dedicated to providing personal service and treating you like more than just a case number. We believe in a team approach to ensure the best possible outcome and your satisfaction every step of the way.
Most Personal Injury and Workers’ Compensation cases typically take at least a year or more to settle, and some can take even longer. This is mainly due to medical reasons, as it takes time to determine the permanent nature of an injury. Doctors or Chiropractors are often better equipped to assess the permanency of your injury. Once we have medical evidence, we compile all necessary documents and submit a settlement demand to the insurance company. The negotiation process can take several months, and if an agreement isn’t reached, we may need to file a lawsuit.
The value of a Personal Injury or Workers’ Compensation case depends on several factors. These include the degree of fault of the responsible party, the severity of your injuries, pain, and permanent disability, as well as medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. The financial ability of the at-fault party, often determined by insurance coverage, also plays a role. Schmidt & Salita Law Team, with over 160 years of combined experience, is here to help you evaluate the worth of your case and guide you through the process.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partner, Dean M. Salita, with more than 30 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney.
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