Construction sites are some of the most hazardous workplaces in Colorado. From falling debris to malfunctioning equipment, poor safety procedures, and negligence, these areas are ripe for accidents—and victims often suffer serious injuries or even death. But when the dust settles after a construction accident, what happens next? How do personal injury lawyers dig into the facts to build a strong case?
At Lampert & Walsh, LLC, we’ve spent over 35 years protecting injured workers and passersby involved in construction-related accidents throughout Colorado. Our work goes far beyond court appearances and negotiations—we go behind the scenes to investigate every element of a construction accident, identify liable parties, and fight for the justice our clients deserve.
In this article, we’ll take you deep into the investigation process that skilled personal injury (PI) lawyers use to unravel the facts of a construction accident case in Colorado—and why choosing the right legal team could make all the difference in your recovery.
Understanding the Landscape of Construction Accidents in Colorado
Construction sites are governed by a complex web of state and federal safety regulations, including those set by OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration). Yet, despite these rules, accidents still happen every day in Denver and across Colorado.
Common types of construction site accidents include:
Falls from scaffolding or ladders
Electrocutions
Heavy machinery accidents
Falling tools or debris
Trench collapses
Burns or explosions
Crane accidents
Forklift injuries
The victims of these accidents may include workers, subcontractors, pedestrians, or even drivers passing by a construction zone.
Unlike workers’ compensation claims, which are typically limited to employer-related incidents, personal injury claims allow victims to pursue full compensation from third parties such as equipment manufacturers, negligent contractors, or property owners. That’s where PI attorneys like us come in.
Step 1: Immediate Response & Client Interview
The first step in investigating any construction accident case is understanding what happened—and that starts with you.
What We Do:
Emergency legal advice – If you contact us immediately after the accident, we’ll advise you on what to say (or not say) to employers, insurance reps, or investigators.
Initial interview – We document your version of events, injuries, medical treatment, and employment status. This is also when we begin exploring who might be liable.
Scene preservation – Construction sites change rapidly. We send notices to relevant parties (employers, general contractors, site managers) to preserve evidence.
This initial stage is crucial because it allows us to start shaping the legal strategy and collect vital data before it’s gone.
Step 2: Evidence Collection and Site Investigation
Terrific PI lawyers know that evidence is everything. Construction accident scenes often involve multiple companies, safety procedures, and overlapping responsibilities. Our team leaves no stone unturned.
What We Investigate:
Accident scene – We photograph the area, inspect the equipment involved, and check whether proper safety measures were in place.
Surveillance video – Many job sites have cameras. We issue subpoenas if needed to obtain footage that may prove negligence.
Site plans & safety logs – These include blueprints, hazard assessments, and OSHA inspection reports.
Witness statements – Co-workers, site supervisors, and bystanders can be crucial sources of information.
Incident reports – Employers often complete internal accident reports. We obtain and review these for inconsistencies.
We also assess whether the area complied with Colorado building codes and OSHA standards.
Step 3: Identifying Liable Parties
A major part of construction accident litigation involves determining liability. Construction sites often involve a web of contractors, subcontractors, site owners, and equipment suppliers.
Potential Liable Parties:
General contractors
Subcontractors
Property owners
Architects or engineers
Equipment manufacturers
Other third-party vendors
Colorado law allows us to pursue compensation against any third party whose negligence contributed to the accident. For example, if a scaffold collapsed due to faulty design, the manufacturer could be liable. If a subcontractor failed to follow safety protocols, they could be held accountable.
Step 4: Working with Experts
Construction cases are technical and often require expert analysis. That’s why we partner with a team of specialists to help prove negligence and calculate damages.
Types of Experts We Use:
Construction safety experts – To evaluate whether industry standards and OSHA regulations were followed.
Accident reconstructionists – To recreate the incident based on physical evidence and witness accounts.
Medical professionals – To document the extent of injuries and future care needs.
Vocational experts – To assess how your injuries affect your ability to work.
Economists – To calculate long-term wage loss and future damages.
These experts provide independent, credible testimony that strengthens your case—especially if it goes to trial.
Step 5: Filing the Claim & Building the Case
Once we’ve built a solid foundation, we file the personal injury claim. This involves presenting all the collected evidence and documentation to the responsible party’s insurance company or legal team.
Our Role:
Draft the complaint outlining the facts, negligence, injuries, and damages.
Prepare discovery requests to obtain documents, logs, emails, or contracts from the defendant.
Negotiate aggressively with insurers to seek full compensation.
Prepare for trial, if necessary.
At Lampert & Walsh, we prepare every case as if it will go to trial. This approach shows insurers that we’re serious, often resulting in better settlement offers.
Step 6: Settlement or Trial
In many cases, we reach a fair settlement through mediation or negotiation. However, if a reasonable agreement cannot be made, we take the case to court.
What You Can Expect:
Settlement negotiations led by experienced attorneys who understand how to value pain and suffering, medical expenses, and lost wages.
Mediation guided by a neutral third party (often a judge or attorney).
Trial preparation, including depositions, witness preparation, and pre-trial motions.
Court representation where we present the evidence, expert testimony, and legal arguments before a judge or jury.
We work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Why Choose Lampert & Walsh for a Construction Injury Case?
At Lampert & Walsh, personal injury is all we do. We’ve represented thousands of injured Coloradans and recovered substantial verdicts for victims of construction accidents.
Here’s what sets us apart:
35+ years of experience in Colorado personal injury law
Never represent insurance companies
Responsive, one-on-one service
Deep local knowledge of Denver and the Front Range
Aggressive litigation strategies
Free consultations and no upfront fees
Whether you’re a construction worker, subcontractor, or innocent bystander, we will stand up for your rights and help you navigate the legal process with compassion and skill.
Conclusion: You Deserve a Lawyer Who Fights Like Your Future Depends on It
Construction accident cases are complex, high-stakes, and emotionally draining. But you don’t have to go through it alone. With Lampert & Walsh on your side, you gain more than just legal representation—you gain a team that treats your case like it’s personal.
From thorough investigations and expert collaboration to relentless negotiation and courtroom advocacy, we have one mission: to get you the compensation you need to rebuild your life. Don’t wait to get the help you deserve—contact us today for your free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What should I do immediately after a construction accident in Colorado?
Seek medical attention right away, even if injuries don’t seem serious. Then, document the scene (if safe), report the accident, and contact a personal injury lawyer.
Who can be held responsible in a construction site accident?
Possible liable parties include general contractors, subcontractors, equipment manufacturers, property owners, and more. A lawyer will help determine who is at fault.
Can I sue if I’m a construction worker injured on the job?
In some cases, yes. While workers’ comp may apply, if a third party (not your employer) was negligent, you may have a valid personal injury claim.
How long do I have to file a claim in Colorado?
Generally, personal injury claims must be filed within 2 years of the accident. For car accidents, it’s 3 years. If the accident involved a government entity, you may need to file a notice within 180 days.
What compensation can I recover?
Compensation may include medical bills, lost wages, future care costs, pain and suffering, and loss of earning capacity.
How much does it cost to hire a PI attorney?
At Lampert & Walsh, we work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we win your case.
