In Downtown Spokane, it seems like the streets and the buildings are always undergoing repairs. The road work and construction projects might eventually be good for the cityscape, but they don’t always leave a safe path for those trying to get around on foot.
Pedestrians can be forced to make unsafe detours around a closed sidewalk. They may be sent a block or two over to complete what used to be an easy walk. Walkers, joggers, and shoppers around Spokane are put at needless risk daily and could be left with devastating injuries.
Victims should know that they can ask for help with their medical bills after an injury. They should also be informed of every party that may be held liable for their accident.
Construction Dangers for Spokane Pedestrians
At any one time, there are dozens of restoration and new construction projects going on around Spokane. There are plenty blocking off sidewalks downtown, but there are also plenty of projects going on in places like the South Hill, North Town, and Spokane Valley. “Under Construction” signs can go up in busy commercial districts or in quiet neighborhoods.
These construction zones can be marked off with signs and covered by scaffolding, but people forced to change their route or cross the road can still be put at risk. They can be hurt while having to enter a busy traffic lane. They may be hurt in a premises liability accident due to some common dangers created by workers on a construction site.
These are just a few of the obstacles that might injure a passerby:
- Falling construction debris and equipment
- Trip-and-Fall accidents from:
- Broken pavement and trip-and-fall accidents
- Tree roots that have been exposed
- Cords strung across a sidewalk
- Slip-And-Fall accidents caused by loose materials, even a screw or nail on the ground
- Ankle Injuries
- Traffic dangers when pedestrians are forced out into the street in the path of traffic
- Poor lighting at night after lights have been removed for construction
Some of these injuries may not seem too serious until you realize that your mobility will be affected for weeks or months. You suddenly can’t put any weight on an ankle or knee and head into work. You lose paychecks. And you risk other health issues while you are forced to stay inactive.
Your CCD Law attorney would make sure these damages and others were promptly reviewed by the at-fault party’s insurer and compensated. Support would arrive to help you pay your monthly bills and support your family while you were away from work. Your doctor bills wouldn’t be a worry any longer.
Who Is Responsible If I’m Hurt in a Pedestrian Accident Caused by Construction?
Under normal circumstances, business and property owners owe everyone a “duty of care.” They must not put visitors inside their businesses or directly outside their establishments in danger. Under premises liability laws, they must monitor for hazards that their actions have created that may hurt someone. They must also monitor for the dangers that other visitors create. They are required to fix these issues in a reasonable amount of time.
When it comes to construction projects that spill out onto the sidewalk and street, other parties may be liable for any harm that comes to pedestrians.
- City of Spokane, Spokane County DOT, WSDOT
- Motorists and Car Insurance Companies, if you are hit in the street
- Construction Companies
- Individual Contractors
- Business and Building Owners Hiring Construction Crews
In some cases, there may be more than one entity responsible for your injury on a sidewalk. A skilled Spokane Pedestrian Accident Lawyer can assist you in identifying everyone at fault. Your attorney would file injury claims against every party that contributed. This gives you the best chance of securing enough in compensation to pay 100% of your medical bills and get reimbursed for your lost paychecks while injured.
Can I Ask the City of Spokane for Accident Compensation If I’m Hurt in a City Construction Zone?
Yes, in some cases. If a project was part of a city, county, or state construction overhaul, a government department could be liable.
But be careful, in most injury cases, victims are given up to three years to file an injury lawsuit. However, when suing a government entity, the statute of limitations may be much less.
The City of Spokane enjoys extra legal protection against lawsuits. You may only have a few months to file your claim. You may also have to seek permission from the city to file a lawsuit. These cases can be complex, and Spokane and its lawyers will likely fight hard to avoid taking any blame.
Allow a skilled Spokane Premises Liability Lawyer to explore your options and file a claim with a government agency. It’s the best way of securing the maximum in compensation without missing important deadlines.
Do I Need a Lawyer If I’m Hurt at a Spokane Sidewalk Construction Site?
If your accident involves only minor injuries, you may not require the help of a lawyer to get fair treatment for a pedestrian accident claim. But if your injuries are more serious, such as a bone fracture or a head injury, it’s a good idea to speak to a lawyer.
The elevated cost of medical care and length of recovery will cause insurers to fight harder to avoid blame. A lawyer can investigate your accident and the property owner or business owner involved and help force an insurer to accept full responsibility. Your lawyer also has a good chance to secure much more for your recovery than you could by handling a case yourself.
This is especially true if an at-fault party can afford corporate lawyers to help attack your claim and shift blame to an innocent victim.
Contact a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Serving Victims in Spokane and Across Eastern Washington
CCD Law offers an absolutely free, no-obligation case consultation. We serve victims across Eastern Washington and are also licensed to represent victims in Northern Idaho after pedestrian accidents.
Remember, if you require a lawyer’s help, you don’t need any money to hire CCD Law. We don’t get paid unless we win your case for you. Then our attorney’s fee comes out of the settlement an at-fault construction company or city department must pay you.