Denver Construction Accident Lawyer

Construction Is Colorado's Most Dangerous Industry

Construction accounts for nearly one in every five workplace deaths in the United States. In 2023, 1,075 construction workers were killed on the job — the highest number of fatal work injuries of any private industry sector. Another 173,200 suffered nonfatal injuries serious enough to report.

Colorado’s construction industry is booming. The Denver metro area has been one of the fastest-growing construction markets in the country for a decade, with residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects stretching from Fort Collins to Colorado Springs. Add in the oil and gas industry on the Western Slope, mountain resort construction, highway expansion projects, and the ongoing redevelopment of downtown Denver — and you have hundreds of thousands of workers exposed to serious hazards every day.

When a construction worker is injured because someone cut corners on safety, failed to maintain equipment, or ignored OSHA regulations, that worker deserves more than a workers’ compensation check. They deserve full accountability from every party responsible.

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For a free legal consultation with a construction accident lawyer serving Denver, call (303) 465-8733

1 in 5

Nearly one in every five workplace deaths in the United States occurs in the construction industry.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023

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OSHA’s “Fatal Four” — The Leading Causes of Construction Deaths

OSHA has identified the four most common causes of construction fatalities, known as the “Fatal Four.” Together, they account for more than 60% of all construction worker deaths every year. Understanding these categories matters for your case because they often involve clear OSHA violations — which is strong evidence of negligence.

Falls (39.2% of construction fatalities) — Falls from scaffolding, ladders, rooftops, elevated platforms, and unprotected edges are the number one killer on construction sites. The majority of fatal falls occur from heights between 6 and 30 feet — not from skyscrapers, but from everyday working heights where fall protection was either missing or inadequate. Fall protection is OSHA’s most cited violation every single year — in 2024, there were over 7,000 fall protection violations nationwide.

Struck-by incidents (17% of construction fatalities) — Workers struck by falling objects, swinging equipment, vehicles, or materials. Overhead crane loads, unsecured materials, and construction vehicles operating in tight spaces are frequent culprits.

Electrocutions (8% of construction fatalities) — Contact with overhead power lines, exposed wiring, defective electrical equipment, and improperly grounded systems. Electrical injuries are particularly devastating because the current can cause internal burns, cardiac arrest, and neurological damage that may not be immediately visible.

Caught-in/between incidents (5.4% of construction fatalities) — Workers caught in or compressed by equipment, objects, or collapsing structures. Trench collapses are the most deadly — in 2022, 39 workers died in trench collapses alone. OSHA’s zero-tolerance enforcement policy has driven that number down to 12 in 2024, but unshored trenches remain a persistent hazard on Colorado construction sites.

Insurance carriers know who we are. They know that we try cases. They know that we win cases. And the value of our clients’ cases are typically higher because of that.

Jason Jordan, Founding Partner, Jordan Law

Denver Construction Accident Lawyer Near Me (303) 465-8733

Other Common Construction Accidents in Colorado

Beyond the Fatal Four, Colorado construction workers face additional hazards specific to the state’s geography, climate, and industry mix:

Equipment and machinery accidents — cranes, forklifts, excavators, concrete pumps, power tools, and heavy equipment that malfunctions, is improperly maintained, or is operated without adequate training. When equipment fails, the manufacturer, the maintenance company, and the employer may all share liability.

Explosion and fire accidents — gas line ruptures, chemical exposures, welding near flammable materials, spray foam insulation fires, and fuel tank explosions. Jordan Law recovered $26.6 million for a catastrophic burn victim when a truck’s parking brake malfunctioned, crashed through a kitchen wall, and caused massive deep fryer burns — and $20 million for a fuel tanker explosion that caused permanent brain injury.

Scaffolding collapses — improperly erected, overloaded, or inadequately inspected scaffolding. Colorado’s variable weather — including high winds, sudden temperature changes, and ice — adds additional stress to scaffolding structures that may already be marginal.

Vehicle and equipment collisions on site — backing accidents, collisions between heavy equipment and workers on foot, and vehicles striking pedestrians in active construction zones. Colorado highway construction zones are particularly dangerous, with high-speed traffic passing within feet of workers.

Toxic exposure — silica dust, asbestos, lead paint, chemical fumes, and carbon monoxide. These exposures may not cause immediate symptoms but can lead to chronic lung disease, cancer, and neurological damage over time.

Cold weather and altitude hazards — hypothermia, frostbite, and altitude-related illness on mountain construction projects. Ice on scaffolding, ladders, and walking surfaces creates fall hazards that are amplified at elevation.

Who Is Liable for a Construction Accident?

Construction accident liability is almost never limited to a single party. Construction sites involve layers of contractors, subcontractors, property owners, equipment suppliers, and design professionals — and each may bear responsibility for the conditions that caused your injury.

The general contractor — responsible for overall site safety, coordination between subcontractors, and compliance with OSHA regulations. General contractors who fail to enforce safety protocols, conduct regular inspections, or provide adequate safety equipment can be held liable.

Subcontractors — responsible for the safety of their own workers and the conditions they create on site. A subcontractor who creates a hazardous condition that injures another company’s worker may be liable as a third party.

The property owner — may be liable if they retained control over the construction site, knew about dangerous conditions, or failed to address hazards they were aware of. Property owners who hire unqualified or uninsured contractors may also face liability.

Equipment manufacturers — if a crane, scaffold, power tool, safety harness, or any other piece of equipment was defective in design or manufacturing, the manufacturer can be held liable under product liability law regardless of fault.

Architects and engineers — if the design of the structure or the construction plans created an inherently dangerous condition, the design professionals may share liability.

Leasing and rental companies — companies that rent or lease equipment to construction sites may be liable if they provided defective equipment or failed to maintain it properly.

Government entities — if a public works project or government-controlled site contributed to the injury, claims against the government entity are possible, but subject to the 182-day notice requirement under the Colorado Governmental Immunity Act.

One of the things that’s most important to me is to meet with people to look at their insurance policies to say, hey — this protects this person, this protects you, this kicks in here. And we can go through line by line to make sure you understand what you’re paying for.

Sarah Freedman, Director of Pre-litigation, Jordan Law

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Workers’ Compensation vs. Third-Party Claims — You May Be Entitled to Both

If you were injured on a construction site as an employee, you’re almost certainly entitled to workers’ compensation benefits — but workers’ comp is limited. It covers medical expenses and a portion of lost wages, but it does not compensate you for pain and suffering, full lost earning capacity, or the emotional impact of your injury.

Here’s what most construction workers don’t realize: you may also have a separate personal injury claim against a third party — someone other than your direct employer who caused or contributed to the accident. Third-party claims allow you to recover the full range of damages that workers’ comp doesn’t cover.

Common third-party defendants in construction cases include:

• A general contractor (if you work for a subcontractor)
• Another subcontractor whose negligence created the hazard
• An equipment manufacturer whose defective product caused the injury
• A property owner who failed to address known dangers
• An engineer or architect whose design was inherently unsafe

Pursuing both workers’ compensation and a third-party personal injury claim simultaneously is not only legal — it’s the standard approach in serious construction injury cases. Workers’ comp provides immediate medical coverage while the third-party claim pursues full compensation through the civil court system.

Tell us what you’re going through. Tell us what life is like at home because of your injuries. Tell us if you’re not feeling like yourself, if you’re feeling foggy, you just seem a little off lately. We really want you to share that kind of information with us because it helps us understand your story — so we can tell the jury one day what you’ve been through.

Michael Harris, Litigation Attorney, Jordan Law

Injuries Common in Construction Accidents

The forces involved in construction accidents — falls from height, crushing weight, electrical current, explosions — produce some of the most severe injuries in personal injury law.

Traumatic brain injuries — from falls, struck-by incidents, and explosions. Even with a hard hat, the forces of a fall from height or a blow from falling materials can cause concussions, brain bleeds, and permanent cognitive impairment.

Spinal cord injuries — falls from scaffolding, ladders, and rooftops are a leading cause of paraplegia and quadriplegia. A fall from as little as six feet can cause a devastating spinal cord injury.

Severe burns — electrical burns, chemical burns, explosions, and fire. Electrical burns are particularly dangerous because the visible surface damage often dramatically underestimates the internal tissue destruction.

Amputations and crush injuries — heavy equipment accidents, caught-in/between incidents, and machinery malfunctions that sever or crush limbs. Construction has one of the highest amputation rates of any industry.

Broken bones and fractures — compound fractures of the pelvis, femur, spine, and extremities from falls, equipment strikes, and vehicle collisions.

Electrocution injuries — cardiac arrest, internal burns, neurological damage, and organ failure from contact with electrical current. Even non-fatal electrocutions can cause long-term neurological and cardiac complications.

Respiratory illness and toxic exposure — silicosis from silica dust, mesothelioma from asbestos, lead poisoning, and chemical lung injury. These conditions may not manifest for years after exposure.

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How Long Do You Have to File a Construction Accident Claim in Colorado?

The deadline depends on the type of claim:

Third-party personal injury claims (non-vehicle) — two years from the date of injury under C.R.S. § 13-80-102.

Construction accidents involving vehicles on site — if a construction vehicle, truck, or motorized equipment was involved, the three-year motor vehicle statute under C.R.S. § 13-80-101 may apply.

Product liability claims (defective equipment) — two years under the product liability statute.

Workers’ compensation claims — must be reported to your employer as soon as possible. You have two years to file a workers’ comp claim in Colorado, but delayed reporting can jeopardize your benefits.

Government entity involvement — if a public works project or government-owned site is involved, you may need to file notice within 182 days under the Colorado Governmental Immunity Act.

Construction defect claims — are governed by the Construction Defect Action Reform Act (CDARA), which has its own notice and timing requirements separate from personal injury statutes.

Do not wait. Evidence on construction sites disappears fast — conditions change daily, scaffolding is dismantled, equipment is moved off site, and subcontractors leave the project. The sooner you contact an attorney, the more evidence we can preserve.

What to Do After a Construction Accident

Get emergency medical treatment. Construction injuries are often severe. Get to an emergency room, tell the doctors exactly what happened, and describe every area of pain and every symptom — even if it seems minor.

Report the accident to your employer. Colorado requires you to report a workplace injury to your employer. Failure to report can delay your workers’ compensation benefits. Make sure the report is documented in writing.

Document the scene. If you’re physically able — or a coworker can help — photograph the accident scene, the equipment involved, safety conditions (or lack thereof), warning signs, and your visible injuries. Note the names of witnesses, supervisors on duty, and any subcontractors working in the area.

Preserve your equipment. Hard hats, harnesses, clothing, boots, and any safety equipment you were using (or that was missing) are evidence. Do not return damaged equipment to the employer or allow it to be discarded.

Do not give recorded statements to anyone other than your own attorney. The general contractor’s insurer, the property owner’s insurer, and OSHA investigators may all want to talk to you. Their interests are not the same as yours. Speak with an attorney first.

“I have people tell me all the time, “I’ve been dealing with this insurance company for 20 years and they’ve always treated me great.” And I say, “Have you ever made a claim?” And they say, “No.” Well, okay. So the person who has been taking your money has been treating you great. Not surprising. Wait till you go to the claims department.”

Jason Jordan, Founding Partner, Jordan Law

Contact a construction accident attorney immediately. We send preservation demands to all potentially liable parties, secure physical evidence, retain safety experts, and begin investigating while the scene is still intact.

Compensation for Construction Accident Victims

Through a combination of workers’ compensation benefits and third-party personal injury claims, construction accident victims may recover:

Medical expenses — all past and future medical care, including emergency treatment, surgeries, hospitalization, rehabilitation, prosthetics, and ongoing management of chronic conditions.

Lost wages and earning capacity — full lost income (not the reduced amount workers’ comp pays) and the permanent reduction in your ability to earn for the rest of your working life.

Pain and suffering — the physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life caused by the injury. As of January 1, 2025, Colorado’s noneconomic damages cap is $1.5 million under HB 24-1472. Pain and suffering damages are only available through a third-party claim, not workers’ compensation.

Disability and impairment — compensation for permanent physical limitations, loss of use of limbs, disfigurement, and the inability to perform activities you previously enjoyed.

Wrongful death damages — if a construction accident killed a loved one, surviving family members can seek compensation for funeral expenses, lost income, loss of companionship, and grief.

Punitive damages — in cases involving egregious safety violations or intentional disregard for worker safety. When a contractor knowingly operates in violation of OSHA standards and a worker dies, punitive damages send a message that saving money on safety has consequences.

Colorado Construction Laws and OSHA Regulations That Affect Your Case

Your construction accident attorney needs to understand both federal and Colorado-specific regulations:

OSHA standards (29 CFR 1926) — the comprehensive federal safety regulations governing construction sites, including fall protection (1926.501), scaffolding (1926.451), excavation/trenching (1926.652), electrical safety (1926.405), and personal protective equipment. An OSHA violation at the time of your accident is strong evidence of negligence.

Colorado OSHA — Colorado does not have its own state OSHA plan, meaning federal OSHA has jurisdiction over private sector construction sites in the state.

Construction Defect Action Reform Act (CDARA) — Colorado’s law governing construction defect claims, including notice requirements, right-to-repair provisions, and limitations on liability. CDARA applies when the claim involves defects in the construction itself rather than a workplace accident.

Colorado Workers’ Compensation Act — governs the benefits available to injured workers and the process for filing claims with the Division of Workers’ Compensation.

Colorado Comparative Negligence (C.R.S. § 13-21-111) — your compensation in a third-party claim is reduced by your percentage of fault, but only if you’re found less than 50% responsible. Insurance companies routinely try to shift blame to the injured worker — claiming you weren’t following safety procedures, weren’t wearing proper PPE, or caused your own accident.

Why Jordan Law for Your Construction Accident Case

We understand construction litigation. Construction accident cases are not simple car crash claims. They involve multiple defendants, overlapping insurance policies, federal safety regulations, workers’ comp interactions, and product liability theories. We know how to navigate all of it.

Over $550 million recovered for injury victims. Our results include eight-figure verdicts in catastrophic injury cases involving burns ($26.6 million deep fryer burn), explosions ($20 million fuel tanker), brain injuries ($38.6 million fall), and other catastrophic injuries common in construction accidents.

True trial lawyers. Insurance companies for general contractors, property owners, and equipment manufacturers fight construction claims aggressively because the potential verdicts are large. We prepare every case for trial — and other personal injury firms regularly refer their most complex cases to us for litigation. Approximately 85% of our litigation caseload comes from attorney referrals.

We identify every liable party. A construction worker’s direct employer is often just the starting point. We investigate the general contractor, property owner, equipment manufacturer, subcontractors, and design professionals to identify every responsible party and every available insurance policy.

No fee unless we win. We handle construction accident cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing upfront. We invest in OSHA experts, accident reconstruction, engineering analysis, and medical experts at our own expense. Consultations are always free.

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