Fearless Advocacy for Injured Workers Throughout Indiana Since 1913
Construction sites are the backbone of Indiana’s growth, from the expansion of the I-69 Finish Line to the skyline of Indianapolis and the development of the Purdue University campus in Lafayette. However, these sites are also among the most hazardous workplaces in the state.
A single moment of negligence by a subcontractor, a faulty piece of machinery, or a safety violation can result in life-altering injuries or even the loss of a loved one.
At Vaughan & Vaughan, we have been standing up for the hardworking people of Indiana for over 110 years. Our firm was established in 1913, and since then, three generations of our family have worked to protect Hoosier workers from exploitation by insurance companies and large corporations.
We understand that a construction accident doesn’t just hurt you physically—it threatens your ability to provide for your family. Our team is dedicated to providing the aggressive, comprehensive legal representation you need to secure your financial future.
Your Case Will Get
The Attention It Deserves
Why Choose Vaughan & Vaughan for Your Construction Injury Claim?
Construction accidents are legally complex because they often involve multiple parties, including general contractors, property owners, and equipment manufacturers. After a construction injury, you need a law firm with deep Indiana roots and elite legal credentials to navigate these complications.
The Vaughan & Vaughan team offers:
- Board-Certified Trial Leadership: Attorney Charles V. Vaughan is board-certified in Civil Trial Law and Civil Practice Advocacy by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. This elite certification is held by fewer than 20 attorneys in Indiana, serving as a powerful indicator of our ability to win in a courtroom. We will not accept a quick personal injury settlement for whatever an insurance company offers. Instead, we prepare every case for trial, which strengthens our bargaining position throughout litigation.
- The CDL Advantage on Job Sites: Construction sites rely heavily on heavy machinery and transport vehicles. Attorney Charles J. Vaughan holds a Class A Commercial Drivers License (CDL). This provides our firm with a technical understanding of heavy equipment operations, site logistics, and vehicle dynamics that most personal injury lawyers lack. We know when a driver or operator has violated safety standards because we know the rules of the road from the driver’s seat.
- A Century of Proven History: We have successfully handled a wide range of injury cases since the early 1900s. Our long-standing reputation means that when we contact a defendant or an insurer, they know we have the resources and the legacy to see the case through to the end.
- Contingency Fee Representation: You are already facing high medical bills and lost income. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we advance all litigation costs and only receive a fee if we successfully recover compensation for you.
- Always Available: Construction sites operate at all hours, and so do we. You can reach our team 24/7 to begin the process of protecting your rights.
There is no fee
unless you win
How Much Is Your Construction Accident Case Worth?
In Indiana, the compensation you can pursue after a construction accident depends heavily on the nature of your claim. While workers’ compensation is a vital resource for employees, it often fails to cover the full extent of the damages you suffer.
If a third party—someone other than your employer—was responsible for your injury, we can pursue a personal injury lawsuit for much broader compensation. Through civil litigation, we can fight for the maximum recovery of construction accident damages, including:
- Complete Medical Coverage: This includes emergency care at hospitals like IU Health, ongoing surgeries, specialized rehabilitation, and any medical equipment or home modifications required for your recovery.
- Lost Wages and Future Earning Capacity: We seek to replace every dollar you lose while away from work. If your injury is permanent and prevents you from returning to construction or any other line of work, we calculate the lifetime value of your lost earnings.
- Pain and Suffering: Construction injuries are often excruciating and lead to long-term physical agony. We believe you should be compensated for the physical pain and emotional trauma the accident has caused.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: When a spinal cord injury or a traumatic brain injury prevents you from enjoying the hobbies and family activities that define your life, we fight for compensation that reflects that profound loss.
Construction Accident Laws and Statistics in Indiana
The construction industry consistently ranks among the most hazardous in the state. According to the Indiana Department of Labor, the “Fatal Four” accidents—falls, being struck by objects, electrocutions, and caught-in-between incidents—account for a significant portion of workplace fatalities in Indiana each year.
The Indiana Occupational Safety and Health Administration (IOSHA) sets strict standards for scaffolding, trench safety, and protective equipment. We know when a contractor or site owner fails to follow these standards, people get hurt.
Our firm is well-versed in the laws that affect your recovery:
- Third-Party Liability: If you are hurt by a negligent subcontractor, a reckless delivery driver on the site, or a defective tool, you can pursue a claim outside of the workers’ compensation system. This is crucial because it allows you to seek non-economic damages like pain and suffering, which are not available through workers’ comp.
- The Two-Year Deadline: Under Indiana law, you generally have only two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, in construction cases, evidence can disappear as the project moves forward. It is essential to investigate the scene as soon as possible.
We Handle All Types of Construction Site Injuries
Construction sites are dynamic environments with hundreds of moving parts. We represent clients who have been injured in nearly every scenario imaginable, including:
- Scaffolding and Ladder Falls: Often caused by improper assembly or lack of required safety harnesses.
- Heavy Equipment Failures: Accidents involving cranes, bulldozers, forklifts, or excavators that have been poorly maintained or operated by untrained personnel.
- Trench Collapses: Catastrophic incidents that occur when soil is not shored correctly, leading to crushing injuries or suffocation.
- Electrical Injuries: Contact with live wires or improperly grounded equipment on the job site.
- Site Debris and Slip-and-Falls: Poorly managed work areas that lead to fractures or spinal injuries.
- Demolition Accidents: Uncontrolled collapses or explosions during the clearing phase of a project.
We Fight the Corporations and Insurance Providers While You Heal
Construction insurance policies are often massive, involving millions of dollars in coverage. Because the stakes are so high, insurance carriers fight tooth and nail to avoid responsibility. They may try to argue that you were the one at fault or that your injuries were pre-existing.
We serve as your fearless advocate against these tactics. Because Attorney Charles V. Vaughan is board-certified, the insurance companies know we are capable of proving negligence in a courtroom. We gather the necessary evidence—including IOSHA reports, blueprints, site logs, and witness statements—to build an undeniable case on your behalf.
What to Do After a Construction Site Accident
If you are injured on a job site, your actions in the following hours and days can make or break your ability to recover compensation. Consider taking these steps as soon as possible:
- Report the Incident Immediately: Notify your supervisor or the general contractor. Ensure a written incident report is created and ask for a copy.
- Identify the Equipment: If a specific tool, ladder, or machine caused your injury, take photos of it immediately. Do not let it be removed from the site if possible.
- Photograph the Surroundings: Construction sites change by the hour. Document the specific area where you fell or were struck, including any missing safety railings or warnings.
- Obtain Names and Contacts: Secure the phone numbers of anyone who witnessed the accident, including employees of various subcontractors.
- Seek Specialized Medical Attention: Go to an emergency room or trauma center. Be sure to tell the doctors that your injury happened at a construction site so they can document the mechanism of the injury.
- Contact Vaughan & Vaughan: Before you speak to a nurse case manager from workers’ comp or a representative from the general contractor’s insurance, call us. We will provide an honest evaluation of whether you have a third-party claim.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Indiana Construction Accident Claims
Can I file a lawsuit if I am already receiving workers’ compensation benefits?
Yes, but not against your direct employer or a co-worker. However, you can file a personal injury lawsuit against a third party if their negligence caused your accident. Common third parties on Indiana construction sites include general contractors who fail to ensure site safety, subcontractors who create hazards, or manufacturers of defective tools and machinery.
What happens if I was injured as a bystander or passerby near a construction zone?
Construction companies have a legal duty to protect the public from falling debris, improperly secured fences, and machinery maneuvers. If you were driving through an I-70 construction zone and were struck by a piece of equipment, or if you were walking near an Indianapolis development and were hit by falling materials, you may have the right to pursue a personal injury claim for the full extent of your damages.
What happens if several different companies were working on the site when I was injured?
It is common for Indiana construction projects to have multiple subcontractors and delivery companies on-site simultaneously. If your injury was caused by a worker who was not your direct co-worker, or by a supervisor from a different firm who failed to maintain a safe work area, you can pursue a third-party claim.
This is a separate legal action from workers’ compensation that allows us to seek full compensation for your physical pain and mental anguish. Because our firm has over a century of experience, we know how to investigate site logs and contracts to identify every company that shared responsibility for the unsafe conditions that led to your accident.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Under Indiana’s modified comparative fault rules, you can still recover compensation as long as you are not more than 50% responsible for the accident. In a third-party construction claim, your recovery would be reduced by your percentage of fault. We work to ensure that the blame is placed where it belongs—on the parties who failed to maintain a safe work environment.
Why do I need a lawyer with a CDL for a construction accident?
Construction accidents frequently involve heavy vehicle transport. Whether it’s a dump truck delivering gravel or a crane being positioned on-site, having an attorney who understands the mechanics and regulations governing these vehicles provides a unique edge. Attorney Charles J. Vaughan’s CDL allows us to analyze logs and mechanical failures with a technical perspective that other injury firms often lack.
Contact the Fearless Indiana Construction Accident Lawyers at Vaughan & Vaughan Today
If you have been injured on a job site, you need more than just legal advice; you need a team with a 110-year history of fighting and winning for the people of Indiana. Let our family stand by yours as we navigate the complex path to recovery.
Call Vaughan & Vaughan today at (765) 742-0056 or fill out our online contact form for your free, no-obligation consultation. We are ready to help you move forward to a better future.
