Trench and Excavation Accidents

Construction workers face some of the most dangerous conditions in the workforce, and few tasks are more hazardous than trenching and excavation. These operations are necessary for everything from laying foundations to installing pipelines, but even just a moment of negligence can end in tragedy. If you were injured in a collapse, fall, or equipment failure while working in or near a trench, you may have a right to compensation through a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit. Speaking with one of the experienced Miami construction accident lawyers at Friedman Rodman Frank & Estrada can help you determine what your next steps should be.

Trenches are often narrow, deep, and unstable by nature. When proper safety precautions are not in place, workers are exposed to serious risks. A collapse can bury someone in seconds. Other dangers include toxic gas exposure, falling objects, slips near edges, or being struck by heavy equipment.

Some of the most common causes of trench and excavation accidents include:

• Failure to install proper shoring or trench boxes
• Ignoring OSHA’s requirements for sloping, shielding, or benching
• Inadequate inspections before and during the work
• Vibration from nearby machinery weakening the trench walls
• Water accumulation or soil movement
• Lack of protective barriers or warning signage

Supervisors and contractors are legally obligated to make sure trenches are safe before workers enter. When the higher-ups cut corners to save time or money, it puts everyone at risk.

The injuries caused by trench accidents can be life-altering. Being buried under thousands of pounds of soil may lead to suffocation, crush injuries, permanent disability and, often, death. However, even if you weren’t inside the trench, you could be seriously hurt by cave-ins, loose materials, or falls near the edge.

Common injuries related to trench and excavation accidents include:

• Spinal cord trauma or paralysis
• Multiple bone fractures
• Amputation from crushing injuries
• Hypoxia or brain damage from oxygen deprivation
• Internal bleeding or organ failure

Injuries are often severe, and recovery can take months—or much longer. If you’re like most, the emotional and financial strain adds another layer of harm to the physical injuries you’ve experienced.

Florida’s workers’ compensation system covers many construction injuries, but it may not always provide sufficient benefits to fully cover all of your medical expenses and lost wages. For example, you may receive some medical benefits and a percentage of your lost wages, but pain and suffering, full lost income, and long-term disability support may not be included. If someone other than your employer—such as a general contractor, subcontractor, engineer, or equipment manufacturer—contributed to the unsafe conditions, you may have a valid third-party personal injury claim.

However, these claims require compelling evidence. You’ll need documentation of the site’s condition, your injuries, and how the incident occurred. That’s why it’s critical to involve one of our Miami construction accident lawyers as early as possible. We will gather records, speak to witnesses, take photographs, consult with safety experts, and immediately begin building a strong case on your behalf.

Following any job site injury, the first priority is getting medical attention. But if you’re physically able—or can ask a coworker for help—it’s also important to document the scene. Trenches can be quickly filled in or altered after an accident, which means valuable evidence can disappear fast.

Here are some steps to protect yourself and your potential claim:

• Report the incident to your supervisor immediately
• Photograph the trench and surrounding area, especially if conditions appear unsafe
• Get names and contact details from fellow construction workers who were on-site or other witnesses
• Request copies of safety inspection reports or incident records
• Avoid signing any insurance paperwork or giving recorded statements without legal advice

Acting quickly can make a difference in whether you’re able to successfully obtain the most compensation possible. Our Miami construction accident lawyers with Friedman Rodman Frank & Estrada can help guide you through the claims process while you focus on your physical and emotional recovery.

You shouldn’t have to suffer because someone failed to follow basic safety rules. When excavation accidents happen, the consequences are severe—and the path to recovery isn’t easy. Friedman Rodman Frank & Estrada has been standing up for injured construction workers across South Florida since 1976. We are committed to helping victims recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and more. Contact the office today to schedule your free consultation. You can reach us at (305) 448-8585 or through our secure online contact form. Calling is free, and we are not paid for our services unless and until we secure a financial recovery for you.