Plumbers and pipefitters work in settings that have a high risk of injury. Factories and construction sites are full of potential dangers, but even residential home services carry hazards that can lead to devastating harm. If you’re a plumber injured on the job and someone else is to blame, you may have the right to compensation. A Sacramento personal injury lawyer from Demas Law Group can help you explore your legal options. Contact us for a free initial consultation to learn how our firm can make a difference in your case and your future.
Talk to an experienced plumbing accident attorney near you today!
Common Plumbing Injuries
Plumbers suffer a wide variety of work injuries. These plumbing injuries often fall into categories such as:
- Tool/equipment-related injuries – Plumbers may suffer puncture wounds, degloving injuries, crush injuries, and traumatic amputations from tools or equipment malfunctions.
- Slip, trip, or fall injuries – Because plumbers often work with water, their workspaces can become wet and slippery, increasing the chances of a slip-and-fall accident. Plumbers can also suffer trip-and-fall incidents due to uneven surfaces or debris/cords on the ground. Some plumbing jobs occur at higher elevations, leading to ladder accidents.
- Cuts and lacerations – When reaching into pipes or hidden areas, plumbers may suffer lacerations and abrasions due to unseen sharp objects or materials. Cuts may also occur while working with knives or saws.
- Chemical exposure – Plumbing does not only involve working with water. Pipe installation and repair can lead to exposure to gas, harsh chemicals, asbestos, or other toxic materials that may cause burns, respiratory problems, or other complications due to unprotected exposure.
- Musculoskeletal injuries – Working around pipes may involve bending and twisting in awkward positions and heavy lifting. These actions increase the risk of muscle strains, sprains, and tears.
Safety Measures to Prevent Plumbing Accidents
Plumbers can help reduce the risk of injury in a plumbing accident by following critical safety measures such as:
- Regularly inspecting and maintaining tools and equipment – Plumbers who notice damage or excessive wear and tear on tools and equipment should put those items out of service to get fixed or replaced.
- Wearing appropriate footwear with non-skid soles and toe protection – Keep a clutter-free work environment and regularly clean up water or other spills.
- Knowing appropriate handling procedures for hazardous chemicals or materials by referring to safety data sheets – Use personal protective equipment such as safety glasses, gloves, respirators, or body overalls when necessary.
- Undertaking health and safety training – This is often available from government agencies or third-party providers if you are self-employed.
- Creating a health and safety checklist – Inspect the site’s plumbing system and shut off water or gas before starting work.
- Using power tools that are safe for wet workspaces – Only use tools with a ground fault circuit interrupter to reduce to risk of electric shock.
Employers should provide appropriate training, protective gear, and safe tools so plumbers can complete their jobs without harm. However, job sites often involve working around contractors and subcontractors who might neglect their responsibilities to ensure every worker’s safety. When an outside party is at fault for a plumbing accident, an injured plumber may be entitled to file a third-party personal injury lawsuit to demand compensation.
How Demas Law Group Can Assist
At Demas Law Group, our attorneys have dedicated their careers to fighting for the interests of injured people. We have a reputation for client satisfaction because we focus on obtaining the best possible results and have a track record of success. When you hire our firm to advocate for you after an accident, you can expect support from the same plumbing accident lawyer throughout your case and get prompt responses to your questions. We know that healing from injuries can be time-consuming and stressful, so let us handle every detail of your case. You can expect Demas Law Group to assist you by:
- Investigating the accident to obtain evidence and identify potentially liable third parties
- Evaluating your legal options for pursuing compensation
- Documenting your injuries and losses to determine the compensation you can seek
- Preparing and filing your insurance claims
- Communicating with the insurance company on your behalf
- Aggressively negotiating for a fair settlement of your injury claim
- Taking your case to trial, if the insurance company refuses to make a fair settlement offer
Service Areas of Demas Law Group
Demas Law Group has earned a reputation in the Sacramento community for providing vigorous legal representation to personal injury victims. Our firm offers skilled and strategic advocacy with excellent customer service to clients through the Sacramento metro area, including in:
- Freeport
- Rosemont
- Riverview
- Meadowview
- Florin
- Roseville
- Yuba City
- Davis
- Woodland
- Elk Grove
- Folsom
- El Dorado Hills
- Stockton
- Modesto
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions that injured plumbers ask about their legal rights include the following:
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim after a plumbing accident?
Under California’s statute of limitations, you usually have two years after a plumbing accident to file a lawsuit against a third party or one year from the date the injury was discovered. The court can dismiss any suit filed after the deadline, so you should talk to a Sacramento plumbing accident lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your legal rights and determine when to file your claim.
What compensation can I recover in a third-party liability claim?
A third-party liability claim could provide you with compensation for financial and personal losses that you’ve incurred due to your accident-related injuries, including:
- Medical and rehabilitation expenses
- Costs of long-term care or support if you suffer from a significant permanent disability
- Loss of wages if you cannot work or earn as much as you did before the plumbing accident
- Loss of future earning capacity due to physical disabilities
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress, including lost quality of life, visible scarring, and disfigurement
What steps should I take after suffering injuries in a plumbing accident?
Protect your legal rights by taking the following steps after a plumbing accident:
- Take photos of the accident scene if you can, including whatever caused the accident (such as a tool or chemical).
- Seek immediate medical attention to have a doctor diagnose your injuries.
- Follow your physician’s treatment plan and recommendations.
- Keep any bills, invoices, or receipts of medical expenses and other out-of-pocket costs you incur due to your injuries.
- Gather copies of your pay stubs or income records if you miss work or have reduced earnings after the accident.
- Contact a Sacramento personal injury lawyer from Demas Law Group as soon as possible to learn whether you may have a third-party liability claim.
Get Help From a Sacramento Plumbing Accident Lawyer Now
Never assume you or your employer is the only one to blame for a plumbing accident. Find out the truth from a Sacramento personal injury attorney at Demas Law Group. We will provide honest, straightforward legal advice in a free consultation. Call or contact us now to get started.
