Fort Wayne Construction Accident Lawyer

How We Help After a Construction Site Injury in Fort Wayne

When a construction accident happens, the clock starts ticking on evidence preservation, and our team responds immediately to capture critical details that often disappear within hours. We understand that construction sites are dynamic environments where equipment gets moved, debris gets cleared, and witnesses scatter to other job assignments, so we act quickly to lock down the facts while they are still accessible and fresh.

When you partner with us, you can expect:

• Rapid investigation and coordination with authorities. We obtain the Fort Wayne Police Department’s incident number and retrieve the official crash or incident report through the city’s records portal. We also request employer and subcontractor reports, OSHA logs, and site safety plans to identify safety lapses.
• Preservation of physical and digital proof. Photos, videos, 911 recordings, and surveillance from nearby businesses can establish liability before a site is cleared or repaired.
• Liability mapping. We analyze general and subcontractor contracts, identifying which party controlled the work sequence and safety supervision.
• Medical and financial documentation. Our attorneys compile your medical records, diagnostic imaging, wage verification, and disability paperwork to ensure damages reflect every impact on your health and livelihood.
• Insurance strategy built around real-world experience. We coordinate workers’ compensation benefits with third-party negligence claims, manage medical liens, and evaluate uninsured and underinsured coverage when a vehicle caused the injury.
• Expert testimony that builds credibility. Construction safety specialists, reconstruction engineers, and vocational experts help quantify both fault and long-term loss.

We have recovered millions for Indiana workers injured on complex job sites and in other personal injury accidents across the state, as you can see in our case results. Each case reflects our commitment to building a complete record of what went wrong and who should be held accountable.

Our Accident Attorneys

Tina M. Bell

Partner

Meet Lee C. Christie

Partner

Laura J. Conyers, RN

Associate

Meet Kevin P. Farrell

Of Counsel

Meet Kathy A. Lee

Retired

Meet Kyle L. Christie

Partner

Katherine M. Marshall

Partner

Christopher D. Simpkins

Partner

Speak with a personal injury lawyer today. Call: 317-488-5500

Common Construction Accidents in Fort Wayne

Construction sites in Allen County vary from high-rise projects along to highway work zones on I-69 and I-469. Despite different settings, the most serious incidents share preventable causes that stem from rushed timelines, inadequate supervision, or failure to enforce basic safety protocols.

These preventable accidents are common:

• Falls from heights on scaffolds, roofs, or ladders remain the top source of catastrophic injuries.
• Struck-by and caught-in/between incidents involving cranes, forklifts, or collapsing loads cause crushing injuries and fatalities every year.
• Trench and excavation hazards arise when shoring or sloping is inadequate, leading to sudden collapses that trap workers.
• Electrical injuries often occur when lockout/tagout procedures fail or power lines are not properly de-energized.
• Defective equipment and PPE failures can transform a minor oversight into a life-altering injury.
• Work-zone vehicle crashes involving distracted or speeding motorists remain a growing problem near active construction corridors.

Employers and contractors often rush to clean up a site within hours. That’s why our first step is always to send preservation letters and document every piece of equipment before it’s moved. Once a ladder, harness, or scaffold is discarded, the evidence is gone forever.

Prompt legal action preserves your right to compensation and ensures OSHA and other agencies receive accurate information before findings are finalized. When we intervene early, we help shape the official record to reflect what actually happened—not a sanitized version that protects the contractor’s interests.

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Construction Injuries Fort Wayne Workers Face

Falls, crushes, and electrical incidents involve extreme forces that can permanently alter a person’s ability to work. These are not minor setbacks, and they require long-term medical intervention, adaptive technology, and often a complete career reassessment. Common outcomes include:

• Traumatic brain injuries from head impact or falling objects
• Spinal cord injuries resulting in partial or total paralysis
• Fractures, crush injuries, and amputations from equipment or structural failures
• Severe burns caused by electrical arcs or explosions
• Chronic back and joint damage from repetitive lifting or overexertion

These injuries require immediate and ongoing medical care, rehabilitation, and adaptive equipment. Our attorneys work with medical experts to project future treatment costs and show how each limitation affects your earning potential. We invite you to discuss your injuries and losses with an expert construction accident lawyer—we’ll help you evaluate your options and understand your rights.

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Who May Be Liable Beyond Workers’ Compensation

Workers’ compensation may cover a portion of wages and medical care, but it does not address third-party negligence that caused or worsened the injury. At Christie Bell & Marshall, we look beyond the employer relationship to identify every accountable party. Our investigation typically uncovers multiple layers of responsibility that extend far beyond the crew that was on-site when the accident occurred, and we pursue each one to ensure you receive full compensation for every harm you have suffered.

Potentially liable parties include:

• General contractors and site supervisors who failed to coordinate trades, inspect scaffolding, or correct unsafe sequences.
• Subcontractors whose crews created hazards or ignored site safety protocols.
• Property owners or project managers who retained control over the worksite but neglected to enforce safety plans.
• Equipment and tool manufacturers if defective ladders, lifts, or power tools contributed to the incident.
• Third-party drivers who struck workers in roadside or construction-zone operations.

Each relationship on a construction site defines a potential duty of care. We examine contracts, safety manuals, and inspection records to pinpoint who had control over the hazard that caused harm.

Damages We Pursue in Your Fort Wayne Construction Accident Case

Compensation in construction accident cases extends far beyond immediate medical bills. Depending on your injuries, recoverable damages may include:

• Current and future medical care, rehabilitation, and assistive devices.
• Wage loss and reduced earning potential if you can’t return to your trade.
• Out-of-pocket costs, household help, and modifications to your home or vehicle.
• Non-economic damages for physical pain, emotional trauma, and loss of enjoyment of life.

When equipment fails, protocols are ignored, or site supervisors cut corners, our firm steps in to hold every responsible party accountable—documenting the negligence, coordinating with OSHA investigators, and building a complete picture of liability that insurers can’t dismiss.

We handle the legal complexities so you can focus on recovery, and we don’t collect a fee unless we win your case.

Talk to Christie Bell & Marshall About Your Fort Wayne Construction Accident

At Christie Bell & Marshall, our attorneys bring decades of experience handling complex construction cases across Indiana, working with experts in safety compliance, industrial engineering, and occupational medicine to prove how and why an accident occurred. We take on negligent contractors, insurers, and manufacturers to make sure the people doing the work aren’t left carrying the costs.

We invite you to schedule a free consultation with our Fort Wayne team. Bring any photos, medical bills, and your FWPD or OSHA report, and we’ll outline the next steps to preserve your rights, identify every liable party, and start documenting your losses from day one.

During that consultation, we will review the specific facts of your accident, explain how Indiana law applies to your situation, and provide honest guidance about what you can expect as your case moves forward.

FAQs About Fort Wayne Construction Accident Cases

Can I sue my employer if I’m hurt on a construction site?

Usually, Indiana’s workers’ compensation system prevents direct lawsuits against employers. However, you can file a separate claim against negligent third parties such as general contractors, property owners, or equipment manufacturers. Our attorneys review subcontractor agreements and maintenance records to find those responsible outside the workers’ comp shield.

How long do I have to file a construction injury claim in Indiana?

Most construction accident claims must be filed within two years of the incident under Indiana Code § 34-11-2-4. Exceptions exist for wrongful death, government contracts, and cases involving latent injuries, so we recommend contacting an attorney as soon as possible to confirm your specific timeline.

Who can be held liable for unsafe conditions on a Fort Wayne job site?

Liability can extend to general contractors, subcontractors, site owners, equipment manufacturers, and even delivery companies if their conduct contributed to the unsafe environment. We investigate control of safety procedures and whether required inspections or protective equipment were ignored.

How can I tell if a contractor violated OSHA standards?

OSHA citations, safety-meeting notes, or missing protective gear logs can signal a violation. Our firm works with industrial safety consultants who interpret standards and confirm whether a breach contributed to your injury.