Construction Hazards in San Antonio
San Antonio is one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States. With that growth comes nonstop construction. From large-scale residential developments on the city’s outskirts to high-rise buildings downtown, construction crews work around the clock to meet demand. Roadway projects along I-35, Loop 1604, and Highway 281 bring additional dangers, especially when workers are operating near heavy traffic without adequate protections.
In every direction, there’s activity—pouring concrete, trenching, hoisting steel, and laying utilities.
Unfortunately, the pace of development often comes at a cost.
When contractors rush to meet deadlines or cut corners on safety, the risk of serious injuries skyrockets. Workers may be exposed to untrained subcontractors, malfunctioning equipment, missing protective gear, or unstable scaffolding. In some cases, entire crews operate without the supervision or safety protocols required under state and federal law.
These oversights aren't just violations—they're life-threatening hazards. Our San Antonio construction accident lawyers know the local job sites, the dangers they pose, and how to hold companies accountable when workers get hurt. Whether the incident happened on a roadway expansion project, in a downtown commercial build, or during residential development on the city’s south side, our firm is ready to fight for the answers—and the compensation—you deserve.
What Are the Most Common Construction Accidents?
While studying the causes of fatalities at American construction sites, OSHA identified that the majority of accidents are caused by four main hazards. These sources, known as the “Fatal Four" or the "Focus Four”, accounted for 65% of construction fatalities from 2011 to 2021.
In 2021, the following Fatal Four hazards caused:
- Falls (37% of fatalities)
- Struck by Object (8% of fatalities)
- Electrocutions (8% of fatalities)
- Caught-In/Between (5% of fatalities)
Construction deaths can be prevented when these hazards are addressed. Full compliance with OSHA fall protection, electrical grounding, lockout-tagout, equipment guarding, and other standards minimizes risks and protects workers from harm. Unfortunately, employers in San Antonio and nationwide frequently prioritize profits over safety and choose to cut corners in the hopes that they will not have to pay for their negligence down the line.
How Are San Antonio Construction Workers Injured?
The Fatal Four is just a preview of the most common types of construction accidents. In San Antonio, construction accidents happen in a variety of ways and, though not always fatal, they often cause serious injuries.
Common San Antonio construction accidents include:
- Slips and falls
- Scaffolding accidents
- Exposure to toxic substances
- Accidents involving machines
- Electric shock
- Roofing collapse
- Falling objects
- Crane accidents
Many of these incidents result from sheer negligence or inadequate safety measures on the part of employers. Construction companies in San Antonio must ensure that all machinery is well-maintained, employees are properly trained, and that safety protocols are regularly reviewed and updated. Failing to adhere to these measures not only causes harm but can result in significant legal and financial consequences for employers.
It's also important to consider the role of weather conditions, which can make an already dangerous site more hazardous. Although the weather cannot be controlled, it can be predicted, and its effects can be minimized. Employers should take steps to mitigate risks related to extreme temperatures, lightning, or storms in the San Antonio area by providing appropriate equipment and modifying work schedules accordingly.
Adequate preparation can greatly reduce the likelihood of accidents and injuries for construction workers.
Construction Accident Claims & Lawsuits in San Antonio
In San Antonio, construction workers face unique challenges when it comes to seeking compensation after a serious injury. Unlike most states, Texas does not require private employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance. That means injured workers in San Antonio may have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit directly against their employer if they’ve opted out of the state’s workers’ comp system—or if the employer’s negligence played a role in the incident.
Filing a lawsuit against an employer can provide access to significantly broader compensation than what’s available under traditional workers’ comp. Instead of being limited to medical bills and a portion of lost wages, an injured worker can pursue damages for pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of future earning capacity, and more.
Even when an employer does carry workers’ comp, injured construction workers may still be able to file a third-party liability claim. These claims target negligent parties other than the employer—such as subcontractors, equipment manufacturers, property owners, or general contractors. For example, if a defective scissor lift fails, the manufacturer may be liable. If a subcontractor fails to follow safety procedures, causing an injury, they may be held accountable.
A successful construction accident case may include compensation for:
- Medical expenses and ongoing care
- Medication and medical supplies
- Travel costs for medical appointments
- Lost earnings
- Loss of potential/future earnings
- Emotional trauma
- Pain and suffering
- Punitive damages
Navigating these claims in San Antonio requires a deep understanding of local laws, the construction industry, and the state’s employer opt-out provisions. Our San Antonio personal injury attorneys work quickly to investigate the accident, preserve evidence, and identify every party who may bear legal responsibility.
When your ability to earn a living is at risk, we fight to make sure you're not left paying the price.
Preventative Measures & Worker Rights
OSHA was established in 1971 to hold employers accountable when they fail to implement proper safety standards at their workplaces. So far, the organization has managed to lower the daily death rate of workers from 38 to 14. However, with 2,100 inspectors designated to watch over 8 million worksites, employers that do not value safety often slip through the cracks of the system. These employers must be held accountable for the sake of future employees.
Employers in San Antonio are encouraged to implement comprehensive safety programs that include regular training workshops focused on hazard recognition and the importance of personal protective equipment (PPE). These programs should educate workers about the potential risks associated with their tasks and their rights to refuse unsafe work without fear of retaliation.
Employers also have the responsibility to ensure that safety protocols are not only in place but are actively observed by every employee. Workers have the right to report unsafe conditions to OSHA or other regulatory bodies without the risk of losing their jobs. Protecting these rights is critical, and at Arnold & Itkin, we advocate for workers who face retaliation or infringement of their rights.
Our construction accident lawyers in San Antonio are committed to empowering workers by holding negligent employers accountable, fostering safer working conditions across the industry.
Fighting for Injured San Antonio Construction Workers. No Matter What.
At Arnold & Itkin, we are proud to fight for what’s right. When construction workers are injured on the job, it’s often due to negligent behavior on behalf of the construction company. Whether you’ve been injured or a loved one has been killed by one of the Fatal Four or you’re just not sure where to turn, you can call on Arnold & Itkin’s San Antonio construction accident attorneys. Our team has won billions of dollars for our clients and settled countless claims.
Don’t let a construction injury destroy your future. Call (855) 705-1863 to learn more about how Arnold & Itkin can help you!
