Construction Accident Attorney in Temecula
Experienced Help After A Serious Construction Injury
Construction work in and around Temecula can be demanding and dangerous. When something goes wrong on a job site, injuries can stop your income, disrupt your family life, and leave you unsure where to turn. As a construction accident attorney Temecula residents can turn to, I help injured people sort through these questions and protect their rights.
I am the attorney behind Law Office of Rob Schelling, A Professional Corporation. For more than 36 years, I have guided clients through complex litigation, including personal injury and construction related disputes. When you contact my firm, you work directly with me, not with a rotating team of unfamiliar faces.
If you suffered a construction injury in this region, you may be facing workers' compensation forms, calls from insurance adjusters, and pressure to get back to work before you are ready. My goal is to give you clear information about your options, reduce your stress, and help you make informed decisions about your next steps.
Contact my firm today to discuss your options after a construction injury.
How I Help After A Construction Injury
After a construction accident, you need more than general legal information. You need a lawyer who will listen to your story, understand how the injury occurred, and pay attention to the impact on your health and your ability to earn a living. In my practice, I begin by learning the details of your work, your role on the site, and what changed on the day of the incident.
Common situations include falls from ladders or scaffolding, injuries from heavy equipment, electrical incidents, and harm caused by unsafe walkways or debris. Each of these raises different questions about safety rules, supervision, and which company controlled the area where you were hurt. I take the time to explore those questions with you and to review available documents, such as incident reports and any written communications about the project.
With more than three decades of litigation experience, I understand how insurance carriers and defense attorneys approach construction accident claims. I review contracts, site documents, and insurance policies to identify potential sources of recovery. When I agree to take on your matter, I handle the case personally, including communication with opposing parties and preparation for negotiation or court.
My approach combines the quality of work you might expect from a larger firm with the personal attention of a small practice. Clients are not passed from person to person. I communicate directly, answer questions as they arise, and work to keep you informed about what is happening. I also look for opportunities to resolve disputes efficiently, whether through direct negotiation or alternative dispute resolution such as mediation, when that aligns with your goals.
What To Do After A Construction Accident
The hours and days after a construction accident are often confusing. You may be in pain, unsure how serious your injuries are, and worried about missing work. Taking certain practical steps can protect both your health and your legal options. The specific steps that make sense depend on the situation, but there are common measures that are often helpful.
Your health comes first. Seek prompt medical care, even if you think you can “tough it out.” Some injuries, especially to the back, neck, or head, may not fully appear right away. A timely medical evaluation creates a record of your condition and allows a professional to recommend appropriate treatment. Follow through with recommended care as you are able.
It is usually important to report the incident to the appropriate supervisor, site manager, or property owner as soon as reasonably possible. Many employers and contractors have written procedures for incident reporting. Ask for a copy of any report that is created. If the accident involved equipment, scaffolding, or a particular area of the site, try to note exactly where it happened and what you were doing at the time.
When it is safe to do so, documenting the scene can be valuable. Photos of the location, machinery, safety equipment, and visible injuries may help explain what occurred later. If co workers or others saw the incident, ask for their names and contact information so that they can be reached if needed. Keep copies of any paperwork you receive, including workers' compensation forms or letters from insurance companies.
You may hear from an insurance adjuster shortly after the accident. Adjusters sometimes ask for recorded statements or request that forms be signed quickly. Before giving detailed statements or signing documents, it is wise to understand your rights. A construction accident lawyer Temecula residents can talk with early in the process can explain the types of claims that may exist and help you avoid choices that could limit your options later.
Liability & Compensation In Construction Cases
Many injured workers first encounter the workers' compensation system. Workers' compensation can provide medical treatment and partial wage replacement regardless of fault, subject to the rules that apply in California. At the same time, it usually does not provide full compensation for pain, loss of enjoyment of life, or some long term losses.
In some situations, an injured person may have what is called a “third party” claim, in addition to workers' compensation. A third party claim is a civil case against someone other than the direct employer, such as a general contractor, subcontractor, property owner, equipment manufacturer, or a driver who caused an on site collision. Determining whether such a claim exists requires careful review of the facts and the relationships among the companies involved.
Construction projects often involve multiple contracts and layers of responsibility. My background as a former real estate agent and my work in real estate litigation give me additional insight into how property ownership, leases, and construction contracts can affect safety obligations. I use that perspective when examining who controlled the site, who was responsible for specific areas, and which parties may have failed to follow reasonable safety practices.
If a third party claim is available, potential compensation may include medical bills, future medical needs, lost income, reduced earning capacity, and the physical and emotional effects of the injury. Every case is different, and no attorney can promise a particular outcome. What I can do is evaluate your circumstances, explain the types of damages that may be available under California law, and work to pursue a fair result through negotiation, mediation, or litigation when necessary.
Questions about liability are often complex, particularly when several contractors and property interests are involved. My role is to sort through those issues so that you do not have to do it alone. During our conversations, I explain what I see in your case, what information is still needed, and what options may be available for moving forward.
Construction Injuries In The Temecula Area
Temecula and nearby communities continue to see residential development, commercial building, and work on roads and utilities. These projects provide jobs and growth, but they also create busy job sites where many trades work in close proximity. When safety rules are not followed, serious injuries can occur, whether on a new home build, a commercial center, or a public works project.
If your injury happened in or around Temecula, your claim will typically be governed by California law. Civil cases that arise from incidents in this region are often filed in Riverside County Superior Court, depending on the specific facts and the parties involved. Understanding how cases proceed in that court system helps me give you realistic expectations about scheduling and procedure.
Serious construction injuries in this area may require treatment at hospitals or medical facilities that serve Temecula and Murrieta. Travel for treatment, follow up appointments, and therapy can strain both time and finances, especially when you are unable to work. I take those practical realities into account when discussing your case and possible resolution strategies.
As a local attorney, I am familiar with the types of construction work that occur here and the ways projects are typically organized. Clients do not have to rely on a distant firm that may not know the community. I work with people who live and work in this region, and I am committed to providing accessible, diligent representation tailored to the circumstances of each case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have a claim if I get workers’ comp?
Yes, in some situations you may have both a workers' compensation case and a separate claim against another party. Whether that applies depends on who was responsible for the unsafe condition. I review how your injury happened and who was involved, then explain what additional claims may exist.
When should I call you after a construction accident?
It is usually best to speak with an attorney as soon as you have addressed your immediate medical needs. Early advice can help you avoid missteps with incident reports and insurance contacts. I am available to discuss your situation and help you understand your options before you make important decisions.
Will talking to a lawyer upset my employer?
Many clients worry about this. You have the right to talk with an attorney about your injury and your legal options. Part of my role is to explain how claims typically proceed and how communication with employers, contractors, and insurers is usually handled, so you can make informed choices about how to move forward.
How involved will I need to be in the case?
You will need to provide information, answer questions, and, in some cases, attend meetings or court events. I work to handle the legal and procedural steps so you can focus on your recovery. I keep you updated, explain what is happening, and discuss key decisions with you.
How do you handle construction cases in this area?
I begin by meeting with you personally, learning how the injury has affected your life, and reviewing available information about the site and the parties involved. I then evaluate potential claims under California law, including any third party case, and develop a strategy that may include negotiation, mediation, or litigation in Riverside County Superior Court.
If you were injured on a construction site in or around Temecula, you do not have to sort through these issues alone. I bring 36 years of litigation experience, direct client contact, and a focus on efficient, thoughtful resolution to every matter I accept. Together, we can look at what happened, consider your options, and decide on a path that fits your situation.
To discuss your construction accident and learn more about how I may be able to assist you, you can contact Law Office of Rob Schelling, A Professional Corporation for a consultation.
Call (951) 355-2965 to speak with me about your construction injury.