Construction Accident Lawyer Melbourne, FL
If you were hurt on a job site, a construction accident lawyer in Melbourne, FL, can help you recover compensation beyond a workers’ compensation check, often by holding a negligent property owner, general contractor, subcontractor, or equipment manufacturer accountable through a third-party claim. At Platt, Cole, Russell & Simpson PLLC, our Brevard County construction injury attorneys investigate every potential source so injured workers and their families aren’t left covering medical bills and lost income on their own.
Our law firm provides legal representation for injured construction workers throughout the Space Coast on a contingency fee basis, so clients don’t pay anything unless we win.
To schedule a free consultation, call 321-725-3425 or use our online contact form.
Why Injured Construction Workers Across Brevard County Trust Our Melbourne Law Firm
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 88 Florida construction workers died on the job in 2024.
With rapid growth in Viera and Palm Bay, aerospace expansion near Kennedy Space Center and Port Canaveral, and steady commercial development along the I-95 and US-1 corridors, thousands of laborers, electricians, roofers, and equipment operators are at risk of serious injuries on Space Coast construction sites every day.
A good construction accident lawyer should have a proven track record in catastrophic injury cases.
When a serious injury happens, our Melbourne construction accident lawyers stand out because we:
- Investigate third-party liability, not just file workers’ compensation claims, to maximize your total case value.
- Know the Brevard County courts and the local job sites, developers, businesses, and contractors that operate here.
- Partner with safety engineers, vocational experts, and medical specialists to document the full extent of your losses.
- Prepare every case as if it will go to trial, which positions you for stronger settlements.
- Communicate directly and keep you updated at every stage of the legal process.
We handle construction accident cases in Melbourne, West Melbourne, Palm Bay, Titusville, Cocoa, Rockledge, Merritt Island, Cape Canaveral, Satellite Beach, and every community across the Space Coast.
Common Types of Melbourne Construction Accident Claims We Handle Across The Space Coast
Our Melbourne construction injury attorneys represent workers and bystanders hurt by the full range of hazards.
Fall Accidents on Scaffolds, Ladders, and Roofs
Falls are responsible for 38-44% of industry deaths in Florida. OSHA requires fall protection at 6′ and anytime a worker can fall into dangerous equipment, operating machinery, or hazardous liquids. Yet, unguarded edges, defective scaffolding, missing harnesses, and unstable ladders continue to cause catastrophic construction falls in Brevard County.
Struck-By and Falling Object Injuries
Struck-by accidents account for roughly 9% to 12% of fatal construction injuries in Florida. Construction workers in Melbourne and Palm Bay are regularly injured by dropped tools, swinging loads, flying debris, and moving vehicles or equipment.
Electrocution and Arc Flash Injuries
The third leading cause of construction worker deaths is electrocution. Contact with energized overhead power lines accounts for 40-45% of all fatal electrical job accidents, and unexpected contact with wiring or equipment and lockout/tagout (LOTO) failures cause the remainder. Electricians and laborers on Space Coast commercial builds face a higher electrocution risk than those employed in nearly any other field.
Caught-In/Between and Trench Collapse Accidents
Caught-in/between accidents are responsible for ~2.5% to 5% of fatalities. These cases typically involve workers crushed by collapsing structures, trenches, or moving equipment, with trench and excavation cave-ins being among the most lethal. Unprotected trenches on Brevard County excavation and utility projects expose crews to being crushed, suffocated, and killed, which are almost always preventable with proper shoring.
Crane, Forklift, and Heavy Equipment Accidents
Cranes, forklifts, bulldozers, and other heavy machinery are unforgiving when they malfunction or are operated negligently. When a piece of heavy equipment or commercial vehicle strikes a worker, the result is frequently catastrophic. Employers must adhere to OSHA’s crane rules and Florida’s Storm Preparedness Laws. Defective machinery may also support a product liability claim against the manufacturer.
Fires, Explosions, and Burn Injuries
Gas leaks, flammable materials, faulty wiring, and welding accidents can trigger fires and explosions on residential and commercial sites alike. Burn injuries often require skin grafts, lengthy hospitalization, and permanent disfigurement. Fires and explosions are primarily governed by the FFPC, Florida’s Building Code, and Chapter 552.
Common Injuries on Melbourne Construction Sites
We often handle cases that qualify as serious or catastrophic injury claims under Florida law. This means they require extensive medical care and may cause permanent disability. Common cases our construction accident attorneys in Melbourne, FL, handle include:
- Brain injuries and concussions
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Amputations and crush injuries
- Burns and electrocutions
- Multiple fractures and orthopedic damage
- Organ damage and internal bleeding
- Vision and hearing loss
- Knee, back, and repetitive-stress injuries
- Workers’ Compensation vs. Personal Injury Lawsuit For Melbourne Construction Site Accidents
Florida’s workers’ compensation system isn’t the only source of recovery for construction workers injured on the job. This provides medical benefits and a portion of lost income without requiring you to prove fault, but it does not pay for non-economic damages and is subject to Florida’s wage caps.
That is where an experienced construction accident attorney in Melbourne, FL, becomes essential. We specialize in workplace laws and can identify whether a third party caused or contributed to your injuries.
When You Can File a Third-Party Liability Claim
Under Florida Statute 440.39, injured workers can receive workers’ comp benefits and pursue a negligence lawsuit against third parties if someone other than their employers contributed to the accident.
A third-party case can recover damages that state benefits don’t cover. This includes full lost wages, pain and suffering, and loss of quality of life. Common third-party defendants include:
- Property owners who failed to maintain safe premises
- General contractors who ignored unsafe conditions or violated safety standards
- Subcontractors whose negligence harmed another company’s crew
- Equipment manufacturers that produced defective tools or machinery
- Engineering and design firms responsible for structural failures
- Negligent drivers who struck workers in or near a work zone
When You Can Sue Your Employer in Florida
Florida’s “exclusive remedy” rule generally protects employers who carry workers’ compensation insurance from being sued directly. There are two narrow exceptions.
The employer:
- Failed to carry workers’ compensation. When that happens, victims can file negligence claims against them directly.
- Committed an intentional tort. This is conduct they knew was virtually certain to cause injury or death and then concealed.
Our Melbourne construction accident lawyers analyze the relationships among contractors and subcontractors to pinpoint who can be held responsible.
Melbourne Construction Worker Wrongful Death
OSHA identifies falls, electrocutions, and being struck as the “Fatal Four.” These cause 60-65% of all fatalities in the construction industry. Florida accounts for a high share of fatal construction injuries.
While workers’ compensation death benefits may provide limited support to families, they don’t fully compensate for the losses.
In some circumstances, families may be entitled to file a lawsuit for fatal accidents in Brevard County when a general contractor, subcontractor, property owner, manufacturer, or other party causes or contributes to the fatality.
Wrongful death lawsuits cover lost support, funeral and burial expenses, loss of services, loss of companionship, and other damages available under Florida law.
Because wrongful death cases involve complex legal issues and strict deadlines, contacting a construction death attorney immediately helps ensure they meet all requirements and deadlines.
Florida Workers’ Compensation Construction Class Codes
Rule 69L-6.021 of the Florida Administrative Code defines which trades count as the “construction industry.” These codes determine whether an employer is required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. In Florida, a construction-industry employer must carry coverage with one or more employees. When a business fails to secure the mandatory coverage, the injured worker can potentially sue the employer directly for negligence.
In Florida, every construction job is assigned a four-digit workers' comp class code that sets your premium and defines your coverage. Here are the current construction class codes by trade.
| Code | Classification |
|---|---|
| Landscaping & Agricultural Contracting | |
| 0042 | Landscape Gardening & Drivers |
| 0050 | Farm Machinery Operation by Contractor & Drivers |
| 5402 | Hothouse Erection — All Operations |
| 6229 | Irrigation or Draining System & Drivers |
| Carpentry & Wood Construction | |
| 5403 | Carpentry — NOC |
| 5437 | Carpentry — Installation of Cabinets / Interior Trim |
| 5645 | Carpentry — Detached One or Two Family Dwellings |
| 5651 | Carpentry — Dwellings, Three Stories or Less |
| 5102 | Door and Window Installation — All Types |
| Interior Finishes & Flooring | |
| 5020 | Ceiling Installation — Suspended Acoustical Grid Type |
| 5443 | Lathing & Drivers |
| 5445 | Wallboard Installation Within Buildings & Drivers |
| 5348 | Ceramic Tile, Indoor Stone, Marble, or Mosaic |
| 5478 | Floor Covering Installation — Resilient, Carpet & Laminate |
| 5480 | Plastering NOC & Drivers |
| 5491 | Paperhanging & Drivers |
| Painting, Glazing & Insulation | |
| 5474 | Painting NOC & Shop Operations, Drivers |
| 5037 | Painting — Metal Structures Over Two Stories & Drivers |
| 5462 | Glazier — Away From Shop & Drivers |
| 5479 | Insulation Work NOC & Drivers |
| Asbestos & Hazardous Material Removal | |
| 5472 | Asbestos Removal — Contractor, Pipe & Boiler Exclusively & Drivers |
| 5473 | Asbestos Removal — Contractor NOC & Drivers |
| Masonry, Concrete & Pool Construction | |
| 5022 | Masonry NOC |
| 5213 | Concrete NOC |
| 5215 | Concrete Work — Private Residence |
| 5221 | Concrete or Cement — Floors, Driveways, Yards or Sidewalks & Drivers |
| 5222 | Concrete Construction — Bridges or Culverts |
| 5223 | Swimming Pool Construction — Not Iron or Steel & Drivers |
| Roofing & Exterior Building Work | |
| 5551 | Roofing — All Kinds & Drivers |
| 6400 | Fence Installation & Repair — Metal, Vinyl, Wood or Concrete Panel (by Hand) |
| Electrical & Low Voltage Systems | |
| 5190 | Electrical Wiring Within Buildings & Drivers |
| 7538 | Electric Light or Power Line & Drivers |
| 7605 | Burglar and Fire Alarm Installation or Repair & Drivers |
| Plumbing, Fire Protection & Mechanical Systems | |
| 5183 | Plumbing NOC & Drivers |
| 5188 | Automatic Sprinkler Installation & Drivers |
| 5535 | Sheet Metal Work — Installation & Drivers |
| 5537 | HVAC & Refrigeration Installation, Service & Repair, Shop, Yard & Drivers |
| 5160 | Elevator Erection or Repair |
| 3726 | Boiler Installation or Repair — Steam |
| Steel, Iron & Welding Trades | |
| 3365 | Welding or Cutting NOC & Drivers |
| 5040 | Iron or Steel — Erection, Frame Structures |
| 5057 | Iron or Steel — Erection NOC |
| 5059 | Iron or Steel — Erection, Frame Structures Not Over Two Stories |
| 5069 | Iron or Steel — Erection, Dwellings Not Over Two Stories |
| Heavy Equipment, Crane & Industrial Contractors | |
| 9534 | Mobile Crane & Hoisting Service Contractors NOC — All Operations, Yard & Drivers |
| 3724 | Machinery or Equipment Erection or Repair NOC & Drivers |
| 3719 | Oil Still Erection or Repair |
| Manufactured Homes & Building Relocation | |
| 2799 | Manufactured, Modular or Prefabricated Home Setup or Installation at Site |
| 5703 | Building Raising or Moving |
| Road, Highway & Infrastructure Construction | |
| 5506 | Street or Road Construction — Paving or Repaving & Drivers |
| 5507 | Street or Road Construction — Subsurface Work & Drivers |
| 5508 | Street or Road Construction — Rock Excavation & Drivers |
| 5509 | Street or Road Maintenance or Beautification & Drivers |
| 6306 | Sewer — All Operations & Drivers |
| 6319 | Gas Main or Connection — Construction & Drivers |
| 6325 | Conduit — For Cable or Wires & Drivers |
| Excavation, Drilling & Earthwork | |
| 6217 | Excavation & Drivers NOC |
| 6204 | Drilling NOC & Drivers |
| 6004 | Land Pile Driving |
| Marine, Dams & Heavy Civil Construction | |
| 6006F | Marine Pile Driving, Dock, Seawall, Jetty, Dike or Revetment Construction |
| 6017 | Dam or Lock Construction — Concrete Work, All Operations |
| 6018 | Dam or Lock Construction — Earth Moving or Placing, All Ops & Drivers |
| 6045 | Levee Construction — All Operations to Completion & Drivers |
| 6251 | Tunneling — Not Pneumatic, All Operations |
| 6252 | Shaft Sinking — All Operations |
| 6260 | Tunneling — Pneumatic, All Operations |
| Oil & Gas Construction Services | |
| 1322 | Oil or Gas Well — Cleaning or Swabbing by Specialist, No Drilling & Drivers |
| 6206 | Oil or Gas Well — Cementing & Drivers |
| 6213 | Oil or Gas Well — Specialty Tool & Equipment Leasing NOC, All Employees & Drivers |
| 6214 | Oil or Gas Well — Perforating of Casing, All Employees & Drivers |
| 6216 | Oil or Gas — Lease Work NOC by Specialist Contractor & Drivers |
| 6233 | Oil or Gas Pipeline Construction & Drivers |
| 6235 | Oil or Gas Well — Drilling or Redrilling & Drivers |
| 6236 | Oil or Gas Well — Installation or Recovery of Casing & Drivers |
| 6237 | Oil or Gas Well — Instrument Logging or Survey Work & Drivers |
| Construction Cleanup & Salvage | |
| 5610 | Cleaner — Debris Removal, Construction Contractor |
| 5613 | Cleaner — Debris Removal, Temporary Labor Service |
| 5705 | Salvage Operation — No Wrecking or Structural Operations |
| Construction Management & Support Operations | |
| 5606 | Contractor — Project Manager, Construction Executive, Manager or Superintendent |
| 5146 | Furniture or Fixtures Installation — Portable, NOC |
| 8227 | Construction or Erection Permanent Yard |
| 9554 | Sign Installation, Maintenance, Repair, Removal or Replacement NOC & Drivers |
Unsure whether you qualify as a construction worker? A Melbourne construction accident attorney can help. Your class code shouldn't decide your recovery — we'll fight for what you're owed.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Construction Accident in Florida?
Liability on construction sites is typically complicated. A project may involve property owners, general contractors, multiple subcontractors, equipment suppliers, and design professionals. Each owes a different duty of care, adding further complexity.
To establish fault, our Melbourne construction injury lawyers quickly preserve evidence, including incident and inspection reports, equipment maintenance records, safety logs, photographs, and witness statements.
OSHA sets strict rules for construction sites, including for fall protection, scaffolding, and trenching; violations often serve as evidence of negligence in construction cases. Contractors must also follow Florida building codes. Defective designs or code failures can lead to liability for architects or engineers.
Florida follows a modified comparative negligence standard. This means you can still be compensated as long as you’re not more than 50% responsible, and recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault.
Insurance companies often try to shift blame to victims to minimize payouts, which is why having experienced representation matters. If an insurer is acting unreasonably, our team also handles insurance claim disputes in Brevard County.
Construction Site Accidents Throughout Brevard County
Our Melbourne construction accident law firm represents clients across the entire Space Coast.
- Melbourne and West Melbourne: From downtown commercial builds to hospital and medical office expansions near Holmes Regional, the greater Melbourne area sees constant activity and the construction-site injuries that come with it.
- Palm Bay: Palm Bay’s residential and infrastructure boom puts framers, roofers, and excavation crews at daily risk. Our Palm Bay construction accident lawyers serve families throughout the city.
- Titusville and North Brevard: Aerospace and industrial work tied to Kennedy Space Center and the surrounding facilities creates specialized hazards for the construction workers who build and maintain them.
- Cocoa, Rockledge, and Viera: Rapid master-planned development along the US-1 and I-95 corridors keeps crews busy and exposed to fall, struck-by, and equipment hazards.
- Merritt Island, Cape Canaveral, and Port Canaveral: Port expansion, marine construction, and aerospace projects involve heavy equipment, heights, and electrical work that demand strict safety compliance.
- The Beaches: In Satellite Beach, Indialantic, Cocoa Beach, and the barrier-island communities, coastal and residential construction carries its own elevated and structural risks.
Wherever you were injured, our Brevard County construction accident attorneys can come to you if your injuries make travel difficult.
What to Do After a Construction Accident in Melbourne, FL
The steps you take immediately can protect both your health and your right to seek damages:
- Seek immediate medical attention. Some serious conditions are not obvious at first.
- Report the incident to your employer as soon as possible. State law requires employees to report within 30 days.
- Document the scene with photos and video of the hazard, equipment, and your injuries if you are able.
- Get the witness’s contact information.
- Preserve evidence such as defective equipment or torn safety gear if possible.
- Do not give a recorded statement to an insurer before speaking with an attorney.
- Contact a Melbourne construction accident lawyer to protect your rights and identify every party who may be liable.
Florida Statute of Limitations for Construction Accident Claims
Florida’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims, wrongful death claims, and workers’ compensation claims is generally two years from the date of the accident or death.
Because different deadlines can apply to different cases, it is important to investigate as soon as possible. Missing a deadline can result in losing your right to seek benefits or settlements.
How Much Is a Brevard County Construction Accident Claim Worth?
The value of a case typically depends on the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, the wages and earning capacity you’ve lost, and the degree of negligence involved. A successful lawsuit can recover damages for:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering and emotional distress
- Permanent disability and disfigurement
- Rehabilitation and assistive devices
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Our Melbourne construction injury lawyers work with medical and economic experts to calculate the full, lifelong cost of your case so that any settlement or verdict reflects what you have truly lost.
Our Law Firm Handles Cases From All Space Coast Construction Projects
- Health First Cape Canaveral Hospital on Merritt Island
- Westin Cocoa Beach Resort & Spa
- Space Coast Town Center & The Landing Apartments
- Titusville Mall Redevelopment
- Port Canaveral Cruise Terminal Upgrade
- SR 528 – Indian River & Banana River Bridge Replacements
- SR 401 Bridge Replacement in Cape Canaveral
- Banana River Lagoon / Sykes Creek Dredging
- Sea Ray Drive Bridge Replacement
- Blue Origin Expansion
- SpaceX Starship Infrastructure Builds
- Space Coast Innovation Park in Titusville
- Brightline Cocoa Station Construction
- Ellis Road Widening
- I-95 Resurfacing & Widening
- Malabar Road (SR 514) Widening
- US 1 Corridor Overhauls & Pineda Causeway Intersections
- Ashton Park Community in South Palm Bay
- Everlands in Northwest Palm Bay
- SunTerra Lakes in Palm Bay
- Integra Station in West Melbourne
Contact a Melbourne Construction Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation
If you were injured or lost a loved one on a construction site in Brevard County, the construction injury attorneys Platt, Cole, Russell & Simpson PLLC can help. We will investigate your accident, identify every responsible party, deal with the insurance companies, and fight for the full compensation you deserve- at no upfront cost to you.
Call 321-725-3425 or toll-free at 833-922-0554, or reach us through our online contact form to schedule your free consultation.