Strategy in a Construction Injury Case
FIGHTING FOR A FAIR SETTLEMENT
The start of a new year always feels like a blank page full of possibilities. While many families dive into resolutions and goal- setting, try another tradition just as powerful (and a lot more fun): creating a family gratitude jar. Instead of focusing on what to change, this little project helps you notice and celebrate what’s already good in your life. With nothing more than a jar, scraps of paper, and a few minutes daily, you can build a collection of joyful moments your family will treasure all year. GETTING STARTED Pick a container. It doesn’t have to be fancy. A mason jar, decorated tin, or clear plastic container all work as long as they can sit where you’ll see them daily. Prepare the supplies. Cut paper into squares (3-by-3 inches works nicely) and have pens, crayons, or markers nearby. If someone doesn’t love writing, they can draw, circle options, or dictate for an adult to write. Have extras ready so you’re never scrambling. Set a daily ritual. Decide together when you'll pause to think and share. It could be after dinner, tucked into bedtime routines, or first thing in the morning. What matters is consistency. Stick with it long enough that it becomes part of your rhythm. Use a simple prompt. Here’s an easy method: Ask each person, “What was a bright moment today?” Encourage them to name something specific, even if it’s small, like “the puppy barking” or “a funny joke.” Give them space. Then have them write or draw it, slip it into the jar, and (if you like) share aloud. Make it meaningful later. Open the jar together once a month or at the end of the year and read through the notes. You’ll be surprised how small moments you may have forgotten feel powerful all over again. Use them to spark intention for the coming year: “I want more of that,” or “Let’s do more kind acts like this.” Starting a gratitude jar is about building a modest, consistent habit that opens your eyes to abundance. Over time, the jar becomes a treasure chest of your family’s stories, reminders, and unseen miracles. That collective memory anchors your family in kindness, wonder, and connection as each new year unfolds! One Jar, Countless Smiles Kick Off the New Year With Gratitude
Some injury cases can move fast, but construction cases rarely do. There are usually many players, several insurance companies, and a lot of finger-pointing before anyone agrees to do the right thing. I recently settled a construction case that took a lot of time and care. It was not a one-on-one situation. We had a general contractor, multiple subcontractors, and different carriers arguing over who was at fault, and who should pay what. Meanwhile, my client couldn’t work and was trying to heal. Our job was to keep the case moving, and keep him informed. There are several reasons why these cases take time. There are depositions for various individuals on the site, and calendars don’t always align. Contracts matter, too. Who installed what? Who handled safety at the location? Who coordinated the project? Every defendant and insurer wants to shift the blame. Getting all of them to agree on fault and dollars doesn’t happen overnight. After depositions, defendants often attempt to file motions to dismiss as well. It helps to have the right team. In many construction injuries, you have both a workers’ compensation attorney and a third-party injury attorney. The comp lawyer helps process medical bills and lost wages through the workers’ compensation board, and we pursue the third- party case to ensure full accountability of the negligent parties that may be responsible for the injuries. Throughout the course of the case, I stay in touch with the client, explain what is happening in plain English, obtain treatment updates, and set a realistic timeline. The turning point in this case came after we completed depositions and filed a document called the note of issue, signifying that the case was ready for trial. That changed the leverage. Shortly before trial, with motions pending, everyone agreed to sit down with a neutral mediator. We spent the day working through the strengths and weaknesses of the various claims, with the defense working through percentages and contributions to a potential settlement. By the end, every defendant contributed something, and we reached a settlement. If you’re in the middle of a construction injury case, here’s my advice: Keep your medical appointments. Follow your treatment plan. Be consistent and careful with your statements and deposition testimony. Ask questions when you have them. Big sites mean many players,
and progress can feel slow, but it’s still progress. A construction injury can upend your life, and you need someone on your side who knows how these cases work. We are here to help you move forward.
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