Construction Accident Lawyer in Fresno, CA
If you were hurt on a construction site in Fresno or anywhere in the Central Valley, workers’ compensation is there to protect you. It should cover your medical care, part of your lost wages, and disability benefits while you recover, no matter who was at fault. With more than 13 years of experience, Tim Bartell fights for injured construction workers and makes sure they get every benefit they deserve. Your case review is free, there are no upfront fees, and you only pay if we win your case.
Call Us
About Attorney Tim Bartell
Timothy D. Bartell (California State Bar #284735) has spent more than 13 years representing injured workers across Fresno and the Central Valley. His practice is dedicated entirely to workers’ compensation, from construction and industrial injuries to occupational illnesses. Tim takes the time to understand each client’s situation and stays involved personally through every step of the case. Meet Tim.
Serving Injured Workers Across the Central Valley
From our office at 750 E. Bullard Ave., Ste. 103 in Fresno, we represent injured construction workers throughout Fresno and the Central Valley. We keep you informed at every step so you can focus on healing while we handle the legal work.
What Our Clients are Saying
“I am very pleased with the help I received from Mr. Bartell’s office. Whenever I would reach out and had questions everyone was always very helpful. I felt safe and taken care of during this stressful time. I highly recommend.“
Karina R.
Google Review
“I had a great experience working with my lawyer. They were professional, responsive, and made the entire process much less stressful. I highly recommend them to anyone looking for someone knowledgeable and trustworthy.”
Jasmine G.
Google Review
Common Construction Accidents We Handle
Most serious construction injuries fall into the four categories that OSHA calls the leading causes of harm on job sites, often referred to as the “Fatal Four”:
Falls
From scaffolding, ladders, roofs, and unprotected edges. These are the single most common cause of serious construction injuries.
Struck-by Accidents
Where falling tools, materials, or moving vehicles hit a worker.
Caught-in or Caught-between
Accidents involving machinery, trench collapses, or shifting materials.
Electrocutions
From exposed wiring, faulty equipment, or contact with power lines.
Beyond those, we also help workers injured by equipment and machinery failures, fires and explosions, and exposure to hazardous substances like silica, asbestos, and solvents. If your injury is not on this list, reach out anyway. Almost any injury that happens because of your work is covered.
Construction Work Carries Real Risk
Construction is one of the most dangerous industries in California. Central Valley crews work at height, around heavy machinery, near live electrical systems, and in extreme heat, often on job sites run by several different companies at once. When something goes wrong, the injuries are rarely minor. A fall or a caught-in accident can mean surgery, months away from work, and lasting limits on what you can do. Workers’ compensation exists so that you are not left carrying those costs on your own. The system is generally meant to be straightforward, but in practice insurers do not always make it easy, which is why having an experienced advocate matters.
How We Can Help
01.
File your claim correctly and within the required time limits.
02.
Fight denied claims by challenging the denial, gathering evidence, and handling your appeal.
03.
Maximize your benefits, pushing for full medical coverage and fair wage replacement.
04.
Negotiate settlements with the insurance company to secure a fair result.
What Workers’ Compensation Covers
You do not have to prove that your employer or anyone else did anything wrong. If you were injured on the job, you are generally entitled to a range of benefits:
Medical treatment
for your work injury, including doctor visits, surgery, physical therapy, and medication.
Temporary disability
Payments that replace part of your income while you are unable to work.
Permanent disability
Benefits if your injury leaves you with lasting limitations.
Coverage for repetitive trauma
Injuries that develop gradually rather than from a single accident.
Support returning to work
Including retraining help if you cannot go back to your old job.
We make sure none of these get overlooked. Insurers often approve the minimum and hope you do not ask for more. Our job is to make sure you receive the full benefits the law provides.
Injuries That Build Up Over Time
Not every construction injury comes from one dramatic moment. Years of lifting, bending, kneeling, and operating vibrating equipment take a toll. Back and joint problems, carpal tunnel, hearing loss, and lung conditions from dust and chemical exposure all qualify for workers’ compensation, even though they build slowly. These claims are often the hardest to win, because insurers argue the condition is just age or unrelated to work. We know how to document the connection between the job and the injury so these claims are taken seriously.
Why Construction Claims Get Complicated
Construction sites usually involve a general contractor, subcontractors, and more than one insurer, which gives a claim extra room to be delayed or disputed. Insurers may question how the injury happened, claim it existed before, or push you back to work before you are ready. On top of that, injured workers are sometimes worried about reporting at all, afraid it will cost them their job or hours. Having a trusted Fresno workers’ compensation lawyer on your side keeps the process honest, protects you from pressure, and makes sure the paperwork and deadlines are handled correctly from the start.
What to Do After a Construction Injury
The steps you take early can affect your entire claim:
Report the injury to your employer as soon as you can.
Waiting can give the insurer a reason to question your claim.
Keep records
of your treatment, time missed, and any communication about the injury.
Get medical treatment
and tell the provider clearly that the injury happened at work.
Call us at 559-227-7290
before you deal with the insurance company on your own.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the four main types of construction accidents?
OSHA identifies falls, struck-by, caught-in or caught-between, and electrocutions as the leading causes of construction injuries. All are typically covered by workers’ compensation.
Do I have to prove fault to get workers' comp?
No. Workers’ compensation covers work injuries regardless of fault. You do not need to show that your employer or anyone else was negligent.
Can I be fired for filing a workers' comp claim?
No. California law protects injured workers from being retaliated against for filing a legitimate workers’ compensation claim.
Can I still file if I am an immigrant worker?
Yes. In California, workers’ compensation benefits are available to injured workers regardless of immigration status.
How much does it cost to hire Tim Bartell?
There are no upfront fees. Your case review is free, and you only pay if we win your case.
What if my claim was denied?
We can challenge the denial, gather additional evidence, and represent you through the appeals process.
How long do I have to file a claim in California?
Report your injury to your employer within 30 days and file a workers’ compensation claim within one year in most cases. Deadlines vary, so it is best to speak with an attorney early.