Portland Trench Collapse Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been injured in a trench collapse in Portland, it’s vital to contact a Portland trench collapse lawyer with substantial experience handling complex construction accident claims. Trench collapses are not only terrifying but often fatal or permanently life-altering. Victims may suffer broken bones, crush injuries, or suffocation—all within seconds of a trench wall caving in.

At Paulson Coletti, we have a strong history of standing up for injured workers and their families. We understand the urgent need for justice and the financial strain that comes with serious injuries. As an experienced Portland Construction Accident Lawyer, our firm works tirelessly to investigate these cases, identify all liable parties, and demand maximum compensation for your recovery and long-term well-being.

Why Trench Work Is So Dangerous

Trench work presents some of the most hazardous conditions in construction. According to the CDC, even a small amount of dirt can weigh more than 3,000 pounds, equivalent to a compact car. This weight can crush and suffocate workers in seconds.

Trenches are often narrow, confined spaces that make escape nearly impossible when walls collapse. Collapses can be triggered by shifting soil, heavy rain, vibrations, or even nearby construction. These collapses occur so quickly that workers are typically buried before they can react. In most cases, there are no second chances. That’s why it’s critical to implement protective systems like trench boxes, proper sloping, and daily inspections to reduce the inherent danger of working in these confined areas.

OSHA Safety Standards for Trenching and Excavation

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration mandates strict safety standards for trenching. Employers must:

• Install stairways, ladders, ramps, or other safe exits for trenches deeper than 4 feet
• Ensure these exits are no more than 25 lateral feet from any worker
• Use only structural ramps designed by a qualified individual
• Connect multi-component ramps to prevent shifting
• Provide non-slip surfaces on ramps
• Ensure earthen ramps are safe and passable, upright and certified by a competent person

These requirements are not optional—they are critical for saving lives. By ensuring safe egress options and properly constructed access points, employers reduce the likelihood of workers being trapped during a collapse. Failure to meet these standards can expose employers and contractors to serious liability and increase the risk of severe injury or death for employees.

Common Violations That Lead to Trench Collapses

Despite clear guidelines, trenching violations remain common. Some of the most frequent include:

• Lack of protective systems, such as trench boxes or shoring
• Failure to perform daily inspections
• Overloading the edge with heavy equipment or spoil piles
• Unsafe access and egress points
• Ignoring soil condition assessments

In many cases, these violations result from pressure to complete a job quickly or poor training. Contractors sometimes skip essential safety steps to save time or reduce costs. However, these shortcuts can cost lives. Every trench collapse caused by a preventable violation highlights a breach of trust and a failure in duty of care. Ensuring OSHA compliance is not only legally required but also ethically essential.

Causes of Trench Collapse Injuries

Improper Shoring or Sloping

Failing to properly shore or slope a trench is one of the leading causes of collapse. If the trench walls are not angled or reinforced appropriately for the soil type and depth, the likelihood of a cave-in increases.

Improper shoring or sloping leads to unstable trench walls. Soil types react differently under stress, and what holds one trench may not hold another. Without custom reinforcement for each site’s soil and weather conditions, the structural integrity fails. These engineering failures are often preventable through consultation with safety experts. When ignored, they become deadly mistakes.

Failure to Inspect Trenches Daily

OSHA requires daily trench inspections by a competent person. Neglecting this duty can allow conditions to deteriorate unnoticed, particularly after rain, vibration, or heavy machinery movement.

Daily inspections are not simply procedural—they are a frontline defense. Hazards can develop overnight, especially after environmental shifts. A competent person must assess potential cave-in risks, water accumulation, and safety system integrity. Overlooking daily assessments leaves workers vulnerable to evolving dangers and opens the door to avoidable tragedies.

Equipment or Material Failure

Malfunctioning safety equipment, collapsed trench boxes, or defective shoring devices can cause walls to give way. Material failures often point to product defects or poor maintenance by third parties.

Sometimes, the trench setup meets safety standards on paper but fails in execution due to faulty gear. For example, aging or substandard trench shields can buckle under pressure. When manufacturers distribute defective safety systems or employers fail to inspect for wear and tear, those breakdowns may lead to liability for serious harm.

Negligent Supervision or Training

A lack of training or on-site supervision puts workers at risk. Supervisors are expected to ensure compliance with safety protocols and stop work if hazards emerge. When they fail to act, workers may suffer avoidable harm.

Supervisors must be proactive, not reactive. They need to enforce compliance, provide clear instructions, and correct unsafe behavior in real time. Training should include recognizing collapse indicators, using emergency protocols, and knowing escape routes. A supervisor’s negligence can result in widespread injury and legal exposure.

Third-Party Liability in Trench Collapse Cases

Many trench collapse cases involve multiple parties beyond the employer. General contractors, subcontractors, equipment manufacturers, and property owners may share fault. Identifying third-party negligence is essential for pursuing full compensation beyond workers’ compensation limits.

When another entity causes or contributes to unsafe trench conditions, a personal injury lawsuit may be warranted. Examples include:

• A subcontractor placing heavy equipment near the edge
• A manufacturer distributing defective trench shields
• A project manager ignoring known safety hazards

Holding third parties accountable is complex but crucial. A thorough legal investigation can determine which parties failed to uphold safety standards and ensure they contribute to a fair settlement.

Workers’ Compensation vs. Third-Party Claims

When a Third-Party Claim May Apply

If someone other than your employer contributed to the trench collapse, you may have a third-party claim. This allows you to recover damages not covered by workers’ compensation, such as full lost wages, pain and suffering, and punitive damages.

Injured workers often assume workers’ comp is their only recourse. However, when a vendor, subcontractor, or manufacturer’s negligence causes harm, civil claims can expand your recovery. These claims offer broader damage categories, and they can help cover long-term costs associated with catastrophic injuries.

How a Lawyer Can Help You Maximize Compensation

An experienced Portland trench collapse lawyer can investigate, identify liable parties, and negotiate with insurers. We collect evidence, consult with safety experts, and build strong cases to demonstrate fault. With legal representation, victims are more likely to recover comprehensive compensation.

Lawyers understand how to interpret OSHA findings, engineering reports, and inspection logs. We pursue full compensation through every available channel, whether through workers’ compensation, civil litigation, or product liability claims. Our goal is to ensure no form of negligence goes unaccounted for.

Compensation Available for Trench Collapse Victims

If you or a family member has been injured in a trench collapse, compensation may include:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost income and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and emotional suffering
• Permanent disability or disfigurement
• Wrongful death damages, if applicable

Each case is unique, and your settlement should reflect the specific ways your life has changed. From surgeries to long-term care to job retraining, the financial toll of a trench collapse can be severe. Working with a qualified legal team ensures these losses are accurately calculated and presented to the liable parties.

Speak With a Portland Trench Collapse Lawyer Today

Paulson Coletti is committed to protecting the rights of injured construction workers in Portland. Trench collapse injuries are often avoidable and usually involve negligent safety practices. We’re here to stand up to powerful contractors and insurance companies on your behalf.

Contact our team today for a free consultation. Let us help you secure the justice and financial recovery you deserve.

This page has been written, edited, and fact-checked by our team of legal writers in accordance with our editorial guidelines. It has been approved by partners Jane Paulson and John Coletti—respected trial attorneys with decades of experience representing personal injury victims.