Best Construction Accident Lawyers in Arta

About Construction Accident Law in Arta, Greece

Construction work in Arta involves a mix of public infrastructure, residential building, and regional development projects. These activities are regulated by national Greek laws that apply in Arta and across Epirus. If you suffer an injury on a construction site as a worker, subcontractor, visitor, or passerby, your rights and potential claims are shaped by a combination of occupational safety rules, social insurance provisions, and civil liability principles. The Hellenic Labor Inspectorate oversees workplace safety and investigates serious incidents, while the national social insurance system EFKA provides benefits for recognized occupational accidents.

In practical terms, a construction accident claim in Arta often has two tracks. The first is an administrative and insurance track that can provide medical care and income benefits through EFKA for an occupational accident. The second is a civil claim for compensation against those who may be at fault, such as an employer, principal contractor, subcontractors, project owner, or others responsible for site safety. In severe cases there may also be criminal investigations for breaches of safety rules or negligent injury.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Construction accident cases can become complex quickly. You may need a lawyer in situations such as the following.

Your employer disputes that the incident was an occupational accident, or fails to report it to EFKA or the Hellenic Labor Inspectorate. A lawyer can help you file timely notices and preserve your right to benefits.

Multiple companies work on the same site. Determining who is legally responsible often requires reviewing contracts, permits, method statements, and safety plans. A lawyer can identify all potential defendants and insurers.

You have serious injuries, long recovery time, or permanent impairment. You may be entitled to compensation for lost earnings, future losses, rehabilitation, and moral damages. Calculating these amounts requires legal and medical evidence.

An insurer offers a quick settlement. Accepting too soon can undercompensate you. A lawyer can evaluate the offer and negotiate for a fair outcome.

There are language or documentation issues. If you are a posted worker, a migrant worker, or if payroll and insurance contributions are unclear, legal assistance helps protect your rights.

The Labor Inspectorate conducts an investigation. A lawyer can help you cooperate with authorities, submit evidence, and access the investigation file where permitted.

Local Laws Overview

Key legal sources that affect construction accident cases in Arta include the following.

Occupational health and safety code. Law 3850 of 2010 is the Code of Occupational Health and Safety and sets employer duties to provide a safe workplace, training, and personal protective equipment. Construction sites must have risk assessments, method statements, and appropriate supervision.

Construction site rules. Presidential Decree 305 of 1996 implements EU rules for temporary or mobile construction sites. It sets specific duties for the project owner, designer, coordinator for safety and health, and contractors. A written Safety and Health Plan and a Safety File are required for most sites.

Labor inspection and reporting. The Hellenic Labor Inspectorate is the competent authority in Epirus for inspections. Serious or fatal accidents must be reported immediately to the Inspectorate and the Police. All occupational accidents must be recorded and investigated. Employers must notify EFKA of a work accident within a short statutory window, commonly 5 working days.

Social insurance benefits. EFKA provides healthcare, cash sickness benefits, and in cases of disability or death, longer term benefits or pensions to insured persons following an occupational accident. Disability degrees are certified by KEPA, the Center for Certification of Disability, which influences benefit levels.

Civil liability and compensation. Under the Greek Civil Code, article 914 and related provisions, persons who cause harm through fault are liable in damages. Article 922 provides vicarious liability for employers regarding their employees. Article 932 allows compensation for moral damages, also called non pecuniary harm. Law 551 of 1915 on work accidents provides additional rules and a fault presumption in certain cases. These civil claims are separate from EFKA benefits and can cover the difference between actual loss and what social insurance pays.

Criminal law aspects. Breaches of safety rules that result in injury or death can trigger criminal liability for negligent bodily harm or manslaughter, alongside administrative fines. A victim can also participate as a civil claimant in the criminal case to support the compensation claim.

Deadlines. Civil claims for damages from a tort generally become time barred after 5 years from when you knew of the damage and the liable person, and in any case after a long stop period that is typically 20 years. Administrative and insurance deadlines for reporting an occupational accident are much shorter, so seek advice quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as a construction work accident in Greece

An accident is usually considered occupational when it occurs during and because of work. This includes injuries on the construction site, during site related transport, or while performing assigned tasks. Some accidents on the way to or from work can be recognized if they are closely connected to work conditions. EFKA and the Labor Inspectorate assess the facts case by case.

Who can be held responsible for my injury

Depending on the circumstances, the employer, principal contractor, subcontractors, site coordinator, project owner, equipment suppliers, or designers may bear responsibility. Greek law allows claims against multiple parties and their insurers if their fault contributed to the harm.

What should I do immediately after an accident

Get medical attention at once. Ensure the incident is recorded in the site accident book. Notify your supervisor and ask that the employer report to EFKA and the Hellenic Labor Inspectorate. Collect evidence if possible, including photos, witness details, and copies of any permits, risk assessments, or safety plans. Keep all medical records and receipts. Speak with a lawyer early to protect deadlines.

Will EFKA cover my medical treatment and wages

For recognized occupational accidents, EFKA provides healthcare services and cash benefits according to its rules. The employer may also have short term payment obligations. Exact entitlements depend on your insurance status, the length of incapacity, and medical certification by KEPA where relevant. A lawyer or a local EFKA office can clarify your specific entitlements.

Can I bring a civil claim even if I receive EFKA benefits

Yes. Social insurance benefits do not eliminate the right to claim civil compensation from those at fault. You can usually claim the difference between your total loss and what EFKA pays, plus moral damages for pain and suffering where justified by the facts.

What if my employer says I caused the accident

Contributory negligence can reduce compensation but does not automatically prevent recovery. Employers and contractors must follow strict safety rules. If site safety measures were inadequate, liability may still exist. Independent investigation and expert reports are often decisive.

Can undocumented or uninsured workers claim compensation

Health and safety rules protect all workers on site. Even if someone lacks proper insurance contributions, they may still pursue civil claims against those at fault. Access to EFKA benefits depends on insurance status and reported contributions. Legal assistance is important in these cases.

How long do I have to file a civil lawsuit

In most cases you have 5 years from when you became aware of the damage and the liable person, with a longer absolute limit thereafter. Because evidence is easier to secure soon after the accident, do not wait to seek advice.

What compensation can I claim

Typical heads of loss include medical costs not covered by EFKA, lost income and reduced earning capacity, rehabilitation and care expenses, damage to personal items, and moral damages. In fatal cases, family members may seek funeral expenses and moral damages, and survivors may receive EFKA pensions.

Do I need to accept a settlement from an insurer

No. You are not required to accept an initial offer. You can negotiate, request further evidence, or file suit. A lawyer can value your claim based on medical reports, vocational impact, and legal precedents in Epirus courts, and then advise on settlement versus litigation.

Additional Resources

Hellenic Labor Inspectorate, Regional Directorate for Epirus. Handles accident reporting, inspections, and enforcement. General information line for labor and social security matters: 1555.

EFKA, Unified Social Security Fund, Arta area services. Provides occupational accident benefits, healthcare access, and certifications. General information line: 1555.

KEPA, Center for Certification of Disability. Conducts medical assessments that affect benefit levels and work capacity.

Bar Association of Arta. Can provide contact details for licensed attorneys experienced in labor and personal injury law.

General Hospital of Arta. For emergency care and medical documentation after an accident.

DYPA Public Employment Service, Arta office. Offers vocational rehabilitation and return to work programs.

Technical Chamber of Greece, Epirus Department. Professional body for engineers that may assist with technical expertise and safety standards.

Police and Emergency Services. For emergencies call 112. Serious or fatal workplace accidents should also be reported to the Police.

Next Steps

Prioritize your health. Seek immediate medical care and follow all treatment plans. Obtain copies of medical reports and discharge notes. These documents are essential evidence.

Report and document. Ensure the accident is recorded by your employer. Request that the employer files the occupational accident report to EFKA and notifies the Hellenic Labor Inspectorate. If the employer does not act, seek help to file your own notice and contact the Inspectorate.

Preserve evidence. Keep photos, videos, PPE, and any defective equipment if possible. Write down a detailed timeline while events are fresh. Collect names and contact details of witnesses.

Get legal guidance early. Arrange a consultation with a lawyer in Arta who handles construction accidents. Bring your employment contract or site engagement documents, pay slips, insurance booklets or AMKA details, medical records, and any correspondence with the employer or insurers.

Coordinate benefits and claims. File for EFKA benefits where applicable and attend KEPA evaluations if scheduled. Discuss with your lawyer whether to pursue a civil claim, a criminal complaint, or both, and the best timing for each step.

Avoid quick signatures. Do not sign waivers, settlements, or statements you do not fully understand. Have all documents reviewed by your lawyer first.

Monitor deadlines. Insurance notifications are time sensitive and civil claims have limitation periods. Your lawyer can calendar and manage these to protect your rights.

This guide provides general information to help you understand your options in Arta. For advice tailored to your situation, consult a licensed Greek lawyer experienced in construction accident matters.