There is a great deal of danger on construction sites. Injuries happen on construction sites daily, so construction companies often set up compensation systems to compensate injured workers.
A workers’ compensation recovery generally depends on the nature and severity of the injury and whether the injured party is an employee. Due to the complexity of the subject matter, most construction accident cases are handled by lawyers who specialize in dealing with construction companies and their insurance companies.
Construction Accidents Involving Bystanders or Non-Employees
Construction accidents involving bystanders or non-employees are treated like normal personal injury matters. This means that the injured person files a lawsuit against the general contractor in charge of the construction site, their insurance company, and any other responsible parties, such as subcontractors or negligent employees.
Elements to Prove to Recover
The following are the elements needed to recover compensation:
- The person or business was negligent or acting intentionally
- The negligence or intentional act caused the accident
- The accident caused the injuries
If you are injured at the construction site while you are working, generally, workers’ compensation laws will apply to you. Consequently, your employer may avoid an actual lawsuit by providing you with compensation payments immediately instead of filing a lawsuit.
What Are the Most Common Construction Accidents?
Construction work is an essential part of the country’s economy. Many people gloss over this profession, but it contributes to growing communities, safe housing, and code-compliant buildings. We would not be where we are today without construction work.
Even though construction work is one of the most important professions, it is also one of the most dangerous. The use of heavy machinery and the construction of large edifices can easily lead to accidents and injuries.
While many standards and safety precautions help prevent injuries, not all dangerous scenarios can be prevented. Consequently, accidents still happen on construction sites, resulting in hundreds of injuries and deaths.
On construction sites, some accidents are more common than others. There is, however, a general trend regarding accidents that may assist specific sites in becoming more vigilant.
The most common accidents and injuries on construction sites fall into four categories. As a result, these events are called “the fatal four.”
They are:
- Falling
- Electrocution
- Getting stuck in equipment or machinery
- Being hit by an object
Often, these accidents are life-threatening, which is why they are so ominous. It is also common to experience less serious accidents that occur on a regular basis.
Falls
About 35% of all construction accidents are caused by falls. A worker may fall from scaffolding, ladders, roofs, chimneys, etc. Depending on the circumstances and how far the worker was from the ground when they fell, the severity of the fall can vary. Safety equipment can mitigate damage in some scenarios. Other times, there is no safety net in place.
Due to the fact that construction involves the creation of a new building from scratch, implementing safety measures can be challenging. Falls may be so common because of this.
Accidents Caused by Machinery
Hazardous equipment is commonly used on job sites. Construction workers use extremely heavy machinery to construct buildings, roads, etc.
The majority of contractors and supervisors ensure that their workers are adequately trained on these machines. Unfortunately, training cannot prevent all mistakes and accidents. It is sometimes the case that machinery malfunctions or does not react as expected when used in a particular situation.
In more unfortunate and preventable situations, a person who is not properly trained uses machinery and injures someone.
Accidents Involving Vehicles
It is common for highways and streets to be under construction. In order to accommodate fewer lanes and limited access, traffic is rerouted or slowed down. Drivers often become frustrated about this and drive recklessly to make up time. Workers on the site can suffer significant harm or even die.
Trips and Falls
Construction sites are naturally disheveled, despite workers’ efforts to keep materials organized. Because of this, certain areas present tripping and falling hazards to workers no matter how much is done. Many of these trips result in injuries.
Electrocutions
It is common for construction work to occur near power lines and power sources. Therefore, machinery and equipment can easily hit power lines by mistake. Despite precautions and signs reminding workers to take care, electrocution still occurs on job sites.
Ground Collapses
In order to begin excavating for a new building, crews must disturb a significant amount of soil. Excavation can cause the surrounding earth to become unstable depending on the soil and consistency. As a result, the ground can collapse easily, carrying workers with it. When this happens, many people are injured, trapped, or killed.
Repetitive Motion Injuries
Nearly any line of work can be affected by this type of injury. Construction, however, can result in larger-scale repetitive motion injuries, especially to the back. In contrast, wrist and neck injuries can easily occur at work.
Construction-Related Injuries
The above accidents can cause a variety of injuries, depending on the circumstances and severity of the incident. Compensation may be available for any type of injury, depending on the circumstances.
Some typical injuries on construction sites include:
- Fractured bones
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- Burns
- Chemical exposure illnesses
- Brain and head injuries
- Eye injury and vision damage
These can have a detrimental effect on your future and overall health, as well as put your family in a difficult financial situation. Furthermore, some of these can be permanent or cause permanent damage.
Will I Be Covered by Workers’ Compensation?
Employers are required by law to participate in an insurance program that compensates employees who are injured on the job. If you are injured at work, you should file a workers’ compensation claim right away. Medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses will be covered by workers’ compensation.
Are There Exceptions to Workers’ Compensation?
Suppose there are multiple contractors on the site, and the worker is injured as a result of another contractor’s negligence. In that case, the injured party may recover more than the workers’ compensation limits. Generally, workers’ compensation does not cover injuries caused by a co-worker’s negligence or intentional acts.
What Is the Best Way to Deal With Construction Site Injuries?
You can protect your settlement and your health if you suffer an injury on a construction site.
Here are the steps to follow:
- Take a look at your injuries: Do not move if you think you may have a back or head injury. Seek emergency medical attention right away.
- Make plans to seek medical care if you have non-life-threatening injuries: Determine who can take you to the hospital or call an ambulance.
- Take note of who is nearby if you can move: Whenever possible, take photos of your injuries and the cause of your injuries.
- Inform your manager or supervisor, but provide straightforward details: Don’t go into too much detail.
- Get in touch with your attorney: You should inform your attorney as soon as possible of the situation. You are protected from predatory behavior by insurance companies or corporate representatives.
Do You Need an Attorney?
Suppose you have been injured by the intentional or negligent acts of another on a construction site. In that case, you should speak to a workplace injury attorney immediately to learn more about preserving your rights and remedies. Use LegalMatch to find the right attorney in your area today.
