Construction sites are dangerous places where many things can go wrong. From electrical burns to spinal cord damage, there are many serious injuries that construction workers, subcontractors, and more are at risk of.
The first step to preventing these incidents is understanding that serious injuries can occur if proper occupational safety measures are not taken. This article will provide a closer look at common construction injuries. Law Office of Carl Maltese can also help explain common injuries in a pedestrian accident.
Understanding the Dangers Present at Construction Sites
It's important to understand that construction zones are incredibly dangerous. Given the nature of these sites, employees are exposed to a number of risks. From electrocution and exposure to falling objects to slips, trips, and falls, there are many ways people can be hurt.
To lower the chances of an injury while on a construction site, there are certain steps that workers and employers can take:
Ensure that the proper safety training has been administered.
Provide or make use of the appropriate personal protective equipment.
Understand the inherent dangers of working on a construction site.
Follow safe work practices.
Take the relevant safety measures when working with hazardous materials.
The Most Common Injuries in a Construction Accident
Here is an overview of some of the most common injuries suffered in construction accidents:
Head Injuries
When a falling object hits a worker in the head, the results can be devastating. That's because objects gain momentum the higher up they are released, which increases the force of impact. Victims may be left with concussions or traumatic brain injuries, which can have life-changing effects.
To prevent this kind of injury, it's important for workers to wear hard hats. These protective devices are designed to take the force of impact, preventing the head from being injured.
Burn Injuries
Burn injuries can occur for a number of reasons. Exposure to hot surfaces, electric shock, and corrosive substances all cause burns. These injuries can vary in severity, with third-degree burns being the most serious.
When the skin is burned, the victim is often left unable to work and may require a long time to recover. Skin grafts may be required in order for the injured construction worker to regain their quality of life. Sadly, these costs aren't always covered by health insurance policies, so victims often have to cover the costs themselves.
However, in cases where the negligence of one or more parties led to the accident, the victim can file a legal claim to recover compensation.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Third on this list of the most common construction injuries is damage to the spinal cord. This part of the body is crucial for the transfer of signals from the brain to the body and the body to the brain. It facilitates motor and sensory function, so injury to this critical anatomical part can result in paralysis, permanent disability, and chronic pain.
The spinal cord can be injured in a number of ways. A trench collapse or fall from height, for example, could result in damage to the vertebrae and subsequent spinal cord injury.
Broken Bones, Fractures, and Amputations
These injuries are also quite common on construction sites. Because workers often utilize power tools and cutting equipment, there is a risk of amputating fingers. Moreover, falling objects, trips, and other kinds of accidents can also cause the body to be crushed.
Broken bones, amputations, and fractures often require lengthy recovery periods. They can also change a person's life forever, affecting their ability to work and earn a living.
Ear and Eye Injuries
The presence of dust or loud noises can cause damage to the eyes and ears. This can impair a person's vision and affect their ability to hear properly. To prevent this, ear muffs and safety glasses are often used.
In some cases, debris, nails, or other objects may be launched into the worker's eyes or ears, causing immediate symptoms.
Sadly, Many Construction Accidents End in Death
While most construction accidents end in injury, some are more catastrophic, causing the death of the victim. When someone else's negligence causes their loved one to pass away, the family of the deceased can take legal action against the at-fault party to claim compensation for their medical expenses, funeral and burial costs, and more.
Common Causes of Construction Accidents
According to the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), there are a number of reasons why construction accidents occur. Here are a few of them:
Falling from a Height
Many construction projects require workers to be at a height. If there are insufficient safety measures in place, employees can lose their footing and fall. These kinds of accidents often result in serious injuries and, in many cases, death.
Electric Shock
Working with power tools and equipment can expose construction workers to electrical hazards. Equipment malfunctions can cause burns and internal organ damage.
The Lack of Safety Gear
Many construction site accidents can be avoided, or the impact lessened through the use of proper safety gear. This includes hard hats, safety glasses, and more. These devices are designed to lower the risk of injury.
Trench Collapses
In some cases, trenches can collapse, closing off workers' air supply. They can also be crushed, leading to serious or deadly injuries.
Repetitive Motion Injuries
Doing the same thing over and over again can result in injuries. That's because muscles and other soft tissues may become worn over time. Construction workers are particularly prone to these kinds of injuries.
Fires and Explosions
Fires and massive explosions are not unheard of in the construction industry. If there is a hazardous, flammable substance on-site, a single spark can cause a major disaster. These accidents can cause serious burns, hurl workers into nearby objects, and lead to fatalities.
This is why ensuring that employees receive the proper training before allowing them to work with hazardous substances is crucial.
Obtaining Compensation After a Construction Accident
The truth is that construction companies have a duty to provide proper safety equipment for their workers and ensure that they are adequately trained to complete the task at hand. Failure to do so can be seen as negligence.
Moreover, another construction worker or subcontractor may be held liable if they fail to follow safety procedures, leading to an injury.
Obtaining compensation following a serious injury is important because it ensures that the victim is able to get the medical care they need. It's also important to note that there are various options available to victims.
They could choose to seek workers' compensation or file a claim with the at-fault party's insurance company. However, these options may not provide the maximum compensation to cover the expenses associated with serious injuries, such as brain damage.
In such cases, filing a personal injury lawsuit is the best way forward. By filing a legal claim, victims can claim both economic and non-economic damages, such as the following:
Medical expenses
Lost wages
Property damage
Pain and suffering
Mental anguish
The Importance of Partnering with a Reliable Construction Accident Lawyer
Injured construction workers need to have a reliable legal advocate on their side if they want to ensure that they obtain the compensation they are rightly due. There are a number of reasons why victims need an attorney:
Navigating the Legal Landscape
The law is complex, and if a claimant wants to ensure that their claim is successful, they must have sound knowledge of the applicable laws. Several construction accident lawyers in Long Island are well-versed in the relevant legislation and will ensure that their clients receive expert guidance.
Calculating Damages
Because many construction accidents lead to serious injuries, extensive medical care is often required. A personal injury attorney will ensure that both past and future expenses are added to the claim. This guarantees that the injured party is able to receive the medical treatment he or she needs to make a full recovery.
Construction Companies Often Have Large Legal Teams
The truth is that construction companies often arm themselves with extensive legal teams. If a claimant wants to stand a chance to win a case against them, they will need to have a lawyer on their side who has extensive knowledge and experience winning similar cases.
Uncovering Vital Evidence
In a personal injury case, the plaintiff (the one who files the case) bears the burden of proof. This means that it will be their job to prove that the defendant (the one responsible for the accident) is liable for their damages.
To do this, a great deal of evidence must be submitted. A lawyer has the skills and resources to conduct a thorough investigation of the accident to find out what happened. He or she will enlist the help of experts and accident reconstruction specialists to identify key pieces of evidence.
This will strengthen the claim and increase the chances of securing a favorable outcome.
Final Thoughts
Construction workers are incredibly vulnerable. They have to work with construction equipment, around heavy machinery, and often alongside hazardous substances. When calamity strikes and an injury occurs, victims can turn to The Law Office of Carl Maltese for expert advice and rigorous legal representation.
To learn more or schedule a FREE consultation, injured construction workers are encouraged to get in touch with us.
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