Construction is one of the most dangerous professions there is, with a higher risk of injury than almost any other job. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, also known as OSHA, one in five worker deaths, on average, are construction related. Construction workers are regularly in close proximity to heavy machinery and tradespeople working for many different companies. Inadequate training and faulty equipment represent a few causes of workers being seriously injured or killed
Types of Construction Site Accidents
The everyday reality of construction work involves the possibility of falling victim to an accident. The heavy machinery, heights, and other dangers that workers must confront on a daily basis all heighten the risk of a catastrophic accident.
The most common accidents that happen on a construction site:
- Falls
- Falling debris
- Electrocutions
- Explosions or burns
- Slip and falls
- Machinery accidents
- Ground collapses
- Vehicle accidents
- Overexertion
The injuries defined by OSHA as the “Fatal Four” include:
- Falls from elevated surfaces
- Struck by objects
- Electrocution
- Caught-in/between machinery and equipment
Injuries that Can Result from a Construction Site Accident
Non-fatal injuries sustained in construction accidents are often severe, resulting in permanent physical injury or disability, costly medical bills and the inability to work.
Construction site accidents can result in injuries such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Burns
- Broken bones
- Lacerations
- Chemical exposure
- Eye and vision damage
What to Do if You Were Injured on a Construction Site
In the event of a construction site accident, your employer should have workers’ compensation insurance to cover your medical bills and lost wages. Unfortunately, workers’ comp insurance is not always reliable for providing the benefits that injury victims need and deserve. If someone close to you is injured or killed, you should retain an attorney who can evaluate if a third party is responsible for the injuries or death. This may provide you with benefits in addition to the benefits provided by your workers’ compensation insurance company.
If you or someone close to you was seriously injured or killed in a construction accident, contact Decof, Barry, Mega & Quinn, P.C. Our lawyers are committed to helping injured construction workers receive the full compensation they deserve.
Schedule a free consultation with our team by submitting your information, or by calling (401) 200-4059.