Construction sites are one of the most dangerous environments, with workers and machines operating in close proximity to one another, and everyone focused on the task at hand. Unfortunately, these working conditions breed an exceptionally high risk of construction site accidents, injuries and deaths, due in large part to workplace negligence. In fact, statistics show that nearly 1,000 construction workers are killed in on-the-job accidents each year, and of those fatalities, approximately one-third (over 300) are the result of falls. Regrettably, many construction site accidents and injuries could have been prevented had the proper measures been taken to abide by safety regulations, thereby protecting the well-being of construction workers and reducing the risk of injury and death. If you have been injured in a construction site accident, or if you lost a loved one in such an accident, contact a construction accident attorney to review your claim and receive competent advice concerning your compensation options.
Some of the most common types of construction site accidents involve falls, including scaffolding falls, roof-related falls, crane falls, and falls through unstable flooring. Other examples of dangerous construction site accidents include:
Because construction workers are exposed to these risks on a daily basis, it is imperative that construction site workers, contractors and subcontractors observe the safety regulations established by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Unfortunately, some employers choose to violate the safety code and cut corners to save time and money, thereby putting construction site workers at an unnecessary risk of serious injury and death.
Although a construction site is an inherently dangerous environment, many construction site accidents are caused by the negligent actions of employers, contractors, or others. There are a number of precautions that can be taken by employers to reduce the risk of construction site accidents and injuries and to protect the safety of their workers. Unfortunately, the violation of safety regulations, the use of defective tools and equipment and poor training all contribute to the frequency of construction site accidents and injuries. Some common causes of construction accidents include:
Workers’ compensation benefits may be available to construction workers injured on the job, and workers’ compensation laws also provide disability benefits for those unable to return to work because of their injuries, and death benefits for the survivors of construction workers killed on the job. Unfortunately, in some cases, a worker’s claim may be unjustly denied by the insurer, or the monetary compensation offered may be far below what the injured worker is entitled to. Under these circumstances, enlisting the help of a qualified workers’ compensation attorney is critical to ensure that you are fully informed of your rights and to avoid being taken advantage of by your employer or his insurance company. In some cases, injured workers may have grounds to file a third-party liability claim in order to pursue additional compensation, although this route is only available if the negligence of one or more parties not employed by the worker’s employer caused the accident to occur.
Nearly 6.5 million people work at approximately 252,000 construction sites across the country on any given day. Unfortunately, the fatal injury rate for the construction industry is higher than the national average in this category for all other industries. If you or a loved one has suffered serious injuries in a construction site accident, contact a qualified construction accident attorney for legal help. You may have grounds to seek workers’ compensation benefits or file a third-party liability claim in order to pursue the financial compensation you deserve. Workplace injuries can rob workers of their mobility, their ability to return to work and earn an income, and even their life. With the help of an experienced construction accident lawyer on their side, victims of construction site accidents can defend their legal rights and protect themselves from further harm.
