Construction sites are one of the most dangerous working environments worldwide. Even in America, construction often ranks at the top end of lists that tally up injuries and fatalities on the job. In fact, construction sites account for one in five workplace deaths. Despite how common these injuries can be, workers often don’t have the information they need to protect their rights after an injury. That’s why speaking with a personal injury attorney is so important.
What Should Injured Persons Do After a Construction Site Accident?
Even small details can significantly change how a construction site accident attorney handles a construction case. As a result, there are no one-size-fits-all solutions for issues like these. Treat the following as general guidelines that may or may not apply to your case.
Seek Medical Attention
This is the first and most important thing you should do after being injured on a construction site. Many injuries, especially those involving the spine or head, can have long-term effects if not properly treated. Even seemingly minor injuries could be more severe than they initially appear. It’s always better to err on the side of caution. See a doctor as soon as possible.
Gather Evidence
Once you’ve sought medical attention, the next thing you’ll want to do is start gathering evidence. This could include taking pictures of the accident site, getting contact information for witnesses and saving any correspondence you have with your employer. If an injury prevents you from working, you should also keep track of any lost wages. This evidence will be critical in building your case.
File a Report
If your injury occurred on the job, you must file a report with your employer. You may complete this through your company’s human resources department or safety manager. Be sure to include as many details as possible, including how the accident happened and what injuries you sustained. You might also need to file for workers’ compensation or disability. An OSHA complaint might follow too.
Consult with an Attorney
After being injured on a construction site, consult with an experienced personal injury attorney. An attorney can help you understand your rights and options and will fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
What Are Some Common Causes of Injuries at Construction Sites?
Construction sites comprise thousands of moving parts. The bigger the construction site, the busier and more dangerous the site becomes. Here are some of the most common causes of injuries created by this.
Employer Negligence
Your employer has a responsibility to ensure that the worksite is reasonably safe. This includes providing you with proper safety equipment, training you on how to use it and ensuring that professionals resolve hazardous conditions promptly. If your employer fails to uphold this duty and you face injuries, your attorney might encourage you to file a claim with OSHA.
Faulty Equipment
Much of the equipment used on construction sites is very dangerous. If it isn’t properly maintained or is defective, it can lead to catastrophic injuries for workers who use it. When this happens, you may be able to sue the company that made the equipment or sells it to your employer for your injuries.
Inadequate Training
Employers often put workers in dangerous situations where they haven’t received proper training on how to handle the task at hand. If you sustained injuries because your employer failed to give you the training you needed, you might have a claim against them for negligence.
Poor Workmanship
Another worker’s shoddy work could create safety hazards for other on-site workers. For example, if an electrician doesn’t correctly wire a construction site, it could create a fire hazard that injures you or someone else. If this has happened to you, the electrician’s employer may be liable for your injuries.
Overexertion
Construction workers often have to lift, push, or pull heavy objects. Exhaustion and improper techniques could cause them to suffer injuries to their backs, necks and shoulders. Overexertion is one of the most common causes of construction worker injuries.
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Many vehicles are often present on a construction site, from dump trucks to earthmovers. If a driver is careless or speeding, they could cause an accident that injures you or another worker. In this case, you may be able to sue the driver and their employer for your injuries.
Entrapment
Construction workers often have to work in small spaces, like trenches. If the trench collapses or an object falls on them, they could be trapped and suffocate or sustain serious injuries. This scenario is especially likely when digging foundations and in industrial applications. Elevator entrapment is another example.
Falls
The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that falls, slips and trips accounted for more than one-third of deaths in 2020. They also accounted for the majority of injuries on the job. Several underlying factors contribute directly to falls. Consider the following:
- Wet or icy conditions
- Uneven surfaces
- Holes in the ground
- Tripping hazards
- Ladders and scaffolding
What Are Some Common Construction Site Injuries?
The injuries a person sustains at a construction site depend on the cause and severity of the accident. Here are some common injuries medical professionals encounter after construction accidents:
- Head injuries: traumatic brain injuries, concussions and skull fractures
- Neck and back injuries: herniated discs, whiplash and spinal cord injuries
- Bone fractures: broken wrists, ankles and ribs
- Soft tissue injuries: strains, sprains and bruises
- Burns: first, second and third-degree burns
- Internal bleeding: hemorrhaging
- Loss of limbs: amputations
- Death: wrongful death
What Potential Types of Compensation Can You Recover After Filing a Claim?
Before filing a claim, your attorney takes the time to review the case thoroughly. Only after evaluating all the various components can he or she determine an appropriate course of action. Here are some of the types of damages you might receive.
Medical Bills
Workers and their families might face high medical bills while recovering from injuries. You might pay for medications, hospital stays and therapy. Your construction accident claim can help you recover these costs.
Lost Wages
Depending on the severity of your injuries, you may be unable to work for an extended period. This lost income puts a financial strain on you and your family. A construction accident claim can help you recover these lost wages.
Pain and Suffering
You might experience physical and emotional pain after a construction accident. Some persons struggle with PTSD for years or find it difficult to adjust to a new life with disabilities. This can harm your quality of life. A construction accident claim can help you recover these damages.
Punitive Damages
In some cases, the court may award punitive damages. This type of damage punishes the at-fault party for its negligence. Your attorney does not request these damages. Instead, the court grants it at its discretion.
Social Security Disability
You may be eligible to receive Social Security disability benefits if your injuries prevent you from working. This government program provides financial assistance to those with long-term or permanent disabilities. It may take several appeals before you receive acceptance.
Why Choose Jason Stone Injury Lawyers?
We have recovered more than $60 million for clients in matters related to construction site accidents and other personal injury incidents. Our attorneys fight hard to ensure our clients receive the maximum compensation their cases deserve. While we cannot guarantee multi-million-dollar wins, this is always our goal. Start your consultation today–there’s no obligation, just information.®
Not Trusting What You’re Being Told?
Better Phone Stone
800-577-5188
START MY NO OBLIGATION CONSULTATION
