Peabody Construction Accident Lawyer

Were you hurt at a construction site? Even though this type of environment is inherently dangerous, you don’t have to view the injuries you sustained as an unavoidable outcome. You should have been safe and protected despite the heavy machinery and hazardous materials. 

At Jason Stone Injury Lawyers, we understand that construction accidents happen despite stringent safety regulations. You deserve legal representation in the face of your injuries, and we want to serve as your Peabody construction accident lawyer. 

We have recovered more than $225 million over two decades and counting. Injured? Better Phone Stone®. As your Peabody personal injury lawyer, we will treat your case with care and attention. That’s the Stone Cold Guarantee®.

Common Causes of Construction Accidents

Construction sites have many moving parts, so accidents can occur at any time, especially if proper safety measures are not followed. 

Identifying the root cause of an accident is part of the process when determining liability and pursuing compensation. Here are a handful of common construction accident causes. 

Falls From Heights

Falls are among the leading causes of construction site injuries. Workers operating on scaffolding, ladders, or elevated platforms are particularly vulnerable when safety harnesses or guardrails are not provided or maintained properly.

Equipment Malfunctions

Construction sites rely on heavy machinery such as cranes, forklifts, and bulldozers. Equipment malfunctions due to improper maintenance, manufacturing defects, or operator error lead to severe accidents.

Struck-By Accidents

Struck-by accidents occur when a worker is hit by a moving object, such as a falling tool, swinging equipment, or a vehicle. These incidents are often preventable with proper site organization and communication.

Electrical Hazards

Construction sites frequently expose workers to live wires, ungrounded electrical systems, and temporary power supplies. Failing to follow electrical safety protocols can lead to electrocution or fires.

Trench Collapses

Excavation work can involve trench collapses, which can trap and injure workers. Proper shoring and reinforcement measures are crucial to preventing these dangerous incidents.

Types of Injuries Associated With Construction Accidents

Construction accidents lead to a wide range of injuries, many of which have long-lasting or permanent consequences. Let’s take a look at some of the more common injuries victims of this type of accident often sustain. 

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

Head injuries are common on construction sites, often resulting from falling objects or slips and falls. TBIs range from mild concussions to severe brain damage, affecting cognitive and motor functions.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Accidents involving falls, vehicle collisions, or heavy machinery can cause spinal cord injuries, potentially leading to partial or total paralysis. These injuries often require lifelong care and rehabilitation.

Fractures and Broken Bones

The physical demands of construction work, the risk of falls, and equipment malfunctions frequently result in fractures, which may necessitate surgery and extended recovery periods.

Burns and Scarring

Electrical accidents, chemical spills, and fires can cause severe burns, often requiring extensive medical treatment and resulting in permanent disfigurement.

Amputations and Crush Injuries

Crush injuries from falling debris or machinery malfunctions can lead to amputations, drastically altering a victim’s quality of life and earning capacity. 

Who Might Be Held Liable for an Accident at a Construction Site? 

You might be wondering, “Do I need a construction accident lawyer?” A Peabody construction accident lawyer will help you determine liability in your construction accident. 

This process involves identifying the responsible party or parties and holding them accountable. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, multiple entities may share responsibility.

General Contractors

General contractors oversee the entire construction site and are responsible for ensuring compliance with safety regulations. Neglecting to address hazards or enforce safety measures makes them liable for accidents.

Subcontractors

Subcontractors often handle specific tasks, such as plumbing or electrical work. If their negligence contributes to an accident, they will likely be held accountable.

Equipment Manufacturers

Defective or poorly designed construction equipment often leads to accidents. In such cases, the manufacturer is liable for injuries caused by their product.

Property Owners

Property owners who fail to maintain a safe construction site or address known hazards should be held liable for accidents that occur on their premises.

Employers

Employers are required to provide proper training, safety equipment, and a hazard-free work environment. While workers’ compensation laws often limit direct lawsuits against employers, exceptions may apply in cases of gross negligence.

OSHA Regulations and Safety Compliance

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) plays a vital role in promoting workplace safety, particularly on construction sites. Understanding OSHA regulations provides valuable insights into the causes of accidents and liability. 

Common OSHA Violations

Construction sites are among the most hazardous workplaces, with numerous regulations in place to protect workers from serious injury or death. If you or a loved one has been injured on a construction site, documenting the conditions that contributed to the accident is a must. 

Specific evidence—such as photographs or videos depicting the nature of the site— provide valuable insight into violations. Traffic cameras and body cam footage also help showcase the circumstances leading up to the incident. 

Additionally, downloading black box data from equipment involved in the accident often reveals safety failures or operational errors. Here are examples of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) violations that cause construction accidents: 

• Inadequate fall protection: One of the most frequently cited violations, this involves failing to provide safety harnesses or guardrails.
• Improper scaffolding: Faulty or improperly erected scaffolding poses significant risks to workers.
• Lack of training: Employers must ensure that workers are trained in the safe operation of equipment and tools.
• Unsafe machinery: Using unguarded or malfunctioning machinery is a common cause of construction injuries.
• Electrical hazards: Failure to follow proper grounding and wiring procedures increases the risk of electrocution. 

Compensation Available to Construction Accident Victims

Victims of construction accidents often face significant financial, physical, and emotional challenges. Pursuing compensation helps alleviate these burdens and support recovery.

Pain and Suffering

Severe injuries often result in pain and suffering, which refers to the physical discomfort and emotional distress victims endure. Those who are injured in a construction accident might be entitled to compensation for these non-economic damages.

Medical Expenses

Construction injuries often require extensive medical treatment, including emergency care, surgeries, rehabilitation, and assistive devices. Compensation should cover both current and future medical costs.

Lost Wages

Injured workers frequently lose income during their recovery. Compensation should include reimbursement for lost wages and diminished earning capacity if the injuries result in long-term disability.

Vocational Rehabilitation

Workers who can no longer perform their previous jobs due to injuries need training for a new career. Compensation can cover vocational rehabilitation expenses.

Wrongful Death Claims

If a construction accident results in a fatality, surviving family members may pursue compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and the deceased’s financial contributions. 

Contact a Peabody Construction Accident Attorney for More Information 

A construction accident can leave victims facing severe injuries, lost wages, and ongoing medical expenses. These challenges feel insurmountable, but you have options. 

A Peabody construction accident lawyer will help you pursue legal action against the negligent parties responsible for your injuries. Let us build a case on your behalf. 

Contact Jason Stone Injury Lawyers today to take control of your situation. With us by your side, you can focus on healing while we fight for compensation on your behalf. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can tell you more about our firm and how we help.