Common Construction Site Injuries a Lawyer Can Help With

Common Construction Site Injuries a Lawyer Can Help With

Accidents on construction sites can lead to devastating injuries, including spinal cord damage, fractures, crush injuries, and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). If you or someone you love suffered injuries on a construction site, you must retain a skilled attorney who can represent you right away.

A construction accident lawyer can evaluate your circumstances, determine your legal options, and take appropriate action on your behalf. Specifically, your lawyer can file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits or a third-party claim seeking additional damages.

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Common Accidents on Construction Sites

Construction sites are bustling hubs of activity, but they’re also hotspots for accidents. Some of the most common types of accidents that occur on construction sites include:

• Falls – Falls are the leading cause of fatalities in the construction industry. Whether from scaffolding, ladders, or elevated surfaces, workers face significant risks. Lack of fall protection, improper scaffolding assembly, and slippery surfaces frequently contribute to these accidents.
• Struck-by Objects – Workers often encounter heavy machinery and materials on construction sites, and accidents may occur when falling objects, swinging equipment, or vehicles strike a worker. Failing to establish clear work zones and secure materials increases the risk of these incidents.
• Electrocutions – Construction sites involve extensive electrical work, exposing workers to potential electrocution hazards. Contact with live wires, faulty equipment, and improper use of power tools can lead to severe injuries or fatalities.
• Caught-in or Between Objects – Workers may also become trapped or crushed between machinery, materials, or structures, leading to serious injuries or fatalities. Inadequate training, lack of safety procedures, and improper use of equipment contribute to these accidents. Excavation and trenching activities pose particular risks.
• Trips and Slips – Construction sites often feature uneven terrain, debris, and slippery surfaces, increasing the likelihood of trips and slips. Poor housekeeping practices, inadequate lighting, and inclement weather exacerbate these risks. Workers may suffer injuries ranging from minor bruises to severe fractures in these accidents.
• Collapse of Structures – Building collapses pose significant risks to construction workers. Structural failures, inadequate bracing, and substandard materials can lead to catastrophic accidents. Failing to conduct thorough inspections and adhere to building codes further increases the likelihood of structural collapses.
• Overexertion – Construction work demands physical exertion, leading to overexertion injuries such as strains and sprains. Lifting heavy objects, repetitive motions, and working in awkward positions contribute to these incidents.
• Heat-related Illnesses – Outdoor construction work exposes workers to extreme temperatures, increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Inadequate hydration, lack of shade, and prolonged exposure to the sun contribute to these conditions. Failing to implement heat safety measures further jeopardizes worker health and safety.

No matter what caused your injuries, always have a construction accident attorney evaluate your legal options for compensation.

How Can a Construction Accident Lawyer Help?

Suffering injuries on a construction site can be physically, emotionally, and financially devastating. Seeking the assistance of a lawyer who regularly handles construction site accidents can be instrumental in navigating the legal process and obtaining the compensation you deserve.

• Investigating the Circumstances – An experienced construction accident attorney will conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding your injury. This includes gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and reviewing relevant documentation, such as safety records and incident reports. By identifying liable parties and determining the cause of the accident, your lawyer can build a strong case to support your claim for compensation.
• Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim – If you suffered an injury while performing work-related duties on a construction site, you may be entitled to recover various workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits can cover medical expenses, lost income, and rehabilitation costs. A lawyer can guide you through the process of filing a workers’ compensation claim, ensuring that all necessary documentation is submitted accurately and on time. Additionally, if your claim is denied or disputed, your lawyer can advocate on your behalf during the appeals process.
• Filing a Third-Party Claim for Damages – In some cases, a third party other than your employer may be responsible for your injuries. For example, if a defective piece of equipment or negligence by a subcontractor contributed to the accident, you may have grounds for a third-party claim for damages. Unlike workers’ compensation benefits, a third-party claim can provide compensation for pain and suffering, as well as punitive damages in cases of gross negligence or misconduct. A lawyer experienced in construction site accidents can assess the circumstances of your injury and determine the viability of pursuing a third-party claim.
• Negotiating a Settlement – Insurance companies representing employers and other liable parties often seek to minimize their financial liability by offering low settlement amounts or disputing the validity of claims. A lawyer can negotiate with insurance adjusters on your behalf to secure a fair and equitable settlement that fully compensates you for your injuries and losses. If a settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, your lawyer can prepare to take your case to court and advocate for your rights before a judge and jury.

By enlisting the services of a knowledgeable and experienced lawyer, you can ensure that your rights remain protected and pursue the maximum compensation available for your construction site injury.

Potential Workers’ Compensation Benefits Following a Construction Site Accident

Following a construction site accident, workers may be entitled to various types of recoverable workers’ compensation benefits to help them recover from their injuries and cover related expenses. These benefits can provide financial assistance and support during a challenging time. Here are some common types of recoverable workers’ compensation benefits:

• Medical Benefits – Workers’ compensation typically covers the cost of medical treatment related to the construction site injury. This can include expenses such as hospital visits, surgeries, doctor’s visits, medications, physical therapy, and rehabilitation services. Workers are entitled to receive necessary medical care to treat their injuries and facilitate their recovery, with the costs being borne by the workers’ compensation insurance carrier.
• Lost Income – If a construction site injury prevents a worker from returning to work or results in a temporary disability, they may be eligible to receive compensation for lost income. This benefit typically provides a percentage of the worker’s average weekly earnings, allowing them to maintain a portion of their income while they are unable to work due to their injury. Lost income benefits may be available for temporary total disability (when the worker cannot work at all) or temporary partial disability (when the worker can work but earns less due to their injury).
• Permanent Disability Benefits—Workers who suffer a construction site injury that results in a permanent impairment or disability may be entitled to recover permanent disability benefits. The amount of these benefits is typically based on the extent of the worker’s impairment and its effect on their ability to work and earn a living. Permanent disability benefits may be awarded as a lump sum or as ongoing payments, depending on the severity of the disability and state regulations.
• Vocational Rehabilitation – Workers who cannot return to their previous jobs due to a construction site injury may be eligible for vocational rehabilitation services. These services help injured workers develop new skills, receive job training, and find suitable employment opportunities that accommodate their physical limitations. Vocational rehabilitation aims to facilitate the worker’s return to the workforce and maximize their earning potential despite their injury.

These workers’ comp benefits provide crucial financial assistance and help injured workers navigate the challenges of recovery and rehabilitation.

Types of Recoverable Third-Party Damages After a Construction Site Accident

When a construction site accident occurs due to the negligence or misconduct of a third party, injured workers may pursue additional compensation beyond workers’ compensation benefits. Specifically, they can file a third-party claim or lawsuit for damages. These damages can help cover losses not addressed by workers’ compensation and provide additional support for injured workers. Here are some common types of recoverable third-party damages after a construction site accident:

• Pain and Suffering – Injured workers may be entitled to compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress they experience due to their construction site accident. Pain and suffering damages aim to provide financial relief for the intangible harm resulting from their injury, including discomfort, anxiety, and diminished quality of life. The amount of pain and suffering damages awarded varies depending upon the severity and effect of the injury on the injured worker’s life.
• Loss of Life Enjoyment – Construction site injuries can significantly affect an injured worker’s ability to engage in activities they once enjoyed, such as hobbies, sports, and socializing. Loss-of-life-enjoyment damages compensate injured workers for the loss of these activities and their diminished ability to experience life’s pleasures due to their injury.
• Loss of Consortium – In cases where a construction site injury affects the injured worker’s relationship with their spouse or family members, the injured worker’s spouse may be entitled to compensation for loss of consortium. This damage seeks to compensate the spouse for the loss of companionship, affection, and support resulting from the worker’s injury.
• Punitive Damages – In cases of egregious negligence or intentional misconduct by a third party, injured workers may receive punitive damages in addition to compensatory damages. Punitive damages  punish the responsible party and deter similar conduct in the future. These damages are only available when the third party’s actions were especially reckless, willful, or wanton.
• Future Medical Expenses – Injured workers may also be entitled to compensation for future medical expenses related to their construction site injury. This can include the cost of ongoing medical care, rehabilitation, and long-term treatment necessary for the injured worker’s recovery and well-being. Future medical expense damages aim to ensure injured workers have access to the medical care they need to manage their injuries and maintain their health in the years to come.

By pursuing a third-party claim for damages after a construction site accident, injured workers can seek compensation for a broader range of losses and secure the financial support necessary to rebuild their lives and move forward after their injury.

Talk with an Experienced Construction Accident Lawyer Today

If you or someone you love suffered injuries on a construction site, you need to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney right away. Your attorney can promptly review your legal options with you and take the steps necessary to pursue the workers’ compensation benefits and third-party damages you deserve.