Construction sites are inherently dangerous workplaces, and accidents continue to occur despite technological advancements and strict safety regulations. Construction workers repeatedly face some of the highest rates of injuries and fatalities compared to other industries.
If you’re injured on a construction site, seek legal guidance immediately. A skilled construction accident lawyer can review your case, determine the best course of action, and provide strong support and representation to get adequate compensation on your behalf.
The Most Common Types of Construction Accidents
Construction accidents can happen in many different ways. While the types may vary, some accidents occur more frequently than others due to the nature of construction work.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) thoroughly investigates construction accidents and the most common accidents.
According to OSHA, the four most common types of construction site accidents (labeled their focus four) include falls, caught-in/between accidents, struck-by accidents, and electrocution.
Falls
Falls are the leading cause of construction site injuries and fatalities. They can occur from ladders, scaffolding, roofs, or other elevated surfaces. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in a recent year, one in five workplace deaths occurred in the construction industry, and just over one-third of these deaths were due to falls.
Falls occur for many reasons, including:
- Lack of proper fall protection (e.g., harnesses, guardrails)
- Unsafe working conditions (e.g., wet, slippery, or unstable surfaces)
- Inadequate training on fall safety
- Faulty scaffolding or ladders
- Improperly secured materials or equipment
Workers who fall on construction sites may experience serious, even life-threatening injuries, especially when falls occur from heights.
Caught-In/Between Accidents
Caught-in/between accidents happen when a worker becomes trapped between two objects or gets caught in machinery. These accidents can involve workers pinned by heavy equipment, machinery, or building materials.
These accidents often result from a lack of protective barriers around machinery, inadequate equipment maintenance or malfunctioning equipment, and failure to follow proper lockout/tagout procedures.
Struck-By Accidents
Struck-by accidents occur when an object—construction materials, equipment, or even other workers' tools—hits a worker. Falling objects, like tools or building materials, or moving vehicles or heavy machinery, can injure workers.
Getting hit by objects on a construction site regularly occurs due to improperly secured loads, lack of awareness of surroundings, and poor organization and placement of materials.
Electrocutions
Electrocutions are another significant cause of injury and death in the construction industry. Exposed wires, faulty electrical systems, or damaged electrical equipment can electrocute workers.
These accidents often result from:
- Contact with overhead power lines
- Faulty electrical systems or wiring
- Use of damaged or improperly maintained electrical tools and equipment
- Inadequate training or electrical hazards
Accidents involving electrocution can present unique problems to affected workers. Victims may experience organ damage, vision loss, and even cognitive issues.
Other Common Types of Construction Accidents
Along with the focus four construction accidents, several other types of incidents commonly occur on construction sites, including, but not limited to:
- Vehicle accidents: Many vehicles, including large trucks, can be found on construction sites at any given moment. The individuals driving these vehicles are at risk of collision, and workers in the vicinity may get hit by moving vehicles.
- Fires and explosions: We often find hazardous materials on construction sites, including chemicals and gases. Dangerous conditions, like exposed wiring, can cause fires and explosions, leading to serious injuries for all workers in the area.
- Trench collapses: The sides of a trench cave-in may trap workers inside. Trenching and excavation work is particularly dangerous because the ground can shift unexpectedly, and bury workers in seconds.
- Machinery accidents: Heavy machinery like cranes, forklifts, bulldozers, and excavators can injure workers, even when used properly. Moving machinery parts can injure workers, too.
Construction accidents can happen in many ways and for various reasons, leaving workers injured and out of work. Regardless of the type of accident you experience, if you’re hurt on a construction site, discuss your situation with a seasoned attorney for guidance.
Injuries Often Resulting from Construction Accidents
The types of injuries on construction sites are as diverse as the accidents themselves. However, some injuries are more common due to the high-risk nature of construction work. Some of the most frequent construction accident injuries include:
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
Falls, struck-by accidents, and electrocutions are common causes of traumatic brain injuries on construction sites. TBIs can range from concussions to severe brain damage, often leading to permanent disability, vegetative state, or even death.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries, which can result in partial or full paralysis, are often caused by falls or being struck by heavy objects. These injuries can lead to a lifetime of medical treatment, rehabilitation, and sometimes the need for personal assistance.
Broken Bones
Falls from heights, being struck by objects, or machinery accidents can result in broken bones. Fractures are often severe, requiring surgery, long-term physical therapy, and significant time off work.
Amputations
Amputations are typically caused by machinery accidents or being caught in/between equipment. Depending on the severity of the injury, amputations can lead to permanent disability and a need for prosthetics or rehabilitation.
Burns
Construction workers risk burns from electrical accidents, explosions, or fires. Electrical burns, chemical burns, and burns from heated materials often lead to long-term scarring or disfigurement.
Lacerations and Puncture Wounds
Construction workers frequently use sharp tools, heavy machinery, and power tools. As a result, lacerations and puncture wounds are common injuries, especially in environments where workers handle materials like glass, metal, or concrete.
Why are Construction Site Accidents So Common?
Several factors contribute to construction accidents, ranging from environmental conditions to human error. Below are just some of the most common causes of construction accidents:
Poor Safety Protocols
Despite regulations, such as OSHA’s laws and regulations, some construction companies fail to implement adequate safety protocols. Lack of training, failure to provide necessary safety equipment (e.g., hard hats, fall protection), or negligence in following safety guidelines can contribute to accidents.
Inexperienced Workers
Inexperienced workers, or those new to the construction site, are often more prone to accidents. Lack of proper training or unfamiliarity with machinery or safety protocols can lead to dangerous situations.
Unsafe Equipment and Tools
Construction equipment and machinery are often subject to wear and tear. If the equipment is not regularly inspected or properly maintained, it can malfunction and cause accidents.
Environmental Hazards
Weather conditions, poor lighting, or hazardous materials can create dangerous working environments. Wet or slippery surfaces, for example, significantly increase the risk of falls.
Time Pressure and Worker Fatigue
In many construction projects, workers are under significant time pressure to meet deadlines. This can result in rushed work, which often compromises safety. Worker fatigue can also impair judgment and physical coordination, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
Seeking Compensation for Construction Accidents
Injured construction workers have two primary avenues for seeking compensation: workers' compensation claims and third-party lawsuits. The route you take to pursue financial recovery depends on the situation. An experienced construction accident attorney can determine how best to secure the compensation you need and deserve.
Workers’ Compensation
Workers' compensation is a state-mandated insurance system that benefits workers injured on the job. Workers in many industries, including the construction industry, are often protected by this type of insurance.
Workers' compensation benefits can cover:
- Medical expenses: Including doctor’s visits, hospital stays, surgery, medications, and rehabilitation.
- Lost earnings: Workers who cannot return to their jobs because of the injury are entitled to a percentage of their lost income.
- Disability benefits: If the injury results in a disability, workers may receive compensation based on the severity of their disability.
- Death benefits: In the unfortunate event of a fatal accident, workers’ families may be entitled to benefits, including funeral expenses and support for dependents.
In exchange for offering their employees mandatory workers’ compensation coverage, the law protects employers from personal injury lawsuits based on negligence. Workers may pursue workers’ comp benefits without having to take legal action against their employers, but workers' compensation pays limited benefits.
Third-Party Lawsuits
While workers' compensation prevents employees from suing their employers in most cases, injured workers may still pursue third-party lawsuits.
These lawsuits are filed against parties other than the employer, such as:
- Contractors: If a subcontractor or another contractor’s negligence contributed to the accident.
- Manufacturers: If faulty equipment or machinery caused the injury, you may file a product liability lawsuit.
- Property owners: If a property owner’s negligence led to unsafe working conditions.
- Other third parties: Any other person or entity responsible for the accident and resulting injuries.
You may recover additional compensation through a third-party lawsuit, including pain and suffering (compensation for physical pain and emotional distress) or punitive damages (damages used to punish defendants for their intentional, malicious, or grossly negligent conduct).
Immediately discuss your case with a construction accident lawyer. An attorney can determine whether any third parties contributed to your accident to take proper legal action.
How a Construction Accident Lawyer Can Help
Navigating the legal complexities of construction accident cases can be challenging, especially when dealing with the aftermath of a serious injury. A skilled construction accident attorney can help injured workers in several ways:
Investigating the Accident
Attorneys will conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the accident. This may involve reviewing accident reports, interviewing witnesses, and gathering evidence like photos, safety records, and maintenance logs to determine liability.
Filing and Handling Workers’ Compensation Claims
An attorney can assist with filing workers' compensation claims, completing all necessary paperwork accurately and on time. If workers' compensation denies or disputes a claim, the attorney can represent you through the appeals process.
Negotiating With Insurance Companies
Insurance companies regularly try to minimize the compensation they pay to injured workers. A construction accident lawyer can negotiate with insurers on your behalf to ensure you receive the full benefits you deserve.
Pursuing Appropriate Third-Party Lawsuits
If a third party causes the accident, a construction accident lawyer can file a personal injury lawsuit against that party to seek additional financial recovery.
Maximizing Compensation
Construction accident attorneys understand the compensation available and can work to maximize the total settlement or verdict for their clients. This can include negotiating for future medical expenses, ongoing rehabilitation, and other long-term costs.
Providing Quality Legal Guidance
Nobody understands the difficulties construction workers face after an accident better than a construction accident attorney. These lawyers make it their mission to not only support and care for their clients through a difficult time, but also fight aggressively to protect their rights and represent them.
Navigating your situation after a construction accident can be challenging, but an experienced attorney can provide clear guidance and representation throughout the process, giving you peace of mind and allowing you to focus on your physical and mental recovery.
If You’re Injured, Seek Legal Help Right Away from a Construction Accident Attorney
Construction accidents are a major concern in the industry, resulting in significant physical, emotional, and financial hardships for workers. Many of these accidents are avoidable, but construction site accidents continue to happen daily.
When accidents involve third-party negligence, injured victims have the right to seek full compensation for their losses, usually beyond workers’ compensation benefits.
If you’re injured on a construction site, a lawyer can explain your legal rights and options for pursuing favorable benefits and potential additional financial recovery.
A skilled personal injury attorney will play a pivotal role in investigating the cause of your accident, negotiating compensation, and ensuring you are fairly compensated for your injuries and losses.
Consultations are free, so schedule yours today with a construction accident attorney near you.