Construction Work Injuries
Some of the most serious work injury accidents happen in the construction and agriculture industry. Approximately 14 workers die on the job every day in the U.S., according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), which also tells us that construction sites are among the most dangerous places to work and pose the highest risk of serious and fatal worker injuries. The Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) says that approximately 20 percent of all U.S. workplace deaths occur at construction sites; that’s almost three per day! Accountability and negligence may vary, but a Toledo construction accident lawyer can help. Some of the accidents that can occur include but are not limited to:
- Fires and explosions
- Defective scaffolding, machinery, or tools
- Poorly protected trenches
- Burns suffered from welding or caustic chemicals
Construction injuries can happen for many reasons. But the BLS has identified the “fatal four” leading types of accidents that injure and kill construction workers:
- Falls: One in three involves falls from ladders, scaffolds, windows, and stairways.
- Object strikes can come mostly from falling objects, but cranes, forklifts, and backhoes can strike workers seemingly out of nowhere.
- Electrocution: occurs when workers inadvertently come in contact with “hot” open circuits and high power lines.
- Crush injuries can happen anytime due to trench cave-ins, loads of materials that suddenly shift or collapse, or when a vehicle pushes a worker against a fixed object.
Several Parties Might Be Liable for Unsafe Construction Sites
By law, construction employers must keep safe work sites. Yet just a few of the sorts of injuries a construction worker can suffer due to an accident include:
- Head and traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Suffocation
- Internal injuries
- Broken bones
- Impalement
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic wounds
- Wrongful death
Often, negligence is the cause, in which case, the worker’s employer who caused the accident can be held liable through the legal concept of “respondent superior,” which means that employers are responsible for their employee’s actions on the construction site.
So, if workers lack the proper skills, training, or supervision, other workers (and bystanders) run a greater risk of injury. And sadly, many general contractors and property owners are more concerned with profitability than safety. But when they do not meet this legal duty of keeping a safe construction site, respondent superior injury claims can be filed based on the following:
- Failure by owners, contractors, or subcontractors to verify job applicant qualifications
- Failure to initiate specific programs to certify that construction workers are following required safety regulations
- Failure to appropriately train or supervise workers, especially those operating dangerous equipment
A claim for negligent hiring can be filed against the contractor, general contractor, and, in some cases, even the property owner, who is deemed responsible for the employee who caused the accident. Management employees who breach their duty of care to train and monitor employees who cause injury accidents can also expose themselves and their employers to a negligent supervision claim. Additionally, if a third party other than your employer had a negligent hand in causing your accident – such as a worker for another subcontractor or the manufacturer of defective equipment – third-party lawsuits can supplement the compensation you receive from your workers’ compensation claim.
Crane Injuries
Cranes and other heavy equipment pose some of the greatest dangers on construction sites. There is little room for error when operating such large machinery. A small mistake can result in catastrophic or fatal injuries. We assist injured workers and their families with workers’ compensation and third-party injury or wrongful death claims.
Inadequate safety measures, operator error, and machine defects can cause crane accidents. Other issues involved in crane accidents may include:
- Collapse
- Tipping over
- Being on an unstable surface
- Dropping the load
- Improper load rigging
- Load movement and boom movement
- Contact with power lines
- Being struck by the load
- Incorrect assembly or disassembly
- A load that exceeds the crane’s capacity
All of these issues may result in serious or fatal accidents. Construction workers can suffer injuries such as brain injuries, back and neck injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken or crushed bones, amputations, electric shock, or suffocation. Recovering from these injuries can take months. In some cases, workers may be temporarily or permanently disabled. The worst injuries result in wrongful death.
If a negligent third party was responsible for your accident, we may also be able to file suit against it. Negligent third parties may be a manufacturer of defective equipment or a subcontractor. Third-party compensation is in addition to any workers’ compensation benefits you receive.
GT&B Construction Accident Lawyers
At the Law Office of Gallon, Takacs & Boissoneault, we understand the profound impact that construction work injuries can have on individuals and their families. Our team of experienced attorneys is dedicated to advocating for victims’ rights and helping them navigate the complex legal process.
Construction work injuries can occur unexpectedly and present serious challenges. As an employee, it is crucial to be vigilant of potential hazards in the workplace and take necessary precautions to prevent accidents. We believe that employers are responsible for prioritizing safety by implementing effective protocols and providing workers with adequate training and protective equipment.
If you or a loved one has suffered from a construction work injury, seeking the compensation and damages you deserve is important. Our Personal Injury lawyers are committed to fighting for justice on your behalf and securing fair compensation for trauma, lost wages, and medical expenses.
We invite you to schedule a consultation with our team by calling us at 419-843-6663 or filling out our online contact form. With our extensive experience in construction work injuries and Personal Injury Law, you can trust us to provide the knowledgeable and dedicated representation you need.
