The construction industry is home to some of the most dangerous jobs, given the physical labor they require. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations establish rules to prevent workplace injuries. Proper training, using personal protective gear, and utilizing all other required safety equipment and practices can prevent injuries, but they are not foolproof.
Preparing for construction accidents before they occur can help workers stay safe while on the job.
Continue reading to learn more about the most common construction accidents and injuries and how to seek financial compensation for medical bills. Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys can also provide insight on what the average payout for nerve damage car accident is.
Serious Injuries and Conditions Commonly Found Among Construction Workers
A construction site can be full of hazards, such as power tools and electrical equipment. There are many things workers can do to prevent injury. Wearing safety glasses and employing hearing protection are just some steps they can take. What's more, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)'s requires companies to provide thorough training to keep everyone as safe as possible. Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys can answer questions like, "What type of accident kills the most construction site?"
However, even when the most precaution is taken, accidents can still happen and lead to serious injuries or even death.
Below is a list of the most common injuries among construction workers:
Burns
Broken bones
Back, neck, or shoulder injuries
Knee and ankle injuries
Spinal cord injuries
Traumatic brain injuries
Head injuries
Repetitive motion injuries
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Causes of Injuries on Construction Sites
Many types of injuries can be inflicted on construction workers, and several accidents can cause these.
A construction worker aware of these potential risks can keep themselves and the rest of their crew safer.
Falls
The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics presents data that shows slips and falls are the leading cause of construction injuries. Slippery surfaces on the ground and surrounding areas can lead to broken bones or even death.
Fall protection equipment, including ladders, can prevent fatal falls from happening. Spills and leaks can also create a dangerous surface for walking, causing a construction injury.
Falling Objects
A construction site accident can also be caused by falling debris or other heavy objects. Construction companies are often employed on building sites and use heavy equipment - sometimes high off the ground. Therefore, it is critical to take safety precautions when dealing with loose items, as falling objects can cause serious injuries.
Fires and Explosions
Construction sites can contain flammable items that pose threats for fires. While this is not a very common culprit for a construction accident, chemicals, leaking pipes, and electrical wiring should be properly secured and observed because they can spark fires or explosions.
Trench Collapse or Ground Collapses
Construction workers commonly labor with new building developments, so there can be a risk of a collapse. The reason for collapses can be challenging to pinpoint.
However, construction companies can still be held accountable for paying workers' compensation due to negligence.
Machinery Accidents
Construction workers can work with heavy equipment, such as power tools or large manufacturing machinery. Common injuries on a construction site can be caused by machinery accidents. Even smaller power tools can pose a threat to safety protocols.
Additionally, getting caught between two or more objects is a driving force of injury for a construction worker.
Legally, this can be a challenging area to get compensation, as equipment failure may not be the direct responsibility of the company. Attorneys can help injured construction workers identify whether to seek liability from their employer or the manufacturers of the malfunctioning product.
Unfinished Electrical Systems and Exposed Wires
Electrocution is a serious injury that can occur on a construction site. Workers often use personal protective equipment when handling any of the following:
Downed power lines
Exposed wiring
Extension cords
However, even when all occupational safety measures are taken, electric shock can still happen, and construction workers should receive workers' compensation for their risk exposure.
Repetitive Motion, Overexertion, and Heat Strokes
Repetitive stress injuries are common on construction sites, as workers are usually asked to complete the same tasks repeatedly. As such, muscles and tissue within the body wear down over time and lead to pain or restricted mobility. Sometimes, this affects their work performance.
While repetitive motion injuries are not the most fatal within construction work, they can affect workers daily, even after retiring.
Additionally, workplace conditions leading to overexertion and heat stroke are also threatening.
Lead Levels and Respiratory Diseases
Toxic exposure on the job site can lead to severe medical conditions. Construction sites are known to expose workers to lead, which can cause high blood lead concentrations.
Additionally, construction sites can expose workers to chemicals and specks of dust that can cause harm. Asbestos and silicosis are some of the common pneumoconiosis conditions that can lead to harmful and even fatal respiratory diseases.
What to Do After Being Injured on a Construction Site
A construction injury can trigger many financial devastations. Medical bills can be costly, and lost wages from recovery can incite setbacks. What's more, an injury or illness can cause a worker to switch professions or not be able to work entirely.
Therefore, a worker not at fault for the construction accident should obtain fair compensation.
There are a couple of ways a victim can go about recovering reimbursement. Having a lawyer on their side can make the process much smoother and lead to a better chance of success.
Workers' Compensation
Although the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) cannot interfere with compensation, Tennessee requires businesses with more than five employees to have workers' compensation insurance. Therefore, workplace injuries that occur on construction sites can be covered.
Interestingly, employees could have made a critical mistake to cause the accident and still gain access to workers' compensation. Employers do not have to be found negligent, too. This insurance can be beneficial in a diverse set of situations.
Workers' compensation covers the cost of medical bills resulting from the accident. It can also contribute to any lost wages in the aftermath. If an employee was disabled - temporarily or permanently - the compensation relieves expenses from the affected worker.
If the employee must transfer to a new job or profession, they can recover reimbursement for having to complete this change. Additionally, compensation insurance can provide benefits to dependents in the event of worker deaths.
Workers' compensation is often the best choice for injured workers to receive repayment for their conditions. However, working with an experienced lawyer can help victims find the right path for compensation.
Lawsuit
If employers are not liable for accidents, construction workers can sue a third party to recover their compensation. An example of this would be if a defective power tool caused a serious injury, the affected employee could sue the manufacturer.
This would be a challenging scenario to employ workers' compensation, as the employer is not directly at fault.
A lawsuit is more difficult to undergo, which means working with a lawyer is almost always necessary. Injured employees must provide evidence of the injury and that it was directly caused by the negligence of the defendant. The plaintiff must also prove that they were using the product as intended when the accident took place.
A lawsuit can help those affected recover more money than workers' compensation in some cases. Workers can sue for their medical bills in addition to their pain and suffering. There is no financial value equivalent to the mental and physical pain that the accident caused, but the defendant can try to pay for it through reparations.
Overall, any victim of a workplace accident who wants to sue a third party should contact a trusted Tennessee lawyer today.
How a Lawyer Can Help
Whether filing for workers' compensation or suing, a trusted legal expert from Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys can aid in the case.
They can help injured workers decide the proper route for getting the most advantageous compensation.
If workers' compensation is in the best interest of the employee, they can assist with problems regarding medical coverage and what to do in the event of a claim denial.
Moreover, if a lawsuit is the best option, they can guide workers in gathering sufficient evidence that would create a more successful outcome. Lawyers can also negotiate a settlement so that victims are best represented.
Overall, hiring someone from Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys can help victims of a construction accident receive experienced representation that can significantly help in getting fair reimbursement.
Contact a Trusted Construction Accident Attorney in Nashville
It is near impossible to prevent and avoid accidents on construction sites. Fortunately, Tennessee requires companies to have insurance that covers their employees in case something happens.
No matter the scenario, it can be beneficial to have a trusted Nashville construction injury attorney from Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys on hand. They can explain the legal process and how to move forward strategically.
Having a legal expert can make the road to reimbursement for workplace accidents smoother. Victims undergo stressful conditions after a mishap and should not have to deal with the overwhelming consequences of paying the medical bills or experience legal difficulties.
Contact Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys for help with a workplace casualty today. We go to war for you!