Construction Site Accidents

Were you injured in a construction site accident? Are you worried about paying your medical bills or missing time from work?

Working conditions on construction sites are always shifting – they can change daily or sometimes even hourly. Although the construction industry is subject to safety laws and codes to regulate the field's uncertainty, many accidents still occur.

If you are a construction worker hurt on the job, you may be wondering if you need a lawyer. But the truth is, you're facing a complicated legal system, and if you try to navigate it on your own, you may not get all the compensation you deserve.

When you hire our law firm, we'll work with investigators and experts to start building your case. It's important to contact our legal professionals as soon as possible after your construction accident. Evidence can disappear quickly, and a matter of hours can make the difference in your case. We're here 24/7 to answer your questions and, most importantly, you have nothing to lose – we'll evaluate your case for free and unless and until we win your case, you owe us nothing.

Our attorneys and legal staff have over 35 years of experience helping injured workers get the money they need to support their families and recover following an accident. Call our law firm at 412-538-6754 to see if you have a case.

Causes of Construction Site Injuries

Compared to all other job sectors, construction has the highest number of fatal work injuries. Accidents on construction sites cause thousands of on-the-job injuries and contribute to almost 20 percent of all yearly private industry worker deaths in the United States.

There are many factors that contribute to construction site injuries and fatalities. The leading causes of worker deaths on construction sites are:

• Falls
• Getting struck by an object
• Electrocution
• Pipefitter Accidents
• Accidents where workers are caught inside or between different objects (heavy equipment, tools, or trenches)

Due to the numerous hazards on construction sites, there are many safety precautions to protect workers. But accidents still happen and, when they do, you pay the price with a life-changing injury. We have achieved numerous successful verdicts and settlements for our clients. Trust our law firm to help you get the money you need to take back your life.

Third Party Claims (Other Company's Negligence)

When accidents occur on jobsites, employees sometimes have an additional claim against another party who is not their employer. For example, you may have a claim against the manufacturer of a defective tool that caused your injury or an outside contractor that created an unsafe worksite condition.

Third party claims relate to both personal injury and workers' compensation claims, so they complicate an already difficult situation. That's why it's important to have an experienced attorney on your side who can answer your questions and protect your rights.

Code Violations

When employers don't follow safety and building codes, they create a dangerous workplace environment. Some code violations include:

• Failure to follow a stop work order when construction is being performed in a dangerous manner
• Using unsafe equipment
• Fire code violations

These codes exist for a reason, and when they're ignored, your safety, health, and livelihood are all at risk.

Falls

Every year, almost 300 construction workers die from falls. Most times these falls occur from elevator shafts, frameworks, ladders, scaffolding, or canopies. Working four feet or higher off the ground puts workers at a greater risk for falling, but anything that is capable of causing you to lose balance and fall is a hazard. No matter how it happens, falling on a construction site can result in serious injuries or even death.

Falling From Heights

Many construction workers are required to perform their work on raised surfaces. Roofs, scaffolds, and ladders are particularly dangerous but even falls from a short distance can cause serious injuries. Workers are required to be protected by guardrails when working six feet or move above a lower level and the ground below them should be clear of sharp materials or other harmful debris.

Falling in Holes or Shafts

Pier holes, floor holes, and excavation holes are all common hazards on construction sites. It's easy to step backwards into a hole, or step into one when your forward view is blocked. Covers should be used to protect employees from falling in holes.

Falling Because of Debris or Unsafe Surfaces

Failure to maintain the construction site leads to clutter and debris, all of which create fall hazards. Jobsites should be free of scraps, especially those with protruding nails, and any debris that is combustible, as well as other waste and trash. Unstable working surfaces need to be secured, as they also pose a fall risk for workers.

Equipment Failure

Equipment failure on construction sites is often caused by defective tools or machinery. A non-existent or malfunctioning safety switch, for example, might result in a dangerous accident. Employees should have access to safe tools and tool manufacturers are also at fault for some instances of equipment failure.

Fires / Explosions

Thousands of fires and explosions contribute to construction worker fatalities every year. Whether it is from an explosive device used to flatten land or a spontaneous ignition from oily rags, the jobsite presents many fire hazards. Other common causes of construction site fires and explosions include smoking, heaters, and electrical fires from combustible materials.

Heavy Equipment

Heavy machinery is present at many construction jobsites and this complicated equipment needs to be maintained and operated under supervision. When employees aren't trained, safety precautions are ignored, or equipment isn't inspected regularly, dangerous or even fatal accidents can occur.

Mesothelioma

For many years, asbestos was used in the building and construction industry for insulation, roofing, fireproofing, and sound absorption. However, it was later discovered that long-term exposure to the small asbestos fibers can cause malignant mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer found near the lungs, heart, or abdomen. Construction workers exposed to asbestos, as well as their families, are at an especially high risk for developing mesothelioma, a rare and deadly form of cancer.

Falling or Flying Objects

Working around cranes, scaffolds, or power tools puts workers at risk to be hit by falling or flying objects. Whether you're hit by an airborne nail or struck with material that falls from scaffolding, these accidents can cause serious injuries. Hardhats, safety goggles, and other protective measures can minimize, but can't eliminate, the risk of being hurt by falling or flying objects.

 Common Construction Site Injuries

• Back, Shoulder or Neck Injuries
• Brain/Head Injuries
• Broken/Fractured Bones
• Burns
• Caught in or between Equipment, Tools, or Trenches
• Electrocution
• Exposure to Harmful Chemicals
• Eye Injuries

• Falling Objects
• Hearing Loss
• Loss of Limbs
• Mesothelioma
• Scars (Disfigurement)
• Spinal Cord Injury
• Wrongful Death

‍

‍