The National Safety Council reveals that the construction sector in the United States has the highest number of workplace fatalities compared to other industries. Additionally, it ranks sixth in terms of the total count of workplace injuries. On an annual basis, construction workers encounter more than 1,000 fatal injuries and nearly 75,000 non-fatal injuries, demonstrating the risks and challenges they face in their line of work.
Employees working at a construction site are exposed to a myriad of safety hazards. PPEs (Personal Protection Equipment) reduce the impact of these safety hazards and resulting accidents. However, in some instances, construction site accidents can be the fault of another party, such as a demanding developer, a reckless subcontractor, or a careless site safety officer. For instance, the Bronx, NY, is home to several round-the-clock construction projects that pose threats to workers on sites. If you happen to be a worker in the Bronx and have been injured on-site, you must contact a construction accident lawyer in the Bronx. They will help you seek justice and fair compensation. Below are three key things you must know about construction site accidents.
- Construction Site Accidents Are Common
Common types of construction site accidents include:
- Falls from tall extreme heights
- Fires and explosions
- Crane, forklift, and vehicle accidents
- Being struck by or hitting an object
- Slip and trip
- Repetitive motion injuries
- Ground collapse
- Machinery accidents.
Falls from extreme heights are the most common types of construction site accidents. Several thousand workers in the U.S. are hurt yearly due to fall accidents. The authorities attribute these incidents to various factors, such as:
- Messy worksites
- Inadequate fall-protection equipment
- Slippery surfaces
- Working with unstable scaffolding or ladders.
Unfortunately, construction site accidents are dangerous and may result in the following:
- Burns
- Cuts and bruises
- Bone fractures
- Spinal damages
- Head injuries
- Eye injuries and vision damage
- Illness due to chemical exposure
- Traumatic Brain Injuries
- You Have a Right to Protection from Construction Site Accidents
Employee safety at construction sites is equally as important as public safety. When safety is compromised at construction sites, the result may be construction site accidents leading to injuries, fatalities, and/or property damage.
Construction sites must adhere to regulatory requirements set by different government agencies and laws like the Occupational Safety and Health Act. Noncompliance with these regulations may result in legal action and fines, as well as negative publicity for the negligent parties.
Corporations in the U.S. can be charged and convicted of a criminal offense, such as one involving a construction site’s injury or death. Where the construction firm is found criminally liable, there is no upper limit on the amount of fine that the courts can impose.
- Construction Site Accidents Attract Damages and Compensation
Like any personal injury case, a construction site accident claim can attract damages to help restore your financial state. If you suffered injuries from a construction site accident, you can recover payment for damages through the worker’s compensation system.
If you can demonstrate that your injuries and loss were directly caused by your job duties, you will receive compensation for medical bills and lost wages. You may also be entitled to short or long-term permanent or partial disability benefits.
In the event of a fatal accident at the construction site, any surviving member of the deceased’s employee can receive the worker’s compensation benefits. If you’ve been injured on the construction site, your employer is mandated by law to submit an employer report of injury form within 72 hours of discovering the injury.
This allows the Workers’ Compensation Board to determine your entitlement to benefits and services as fast as possible. However, this will apply if the workplace accident results in the following:
- Death or permanent disability
- Lost time
- The need for medical treatment
- A potentially disabling condition caused by occupational exposure
- Incurring medical aid expenses.
In some cases, you may be eligible for compensation for non-economic damages, such as disability, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer
Navigating construction site accident cases can be challenging, especially if many parties are involved. An accident lawyer can help you determine liability if need be and pursue fair compensation on your behalf.
An experienced lawyer with an impressive success rate in personal injury claims can pursue your case while you focus on recovery. Contact a personal injury lawyer to file your construction site accident claim.
