Unfortunately, even with modern health and safety laws, and workplace legislation, accidents on construction sites are very common. Thousands of workers and a number of public passerbys are injured on or near construction sites every year, often due to no fault of their own. Because the nature of construction consists of working with heavy tools, equipment, and precarious heights, it can cause severe or life-altering injuries.
Construction workers often need compensation to cover medical bills, loss of income, and for future care, as they learn to adapt to or recover from their injuries. Unfortunately, the compensation benefits are generally not enough, as they’re rarely enough to cover hospital fees, let alone the loss of future income. That’s where construction attorneys can help investigate the methods of receiving health compensation benefits.
The Most Common Construction Accidents and Injuries
In 2018, the US had over 5,000 fatal work injuries. Some of the more common accidents lead to minor injuries, which can typically be treated on-site, and don’t require time off work. Unfortunately, however, many are much more severe and lead to hospitalization, acute injuries, and sometimes even long-term issues.
Many workers if not severely injured, are sometimes maimed for life, or don’t survive the accident. Worse still, an average of 1,100 people a year die as the result of a construction site accident. Some of the most common accidents include:
- Crane accidents
- Falls, slips, and trips
- Falling foreign objects
- Nail gun accidents
- Scaffolding accidents
- Compressed gas accidents
- Faulty machinery
- Mechanical malfunctioning or misuse
- Excavation accidents
- Chemical exposure
- Electrocutions
- Welding accidents
- Transport accidents
- Explosions
These accidents often result in injuries such as:
- Cuts and scrapes
- Serious bruising
- Head injuries
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries
- Burns
- Back and Neck Injuries, including paralysis
- Amputations
Knowing where to find funds for the necessary care begins with the cause of the accident.
What Caused the Accident?
Without understanding the cause of your accident, it can be hard to know who was at fault, and so who is liable. Modern construction sites can be complicated; many different companies are involved, and when an incident occurs, you need to find out whether it is the fault of a single company, a contractor, another individual, a supplier, or a combination of factors.
Only when you understand what caused your accident can you then estimate your medical costs, any loss of income, court costs, or compensation your employer will cover. An attorney can help you find out who was responsible, and how much you might be entitled to.
Negotiation
It’s rarely as simple as speaking with your employer, or the owner of the construction site, and receiving a compensation payout. Chances are you’ll face a period of negotiation with your employer, the insurance company, and anyone else liable, as well as their representatives.
You may have to pay some of the costs yourself, and it may take some investigation to find other help and support your employer could offer. An attorney can help you with your negotiations, reduce personal pressure, and to clarify laws and procedures.
Possible Options
Construction injuries are very common, but they certainly aren’t all of the same. Some of your options when looking for compensation include:
- No-fault workers compensation
- Negligence claims
- Non-workers’ personal injury claims
Payouts that you could receive may cover:
- Medical bills
- Lost Wages
- Permanent impairment
- Additional Compensation
How an Attorney Could Help
Dealing with the aftermath of an accident on your own can be complicated, confusing, and stressful, especially if you are recovering from an injury, or suffering due to a loss of income. Without legal representation, many people have difficulty obtaining the funds necessary for their full recovery without going into debt.
A construction attorney can help look over your options for financial support. They’ll conduct a comprehensive review of your case, help you to understand your rights, and explore any possible entitlements, and if needed, present your case in court to argue on your behalf.
Have You Been Injured in a Construction Accident?
If you have been injured at work, or as a non-worker at a construction site, get in touch with a qualified construction attorney for a professional legal consolation.