Construction sites are constantly busy, with dozens of workers performing critical tasks at any given moment. Pair this with the many pieces of construction equipment, both large and small, that are frequently in use, and the hazard only increases.

While individuals involved in the construction industry, including construction workers and contractors, are required to undergo job training, safety is never guaranteed. Anything can happen, and sometimes accidents are out of anybody’s control.

Many things can cause construction accidents, but some accidents are more common than others. If you’re involved in an accident on a construction site and suffer injuries, you should seek legal guidance from an experienced construction site accident attorney to better understand your legal rights and options.

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Falls

Falls are the leading cause of injuries and death on construction sites. In a recent year, research showed nearly one in five workplace deaths occurred in the construction industry, and over 38 percent of these fatalities were due to slips, trips, and falls.

You can easily find fall hazards everywhere on a construction site. Common causes of falls on construction sites include:

• Defective ladders
• Problematic scaffolding
• Slippery surfaces
• Debris and other tripping hazards
• Unmarked excavation sites and trenches
• Unguarded ledges and elevator shafts
• Inclement weather while performing roof work

In many cases, falls can be easily prevented. However, a lack of proper training and protective gear can contribute to falls that result in injuries and deaths.

Struck-By Accidents

Struck-by accidents occur when a moving object hits a person and injures them. These accidents are the second leading cause of catastrophic injuries and fatalities for individuals on construction sites. Common examples of struck-by accidents include:

• Dropping equipment, like tools
• Discharged nail from a nail gun
• Flying debris
• Swinging equipment
• Materials launched by an electric saw
• Broken high-pressure lines and hoses
• Falling scaffolding, lumber, or pipes

Construction companies and responsible parties should always take reasonable precautions to prevent struck-by accidents. Still, lack of safety measures, mistakes, and inattention all commonly contribute to these accidents and resulting injuries.

Caught In or Between Accidents

Caught in or between accidents refers to incidents involving individuals getting caught, squeezed, or crushed between two objects or parts of objects. Based on OSHA’s findings, these are the third most common construction site accidents that cause serious injury and death.

Getting caught in or between can happen when:

• Machinery and equipment are not working properly
• Scaffolds are not sufficiently constructed or reinforced
• Loose clothing or body parts get pulled into power tools, like saws and sanders
• Workers are pinned between a vehicle and an object, like a wall
• Walls are not properly braced
• Heavy equipment is not secured or guarded

Among the many injuries caught in or between accidents can produce, crush injuries are among the most common. When a person suffers a crush injury, a body part sustains excessive pressure or force, which can cause irreversible damage to muscles, ligaments, and nerves. In many cases, crush injuries result in amputations.

Electrocution

Individuals on construction sites are constantly exposed to electricity and live wires while walking through and performing job duties. Electricity can be extremely dangerous for anyone who comes in contact with it, which is why special care is needed.

Any type of construction site, from residential to commercial, brings construction workers in contact with electrical hazards. Some of the common electrical hazards that threaten worker safety include:

• Underground power lines
• Overloaded extension cord wires
• Wet conditions around live wires
• Lack of ground fault circuit interrupters
• Electrical equipment that is not properly grounded
• Insufficiently insulated overhead power lines

The severity of injuries caused by electrocution depends on the level of electrical current the victim comes in contact with. The greater the current, the more likely workers are to suffer life-threatening injuries.

Other Common Causes of Construction Accidents

Along with the “fatal four,” construction site accidents are caused by many other hazards, including, but not limited to:

• Equipment defects and malfunctions: Problems with tools and machinery can increase the likelihood of accidents. The equipment may be improperly designed or manufactured, resulting in a defect, but it can also be poorly maintained and repaired, causing it to malfunction.
• Insufficient education and training: Construction jobs are naturally dangerous. To avoid potential hazards, workers require proper education and training. Without it, accidents are prone to happen frequently.
• Negligent hiring: Construction companies have a duty to hire only workers with the right backgrounds, training, and experience. Hiring workers who don’t meet certain requirements or have a troubled history can significantly increase the level of risk on a construction site.
• Lack of safety equipment: Safety equipment is key on construction sites. Construction companies should always have the highest quality tools and machinery to minimize risks but also provide workers with construction personal protective equipment (PPE), including eye, hand, and head protection.

It’s crucial to determine the cause of your construction accident, which can be more challenging than it may seem. Pinpointing the actual cause of your accident can help you decide how to proceed with your legal claim.

Construction Accident Injuries are Often Severe and Life-Altering

Construction accidents are unlike other common types of accidents. Individuals on construction sites face dangers from the moment they step foot onsite. Often, these accidents happen quickly and without warning, and workers may not have the right protective gear to prevent injury.

Injuries that construction workers most often face include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Burns
• Bone fractures
• Spinal cord injuries
• Soft tissue injuries
• Hearing and vision loss
• Amputations
• Internal bleeding

Construction site accidents often result in life-changing consequences. While many victims can recover from their injuries, a majority are not so lucky. Because these injuries can be so severe, it’s common to face permanent consequences, such as paralysis, loss of limbs, or disfigurement.

Who’s At Fault for a Construction Accident?

Aside from assessing what caused your construction accident, it’s crucial to determine who will be responsible for it. Several parties can be at fault for a construction site accident, including:

• Construction companies: Construction companies are held liable for many accidents that occur on construction sites. You can file suit against the construction company if you can prove they violated strict safety regulations and standards due to negligence.
• Site managers: Site managers are responsible for ensuring safety on site. When they do not enforce safety protocols or warn workers of potential risks, they could be liable for any resulting injuries.
• Contractors and subcontractors: Contractors must ensure workers’ safety on worksites. They’re also responsible for complying with federal and state construction regulations.
• Vendors: Vendors may deliver defective materials, tools, and equipment that end up causing harm to users.
• Transporters: Transporters are tasked with loading, transporting, and unloading construction materials, including lumber, piping, and cement, around job sites. Should they fail to exercise caution while performing their duties, they can cause serious injury.
• Architects and engineers: Design professionals may be liable for injuries occurring on construction sites if they neglect safety in their designs or fail to identify any flaws timely. These professionals have a duty to ensure construction projects meet certain safety standards at all stages of the construction process to keep workers free from harm.

Construction accidents can be difficult to navigate for many reasons, but they can be particularly complicated when it comes to fault. One party alone may be responsible, but in many cases, several parties share liability.

Options for Pursuing Fair Compensation Following a Construction Site Accident

As a party injured on a construction site, several options may be available to pursue fair compensation. Generally, the four types of claims an injured victim can seek following a construction site accident include:

• Personal injury
• Product liability
• Wrongful death
• Workers’ compensation

Workers usually first turn to workers’ comp benefits. However, these benefits are usually quite insufficient to cover their injury-related losses. This is especially true when injuries are severe and disabling, causing significant pain and suffering in your life. You cannot sue your employer due to workers’ compensation laws, but if another third party was negligent and caused your construction accident, you have the right to file a third-party claim against them.

The most common type of third-party construction accident claim is the personal injury lawsuit. You must prove that negligence by a third party, such as a contractor or design professional, caused your accident. You must prove the defendant’s negligence led to your injuries and resulting damages.

A product liability claim arises when you’re injured by a defective product. In this situation, you can bring a claim against certain parties, including the designer or manufacturer, as well as the party responsible for the distribution of the product.

Construction site accidents often result in death. When a victim passes away from their injuries, the family of the deceased can bring forth a wrongful death claim. In a wrongful death lawsuit, the victim’s loved ones can recover compensation for the monetary and non-monetary losses resulting from the unexpected passing.

It can be challenging to know what type of claim you can have after a construction site accident. In some cases, you may have multiple claims. This is one of the primary reasons why it’s critical to consult a skilled construction accident attorney. A lawyer can provide the necessary guidance and direction for your compensation claim.

Damages Available for Construction Accidents

Victims injured on construction sites may have the opportunity to pursue damages. Compensatory damages can cover the monetary and non-monetary losses you experienced as a result of your accident. Some of the damages you may be entitled to receive include:

• Medical expenses for current and anticipated treatment for your injuries
• Counseling and rehabilitation costs
• Lost earnings
• Reduced or lost earning potential
• Disability
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Scarring and disfigurement

The value of your claim depends on numerous factors, including what caused your injuries, the severity of your injuries, and how your injuries have impacted your life, among many others.

What To Do Following a Construction Site Accident

It’s important to understand that what you do following an accident can heavily impact your future claim. The following steps can set you up for success and safeguard your rights as an injured victim.

Get Medical Help

Getting prompt medical attention is essential for two reasons. First, you always want to make your physical health a priority. The sooner you seek medical care, the sooner you can begin treating your injuries and healing. Also, waiting to treat your injuries can cause avoidable complications.

Next, medical records play a significant role in construction site accident cases. Everything from your doctor’s visits to your prescriptions is added to your medical records so that insurance companies can see and grasp the severity of your injuries.

Gather Evidence

From the moment your accident occurs, you should begin gathering evidence to help build your claim. From photos and videos to witness statements, evidence can aid in substantiating your claims and strengthening your case against the at-fault party.

Speak with a Construction Accident Attorney

Construction accident claims can be tricky to navigate alone, but you don’t have to. Schedule a consultation with a local construction accident lawyer as quickly as possible to discuss your case and begin working on your claim. These experienced professionals understand the complexities of construction site regulations, workers’ compensation laws, and potential third-party liability.

They can help gather crucial evidence, interview witnesses, and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf. Time is often critical in these cases, as important details may be lost or altered if not promptly documented. A skilled attorney will protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Contact a Construction Accident Lawyer Today

After suffering injuries in a construction site accident, you have limited time to seek justice and compensation. No matter the cause of your construction accident, don’t hesitate to get assistance from a qualified attorney. Your personal injury lawyer can examine the details of your claim and determine the type of case you can file to pursue beneficial financial recovery.

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