What You Should Know About Construction Accidents
The construction industry is huge in America, with at least 670,000 employers and millions of employees. Even with plenty of safety measures in place, including equipment and regulations set by OSHA, unfortunately, construction accidents happen every year. These incidents range from minor falls to injuries requiring extensive medical care. Workers and passerby alike can fall victim to construction accidents. This guide will explore what you should know about construction accidents by answering frequently asked questions.
What Are the Most Dangerous Accidents?
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has identified four hazards known as the “Fatal 4”:
- Falls: Construction workers falling from huge heights off their ladders, scaffoldings, roofs, etc., account for a third or more construction deaths yearly.
- Getting electrocuted: Unfortunately, it isn’t rare for workers to get electrocuted by powerlines, transformers, converters, etc. Even a small shock can cause significant damage and even death.
- Getting hit by an object: Construction workers getting hit by falling equipment or tools, cave-ins, etc., experience serious injury. Additionally, citizens may also experience injury from high-falling objects.
- Being caught inside or between equipment: Although safety measures exist to prevent workers from getting caught inside or between equipment, violations can still arise.
What Are Some of the Most Common Injuries?
Construction accident injuries can range from minor to life-altering disasters. Common injuries include:
- Broken bones
- Back and neck injuries
- Knee and ankle injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Amputations
- Respiratory diseases
- Eye injuries
- Death
How Do You Receive Compensation Following An Accident?
Following a construction accident, a few methods exist for receiving compensation.
Workers’ Compensation
Workers can file for workers’ compensation. This form of compensation can cover medical expenses and lost wages.
A Third-Party Lawsuit
When you file for workers’ compensation, you cannot sue your employer or place of business. However, if you were injured by a third party, you can sue that party. It’s also possible to file a third-party lawsuit alongside workers’ compensation. While construction accidents happen the most to workers, it’s possible for citizens to be injured from a construction job or project as well.
Wrongful Death
The victim’s family can file a wrongful death claim if someone dies due to a construction accident.
Why Would You Need to Hire An Attorney?
There could be many reasons why you would need to hire an attorney. Sometimes people hire an attorney simply to ensure that all their legal documents are in order. Additionally, you may also need to file certain documents within a strict timeline.
However, you may also need to hire an attorney if your employer denies your claim or if you’re pursuing a third-party lawsuit. Your attorney can negotiate with the other party and apply legal pressure when necessary. Your attorney can also ensure you receive adequate compensation following an incident. Unfortunately, employers or insurance companies sometimes try to pay less than what a victim needs.
Construction accidents happen yearly, even with more regulations and better safety equipment. Following a construction accident, you may need construction accident lawyers in Queens, NY. Our team at Polsky, Shouldice & Rosen, P.C. can help when you call them today!
