Construction sites are one of the few places that are always buzzing with activity. There’s always someone carrying and mixing things. There’s constant chatter, either about work or personal life. There’s always some loading or unloading happening. Places like this are prone to accidents.
An OSHA statistic states that 4,764 people died on the job in 2020. This has increased to 5,190 in 2021. With numbers like this, strictly following safety guidelines becomes imperative.
Some workers get involved in accidents even when they follow all the necessary safety guidelines. If you have suffered injuries due to a construction site accident, you must take the necessary steps to receive compensation. Seek help from an experienced construction accident lawyer to receive assistance on all tasks related to legal recourse.
The time period after an accident can be quite confusing. You have to focus on your recovery, keep up with bills to be paid, and plan how to cope financially. I have listed 7 frequently asked questions that may clear up doubts about construction site accidents.
Can I get more than just worker’s compensation if I am injured while working?
If you get hurt on the job, you have to apply for financial recovery against your employer. As a result, your workers’ compensation value might be affected.
Another aspect to remember is that there may be more than one party responsible for your injuries. This may include third-party contractors, equipment manufacturers, and/or property owners.
I was on the sidewalk next to a construction site when debris hit me. Who should I sue?
In cases like this, the liable party is usually the construction company. This is because the construction company has a duty of care, not just for its employees but for people in the construction site’s vicinity as well. The construction company should create safety measures and/or appropriate warning signs to inform pedestrians about the dangers of walking on a sidewalk next to a construction site.
I see blatant safety violations on the construction site where I work. What should I do?
Every employer or construction company must provide the necessary safety guidelines and equipment for workers at the work site. In the case of safety violations, they’re usually reported to the supervisor at the construction site.
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The process of reporting involves verbally alerting your supervisor and then informing them in writing. If the safety violation still exists even after reporting it, you should file a complaint with OSHA. You can either visit an office near your location or visit the official OSHA website.
What are the damages for which I can receive compensation?
Injuries due to construction site accidents are often severe. The compensation you receive for your construction site injury varies based on the seriousness of the injuries. You can seek compensation if you suffer from one or more of the following:
- Physical injuries
- Emotional trauma like PTSD and anxiety
- Loss of limbs or disability
- Economic losses like lost wages
- Loss of consortium
What are the common causes of construction site injuries?
Construction sites contain multiple hazards. Each of them has the ability to cause injuries that can range from minor to severe, or, in some cases, even death. Some of the common causes are
- Slips and falls
- Falling debris
- Getting trapped between heavy objects
- Toxic chemical exposure
- Crane and vehicle accidents
- Fires
- Electrocutions
- Welding accidents
- Power tool accidents
- Repetitive strain injury
Can I sue if my injuries are less severe?
Any injury you suffer at a worksite, irrespective of its severity, can be used to file a claim. The law demands that every worker be compensated for any injury they suffer at their workplace, even if it’s not life-threatening. This is because the employer has a duty to ensure the safety of their workers.
Are the laws for injured construction workers the same in every state?
No. The laws for injured construction workers vary by state. This is why consulting an experienced construction injury lawyer is recommended. They are skilled in the intricacies of the legal system and will be a reliable companion on your journey to recovery.
Construction site accidents are often serious. A worker must keep their eyes peeled for safety violations and report them as soon as they see one. Approaching an experienced lawyer would be a wise move for those involved in a construction site accident.
