AD. A career in the construction industry is not exactly easy. However, today, it’s safer than it was decades ago, all because of the implementation of strict federal regulations. Unfortunately, no matter how much you prepare or how many enforcements there are, you cannot completely negate negligence and human error. Sometimes, you will find that construction companies put work schedules and costs ahead of worker safety. This often leads to construction site accidents. Here, we will explore more about the top causes of construction accidents and how legal representation can help you:
[Photo by SevenStorm JUHASZIMRUS]
Fatal Causes of Construction Accidents
Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHA) was established in 1970 to ensure safer working conditions for all workers. But, as stated above, nothing can stop all kinds of accidents. Here, we’ll look into the top causes of construction accidents:
Caught between or caught in
Caught between or caught in often happens when a worker gets stuck between two heavy objects/machinery. In most cases, injuries from this are devastating and can lead to amputation, crushing, strangulation, or even death.
Falls
It’s highly likely for construction site workers to fall from an elevated height. This is because of their everyday use of scaffolds, ladders, & other equipment to reach high areas. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has a mandate to oversee safety protocols and fall protection for workers.
However, in spite of the mandate, falls still occur when the safety protocol rules are not enforced or when there is a work culture of complacency.
Electrocutions
Electrocution can lead to fatal injuries due to exposure to a lethal amount of electricity. It is often because of a lack of situational awareness, worker miscommunication, and PPE nonuse.
Electrocution is preventable when construction sites provide the right worker training, electricity warning, or loose wire indications.
Struck by objects
Even when you wear protective equipment, sometimes objects dropped from above can cause you to experience serious injuries. These types of injuries are the opposite of those caught in or caught in between.
You can get them due to forcible impact or contact and not pinning or crushing. They are often due to ignorance of safety measures, PPE failure/nonuse, or lack of safety training.
How Legal Representation Can Help
Navigating construction site accidents will require you to have a deep understanding of the legal landscape. Also, you will need the help of a construction accident attorney. This lawyer will help you with invaluable assistance in case of a lawsuit. Also, they will:
Give you legal guidance and representation
An experienced construction accident attorney can help you assess the accident, establish liability, and advise injured workers of their options and legal rights. They are especially necessary if you want to pursue a third-party liability lawsuit or file a workers’ compensation claim.
The construction accident attorney will ensure that you understand the complexities of the legal process and can make informed decisions depending on your case.
Ensure maximum compensation
Injured workers are liable to receive different types of compensation. This may include disability benefits, lost wages, medical expenses, and pain and suffering compensation. An experienced construction attorney lawyer can negotiate with insurance companies to ensure that the injured party gets maximum compensation.
Also, they can litigate the case in court. Their negotiation skills and knowledge of compensation laws can ensure that the injured worker gets just and fair compensation.
Investigate and collect evidence
A strong case will need you to conduct an investigation and collect evidence. However, if you have a construction accident lawyer, you don’t have to do it yourself. These lawyers often collaborate with investigators to obtain relevant documents, gather witness statements, and preserve vital evidence to support your claim.
This approach is essential in ensuring an evidence-based case against the responsible parties.
Help pursue third-party liability claims
An injured worker can have the right to pursue third-party liability claims against third parties who are not covered by worker’s compensation. These third parties can be equipment manufacturers, subcontractors, and contractors.
An experienced attorney can help you to identify all possible avenues for compensation. Also, they will help you to pursue the claim.
Bottom Line…
Even though there are laws and regulations in place to ensure worker safety, construction site accidents still happen. This is mainly because of falls, struck by objects, caught in/caught in between objects, and electrocution. The good thing is that construction site attorneys are here for you. They can help you to understand the legal process and ensure you get the maximum compensation possible. Remember that when choosing a construction site attorney, go for the most knowledgeable and experienced one.
