Accidents on construction sites can lead to severe and debilitating injuries that require significant recovery time. Beyond the physical pain, there can be a financial strain. To curb the risk of injury and fatalities, employers and owners are required to stick to strict safety regulations. Sadly, those regulations aren’t always followed.
Corners are cut, and the bottom line becomes more important than worker safety. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reported 4,764 construction workers died on the job in 2020. Construction and extraction occupations accounted for 976 of those deaths.
When you’ve been injured at a construction site, a minor injury could be worse than you initially thought. Don’t let it cause you and your family major problems.
5 Construction Site Injuries You Should Call a Lawyer For
- Spinal and Neck Injury
- Loss of Hearing and Sight
- Fractures
- Head Injuries
- Post Traumatic Stress
Spinal and Neck Injury
The severity of spine and neck injuries ranges from slight numbness and tingling to paralysis. Injuries can occur from falls and when heavy objects strike the back and neck areas.
Loss of Hearing and Sight
Construction sites are home to various loud sounds, harsh chemicals, and debris that cause injury. Explosives create sounds that can cause hearing loss if proper protective precautions aren’t taken. Fragments from the explosives and splashes from the chemicals can get into the eyes and cause a loss of sight.
Fractures
Bone fractures, a common occurrence on construction sites, occur due to falls, unsafe scaffolding, hits from heavy machinery, and various other mishaps. If a fracture does not heal properly or takes a long time to heal, it could lead to a disability.
Head Injuries
Traumatic brain and head injuries are a leading cause of fatalities in the construction industry. Even while wearing a helmet, a blow to the head can lead to internal bleeding, concussions, and skull fractures. This could result in motor impairment, mental impairment, and even death.
Post-Traumatic Stress
If you have been the victim of, or witness to, an accident or death while on a construction site, it can lead to mental issues that make it difficult to cope with the dangers of the job.
Other Potential Hazards and Injuries
Other dangers include electrocution, burns, slips, strains, sprains, lacerations, abrasions, and a host of other risks that go hand-in-hand with working on construction sites. These injuries and those detailed above are not the only reasons to hire an attorney though.
5 Reasons to Hire a Lawyer After a Construction Site Accident
- Accurately determine how much your claim is worth
- Get guidance on the specifics of construction accident case law
- Assistance with worker’s compensation
- Get advice regarding medical bills
- Take away the pressure
Determine how much your claim is worth.
Local worker’s compensation laws could limit the payment amount of your case. Some injuries could be the result of third-party negligence. That means compensation laws no longer apply to your situation.
An example is an injury sustained because of a defective piece of equipment. A construction accident injury lawyer understands at-fault party law and will help you get the highest possible settlement.
Get guidance on the specifics of construction accident case law.
A lawyer who knows the rules or laws surrounding workplace injuries and employee rights will be able to review all information. The lawyer will also be able to guide you and help you determine the right legal path.
Have assistance with worker’s compensation.
A worker gets injured on the job every seven seconds in the United States, according to the National Safety Council. If you get injured at work, your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance covers death, disability, and hospital bills. Workers’ compensation does not account for lost wages, punitive damages, or psychological suffering. A lawyer can determine whether you should pursue a personal injury claim instead of workers’ compensation.
Get advice regarding medical bills.
Lawyers have a stockpile of resources at their disposal to communicate with medical professionals, receive and review medical records, and predict the cost and length of future medical treatments.
Take away the pressure.
A disruption to your quality of life can leave you overwhelmed and stressed. Hiring a lawyer allows you to focus on recovery and rebuilding your life. Your lawyer will keep you informed of court proceedings, submit and file paperwork, and negotiate on your behalf.
Hiring a Construction Accident Injury Lawyer
Hiring a lawyer can be important to your livelihood after an injury or accident. It also increases the chances of you getting proper compensation from insurance companies or negligent parties. Choose a lawyer who understands your issues and is respectful of your financial difficulty.
Construction accident cases can be difficult. Seek a competent attorney that knows how to build a strong case and is familiar with the laws that apply to your situation. If you have been injured at a construction site, please contact the experienced attorneys at Timberlake & League. We can help.
