Understanding Construction Site Injury and Your Legal Rights
The construction industry is one of the most dangerous places to work. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), 5,333 workers were killed on the job in 2019. Of those deaths, approximately 20 percent occurred in the construction industry. Construction workers face a variety of potential hazards every day, which is why it’s so important for companies to provide proper training and safety equipment. Despite these precautions, accidents can and do happen. If you’ve been injured on a construction site – as an employee or a passerby – GOLDLAW can help.
Common Causes of Construction Site Accident
Construction accidents can be extremely dangerous and often result in serious injuries or even death. Workers and passersby can both be put at risk when these accidents occur. That’s why it’s so important to be aware of the potential hazards and know what to do if you or someone you know is injured in a construction accident. Some of the most common causes of construction site injury include:
Falls
Falls from heights are one of the most common—and deadliest—types of construction accidents. In 2020, 351 out of 1,008 fatalities in the construction industry were caused by falling from heights such as roofs, scaffolds, and ladders.
Electrocutions
Working with electricity is one of the most hazardous parts of many construction jobs. To help prevent electrocutions on construction sites, employers should make sure that all electrical equipment is properly grounded and that workers have received proper training.
Caught-In/Between Hazards
Construction workers are often required to work in tight spaces or with heavy machinery, which can put them at risk of being caught in between objects or crushed by falling debris. To help prevent caught-in/between accidents, employers should make sure that workers have received adequate training in how to safely work around heavy machinery and other potential hazards.
Struck-By Hazards
Construction workers and passersby are at risk of being struck by moving vehicles or falling objects such as tools, equipment, or debris. Employers can help protect their workers and the community by having strict traffic safety policies in place, making sure that all vehicles on site are driven safely, and ensuring that there is no falling debris.
How to File a Claim After a Construction Accident
If you’re a worker that was injured in a construction accident, you could be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. In some cases, you could also be eligible to file a personal injury claim as well – for example, if your injury occurred because of a manufacturer defect.
If you are considering filing a claim as a result of a construction site injury, take the following steps:
Notify your employer. The first step is to notify your employer about the accident. In Florida, you have 30 days to notify your employer of your accident at work.
Seek medical attention. It’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible after the construction site injury occurs. Even if you don’t think you’re seriously injured, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and get checked out by a doctor. Additionally, seeking medical attention will create a paper trail that will be helpful when you file your claim.
Gather evidence. Once you’ve notified your employer and sought medical attention, you’ll need to gather evidence to support your claim. This can include pictures of the accident site, witness statements, and copies of any medical records or bills related to your injuries.
Hire an attorney. One of the best things you can do after being injured in a construction accident is to hire an experienced personal injury attorney who can help you navigate the claims process and make sure you get the compensation you deserve.
Hire GOLDLAW For Your Construction Accident Claim
If you or a loved one has been involved in a construction accident, you may be feeling overwhelmed and confused about what to do. You may be wondering if you need to hire a lawyer, and if so, which one is right for you.
Fortunately, GOLDLAW is here for you.
- We have been handling personal injury cases for years, and our team of experienced lawyers has successfully represented many clients who have been involved in construction accidents.
- We have a long history of successful verdicts and settlements in personal injury cases, including construction site injury cases.
- We work on a contingency fee basis, so we don’t get paid unless and until we recover compensation for your injuries.
For help with a construction accident claim, contact GOLDLAW today for a free consultation.
