What are the 4 main causes of construction accidents?

Construction accidents can result in long-term injuries that can have a devastating impact on your life. Although construction workers only make up 6% of the US labor force, they account for 20% of accidental deaths in the US. Construction accidents are often caused by poor training, lack of attentiveness, and malfunctioning equipment. Most of these accidents can be avoided by following safety protocols. 

When you get into a construction injury and don’t receive enough coverage for your damages, speak to a construction injury attorney that can represent you. They can help you receive compensation by investigating your accident. To learn more about construction accident injuries, you can read about the four major causes of construction accidents. According to the construction accident lawyers at Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff, LLP, they include the following:

Falls

Slip and fall accidents are among the most frequent reasons for construction site injuries. This can be due to a wet and slippery surface, loose wires, or debris. When you fall and hit a hard surface, it is likely that you can get broken bones, dislocated joints, and even head injuries. Sprains and strains are also common injuries because you may end up twisting a wrist or ankle during the fall. Spinal injuries are also probable and can result in slipped discs, pinched nerves, and more serious injuries such as paralysis.

Electrocution

Around 32% of construction workers are electrocuted each year. When an accident victim gets electrocuted, it can result in long-term damage and even brain injury. The entire body can be burnt badly after electrocution. Electrocution occurs when a construction worker touches metal objects that are electrified, such as metal ladders, wires, pipes, tools, and more. 

Sometimes it’s because they touched a wire that wasn’t properly grounded. Electrocution might happen because of exposed wiring or equipment that is defective and malfunctioning. There is also the chance that a live wire was submerged in water and a construction worker stepped into it without knowing. Electrocution has the potential to cause arrhythmia and heart attacks. It can also cause severe burns and heavy neurological damage.

Caught Between Objects

Construction workers sometimes can get injured by getting caught between machinery or between two large objects. This can happen when a heavy object slides forward and pins the victim. It is also possible that a construction worker’s arm or limb gets caught in the moving gears of a large mechanical machine. Getting caught between objects typically results in crushed bones, amputated limbs, heavy lacerations, and damaged organs. 

Falling Objects

Objects that drop during construction or demolition can hit construction workers and pedestrians. Sometimes heavy objects can get loose and fall on unsuspecting construction workers. In other instances, machinery or equipment can cause debris to go flying when they become defective. Typically these items fall from a great height, which means that the damage they cause can be severe. This can result in brain damage, arm and shoulder injuries, cuts, and more. Eye injuries caused by projectile objects may be irreversible, creating permanent blindness. 

What To Do If You’ve Been in a Construction Accident?

Your first step is to report your injury to your manager or supervisor. If it’s an emergency, they’ll call 911 to get an ambulance on the scene. If possible, take pictures of your injuries. You should take pictures of the accident scene and any factors that could have caused the accident. For example, if your injury was caused by machinery or specific tools, take pictures of them. If there were any coworkers nearby, you could use them as eyewitnesses. Keep their contact information on hand in case you need to refer to them for additional evidence. 

Your supervisor will request that you fill out a workers’ compensation form. You should keep a copy of the document for your records. Continue to document your injuries and how you’re feeling, especially if you’re experiencing any form of pain and suffering. Next, contact a personal injury lawyer to let them know what is going on. They can help you avoid common errors before you submit your workers’ compensation form. 

How Can A Construction Accident Lawyer Help Me?

If you received benefits that were too low or were denied workers’ compensation, it is time to speak to a construction accident lawyer. They can help you obtain fair compensation using evidence from your construction accident case. Attorneys work hard to get you fair benefits and help guide you through the appeal process. If the case goes to court, your attorney will represent you before the judge and jury. 

Lawyers perform an in-depth investigation of accident scenes, medical bills, and other factors that show why you deserve benefits. They may find out how the accident was caused by speaking to the manufacturers of the machinery or equipment involved in your injury. They may talk to inspectors, engineers, and anyone else that could help with your case. When enough evidence is gathered, your attorney can use it to prove why you are owed a settlement that will cover all the damages caused by the construction accident.

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