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In 2021, the construction industry was listed as one of the most dangerous professions, according to one source. This means that each day that a construction worker goes to work, he or she is confronted with the very real threat of being injured on the job. When you work in this industry, you are entitled to both physical and legal protection.
In most cases, it is discovered that the cause of on-the-job accidents is negligence on the part of someone other than the victim. If you or your loved one works in the construction field and has been hurt on the job, you may be legally entitled to more compensation than workers’ comp would pay.
The personal injury lawyers of Judd Shaw Injury Law can help you to pursue full compensation. Our lawyers have helped clients recover over $240 million for damages suffered. Call us today at 732-888-8888 or complete our online form to get a free case review.
Common Types of Construction Accidents
On a construction site, there are numerous potentially dangerous hazards present. Not only must workers be aware of these potential hazards but employers have a legal responsibility to ensure the workplace is as reasonably safe as possible. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has designated the most common types of accidents on a construction site, as “fatal four,” which are the following.
Falls
One-third of all deaths in the construction field happen due to falling. Since construction workers are constantly working at heights, falls from scaffolding, ladders, and other elevated platforms are an ever-present danger. Taking appropriate safety measures can help to reduce the number of these types of accidents.
Safety measures may include workers using protective equipment and receiving the appropriate training. Other measures include securing ladders, scaffolding, and the perimeter.
Electrocutions
There are constantly live wires on a construction site. Overhead power lines, improperly placed extension cords, and defective electrical equipment are found on many sites. When metal equipment such as ladders or scaffolding comes in contact with these power sources, a worker can suffer severe or fatal injuries.
Electrocution accidents can be minimized if workers maintain a safe distance when working near power lines. Also, making sure that any electrical devices are properly grounded before use and being vigilant of power sources when using ladders or scaffolding can help you avoid accidental electrocution.
Struck by an object
Due to the fact that heavy equipment is typically used on a construction site, a worker being hit by a falling, rolling, or flying object is a very real risk. Tools and debris falling from elevated platforms and being struck by a swinging object or a moving vehicle are some common causes of injury as well.
Wearing highly visible clothing and avoiding placing themselves between a moving object and a fixed object are two ways workers can stay safe. Also, workers at elevated planes should make sure their tools are secured and that any debris is regularly cleared away.
Caught in or between
This refers to a worker being caught inside, between, or under heavy equipment or objects. On a construction site, there is usually large equipment that can crush a person. A construction accident can occur if a worker is crushed between moving objects or has his or her clothes entangled in machinery.
Installing protective guards on moving equipment and placing warnings of potential hazards can do much to prevent these incidents from occurring. Further, unplugging equipment when not in use would prevent an accident from occurring.
There are many other types of accidents that occur on construction sites, such as exposure to chemicals and vehicle accidents. If you or your loved one has suffered injuries from one of the types of accidents listed here or in another way, you may be entitled to receive fair compensation for the damages suffered.
Common Injuries From Construction Accidents
Since there are ever-present hazards on a construction site, accidents occur frequently. According to one source, 1 in every 10 construction workers is injured every year. In almost all cases, these accidents result in catastrophic or fatal injuries for workers.
Some common injuries experienced by construction workers include but are not limited to the following:
- Brain injuries
- Back injuries
- Neck injuries
- Burns
- Internal organ damage
- Broken bones
- Hearing loss
- Blindness
- Loss of limbs
- Paralysis
- Fatal injuries
Why You Should Contact a Lawyer After Any Construction Injury
When a worker has suffered an on-the-job injury at the construction site, the typical step after seeking medical assistance is to file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits. While it is true that New Jersey requires employers to carry workers’ comp insurance, the adjuster may try to use tactics to minimize the cost of your claim.
Further, there may be third parties involved who are not covered by your employer’s workers’ comp but who may share a measure of liability for your injuries.
Usually, there are multiple companies working on a construction site. Any one of their employees could have been negligent and caused the accident that led to your being injured.
Or perhaps a defective tool or faulty power equipment was the cause of the accident that caused your injury. In that case, you may be entitled to a third-party claim against the manufacturer.
Additionally, hiring a personal injury lawyer to represent you after an on-the-job construction injury will allow you to focus on healing. The process of fighting for fair compensation from workers’ comp and pursuing potentially liable third parties may only increase any stress you are already feeling, but you don’t have to go through that. Let your lawyer go to bat for you and keep you informed every step of the way.
For all these reasons, it is the wisest course to speak with a lawyer if you have suffered a construction site injury, regardless of the type of condition you have. Contact a personal injury lawyer before settling for what could prove to be too little compensation from workers’ comp benefits. An experienced attorney will know how to investigate the accident, gather the evidence, analyze the facts, and pursue all responsible parties, even filing third-party claims if necessary.
Get Your Claim in Good Hands By Hiring a Lawyer Today
Think about it – week after week, you or your loved one may have devoted many hours of your life to further the cause of the construction company. It is only right that you receive proper compensation for a work-related injury.
Though insurance adjusters are familiar with tactics to use to minimize your claim, the Judd Shaw Injury Law team is very knowledgeable about tactics used by insurance adjusters. Our lawyers will make sure your claim is filed appropriately, negotiate fiercely if needed with insurance adjusters, and possibly file third-party lawsuits to ensure you are fully compensated.
Get assistance with your case as soon as today. Reach the lawyers at Judd Shaw Injury Law today at 732-888-8888 or complete our online form to schedule a free consultation. We won’t collect a cent unless we win your case! That’s our No Fee Guarantee®.