Being a construction worker is amongst the most dangerous jobs that one can hold in America. In this industry, freak accidents kill or injure thousands of workers each year. The victims of these accidents can opt to hold the companies or individuals responsible for the damages by filing a personal injury lawsuit.
This type of lawsuit allows the victims to receive compensation for their suffering. You can view legal representation services from DonGaline.com for more information about how to handle your claim.
Types of Construction Accidents
Four causes rise to the top of the list as reasons that construction fatalities commonly occur: Falls, Electrocution, Getting Caught-in or Stuck Between, and Struck-by.
Here’s a more in-depth look as to why these situations are happening far too often:
- Not correctly installing or securing the scaffold
- Insufficient protective equipment
- Machinery and equipment defects at the construction site
- Improper tools, equipment, and machine maintenance
- Lack of communication about on-site hazards
- Inadequate proper supervision
- Ineffective training on how to appropriately handle complex equipment and heavy machinery
Type of Construction Accident Claims
Here are the types of claims you can file if you get injured while working at a construction site:
- Worker’s Compensation: Injured employees don’t usually seek to file a claim for compensation against their employer. There are generally already benefits afforded to them via worker’s comp insurance. To be eligible for these benefits, the employee has to prove they sustained an injury, no matter the circumstances surrounding the accident.
Once the employer accepts the claim, the employee can access these benefits:
- Personal Injury: The employee can also bring a claim against a third-party entity if they want to maximize the recovery of damages. To file a claim for personal injury compensation, they have to prove that this entity was negligent, which caused them to get injured.
- Product Liability: If the worker gets injured because of a defective product, they can bring charges against any company in the distribution change.
- Wrongful Death: If the employee were to pass away at the job site, an immediate family could file a wrongful death claim on their behalf. In some cases, they can file more than one simultaneously.
What Damages Can Someone Recover for a Construction Accident Injury?
If you choose to take legal action against the negligent party that is to blame for your injury, an attorney can help you recover:
- Medical bills
- Property damage
- Physical therapy
- Ongoing living expenses
- Pain and suffering,
- Counseling costs
- Mortgage and rent,
- Loss of consortium for widows or widowers
- Loss of wages (past and future)
What Steps To Take In Case of a Construction Accident?
Frankly, construction site jobs are inherently hazardous, no matter how many steps you take to stay safe.
Whether your injuries result from a negligent party, faulty equipment, or a freak accident, you have a right to get the help you deserve from a trustworthy attorney. If you or your family member get injured due to a construction accident:
- Get medical attention for your injury immediately
- Report the injury to your supervisor or employer and keep track of who knows
- Collect statements and any information available from witnesses
- Please take photos of the injury at the scene where it occurred, as well as all equipment involved
- Reach out to a lawyer to learn more about the legal options available to you
Conclusion
Accidents will inevitably happen despite all of the provisions made by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to ensure safe and healthy working conditions are excellent through setting and enforcing standards.
If you find yourself in this situation, you need to document everything that occurred, and decide whether you should make it a legal matter.
Review your benefits through the employer and determine if any other party should also be held accountable in the matter. Regardless of the nature or cause of the injury, construction workers injured on the job deserve compensation.