Types of Construction Accidents
A construction site can be a dangerous environment. As a construction worker, it’s good to know the most common causes of construction accidents in order to maximize your safety. These are known as construction’s “fatal four”, according to OSHA.
Falls
Construction workers often work on elevated platforms. As such, falling is the deadliest type of personal injury on construction sites. In fact, one-third of all deaths in construction are attributed to falling.
Taking appropriate safety steps can help prevent these construction accidents. These include receiving proper training and using protective equipment. Added to this are securing ladders, scaffolding, and the perimeter.
Struck by an object
Since heavy equipment is usually used on a construction site, the threat of a construction accident by flying, rolling, or a falling object is real. Tools and debris falling from elevated platforms and being struck by a moving vehicle are some common causes of injury as well.
If construction workers carefully position their tools on an elevated platform and regularly clear debris, many accidents can be prevented. Being careful of nearby moving objects and wearing high-visibility clothes can also help you avoid an accident.
Electrocutions
Construction workers may frequently work around live electrical wires. When metal equipment, such as scaffolding and ladders, meets an overhead power line, serious and fatal accidents can result. Other hazards to workers include contact with powered sources such as improperly used extension cords and damaged wires.
Several safety measures can be taken to prevent electrocutions. Actions including being vigilant regarding overhead power lines, using grounded electrical devices, and marking utilities clearly could prevent accidents from occurring.
Caught in or between
This refers to a worker being caught inside, between, or under heavy equipment or objects. Construction sites frequently have equipment large enough to crush people. A construction accident can occur when a worker’s clothes become entangled in machinery or when a worker is crushed between moving objects.
These incidents can be prevented by taking safety precautions. These include installing protective guards on moving equipment and warning workers in advance of potential hazards.
The Employer’s Legal Responsibility
Of course, there are other types of construction accidents that occur at construction sites in California. Employers have a legal responsibility to provide a safe working environment. Due to the high potential of a construction accident, it is especially important for an employer to be vigilant with enforcing safety procedures.
Some of the responsibilities of an employer include:
- Ensuring workers receive proper training
- Ensuring tools and equipment at the site are being regularly maintained
- Ensuring that workers are able to clearly see safety standards and codes
- Providing protective equipment for workers
Many construction accidents could easily have been prevented. If you or your loved one has been injured due to someone’s negligence, contact an experienced San Diego construction accident attorney with our law firm for legal advice. A construction injury attorney can help relieve some of your pressure!
Some of the More Common Types of Injuries
As a result of exposure to these ever-present dangers on the construction site, serious injuries frequently occur. Some common injuries experienced by construction workers include the following:
- Brain injuries
- Neck injuries
- Back injuries
- Deep cuts from objects
- Broken bones
- Shoulder injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Burns
- Crushed
- Blindness
- Loss of limbs
- Hearing loss
- Paralysis
- Fatal injuries
When you experience a serious injury or lose a loved one due to negligence on a construction site in San Diego, you may be entitled to legal compensation for your loss. Our accident lawyers can make sure your future is secure. To every accident lawyer at our law firm, every case is important — no matter how small.
Types of Compensation You May Be Entitled To
Think about it – week after week, you or your loved one may have devoted many hours of life to further the cause of the construction company in San Diego. It is only right that you receive proper compensation for a work-related injury that may result in life-changing circumstances.
The law in the State of California indeed requires construction employers to hold workers’ compensation insurance for their employees in case of work-related injuries. Despite this, workers’ compensation only covers certain damages for injured workers. What’s more, the insurance adjuster may only seek to lower the cost of your claim.
However, you may also be entitled to a third-party liability claim. The third party is a person or a business other than your employer who may be responsible for you being injured.
Potential third parties for a liability claim may include:
- Property owners
- Contractors from other companies
- Equipment manufacturers
- Architect
Keep in mind that you have a limited time period to file a claim. In California, the statute of limitations for many types of personal injury cases is only 2 years from the date of the incident. So when injured, it’s wise to talk to an injury lawyer as soon as you can.
Our San Diego construction accident lawyers have extensive legal experience and a successful track record of winning full and fair compensation. Our San Diego law firm puts people ahead of profits.
Our accident lawyers feel a personal obligation to assist you with pursuing full compensation for your construction injury, including:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Disability benefits (temporary or permanent)
- Compensation for emotional pain and suffering
- Wrongful death benefits
Why Contact Our Understanding Construction Injury Attorneys in San Diego, CA
We understand that it can be traumatic to experience a personal injury on a construction site in San Diego, California. Such an experience can change your life permanently. Your lifestyle and future plans may suddenly change in that instant.
If you were injured in San Diego due to someone else’s carelessness, it only makes sense that he or she should pay for your recovery. However, the responsible party’s insurance company will likely not pay you a fair amount. Plus, workers’ compensation will only cover the basics.
If you experienced a personal injury, or your loved one has passed away in an accident, let an attorney with our law firm help you during this difficult time. Our San Diego accident attorneys have decades of experience and are here to fight for you. Focus on your health while we work on getting you fair compensation.
We urge you to not sign anything or accept any money from an insurance company without speaking to a San Diego construction accident lawyer with our firm. Instead, get your case in good hands with an attorney before it’s too late. Contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced attorney.
Construction Accidents
