The Top 7 Most Common Injuries in Construction Site
Construction work is a crucial profession that contributes to developing neighborhoods, safe housing, and structures that meet codes. Despite its importance, it is also one of the most hazardous occupations due to the use of heavy machinery and the construction of large structures, which often result in construction accidents and serious injuries.
Despite numerous safety regulations and preventative measures, many injuries and workplace fatalities occur annually on construction sites.
It is worth noting that certain types of construction accidents occur more frequently on construction sites than others. A general accident pattern, on the other hand, may help specific construction sites exercise greater caution. Construction machinery and activities frequently result in serious worker injuries, making construction sites dangerous.
Construction companies, contractors, and property owners who disregard safety standards and provide inadequate worker training create traps for those performing hazardous tasks.
According to labor statistics from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in the United States, approximately 6.5 million people work at about 252,000 construction sites across the country daily. Unfortunately, the construction industry has a higher fatality rate than the average across all sectors.
Most Common Construction Injuries
Construction sites are hazardous environments with physically demanding work that may necessitate the use of heavy construction equipment, working at heights, or working alongside busy roadsides where traffic accidents can occur. Unfortunately, due to the nature of the work, construction workers are at a high risk of workplace injuries.
Assume you are a construction worker who has been injured on the job. In that case, you may be dealing with serious medical problems, ongoing pain, and financial difficulties as a result of missed work and medical bills. Laws in New York provide various protections for injured workers, and it is critical that you understand your rights under these laws.
Allow a construction accident lawyer from Dervishi Law Group, P.C. to review your case and advise you on whether you should file a workers’ compensation claim or a third-party liability lawsuit, depending on the facts of your case.
Construction workers face many different risks on the construction site. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration identifies the following as some of the most common construction injuries:
Back and Spinal Cord Injuries
One of the most frequent causes of injuries on construction sites is falls. OSHA reports that a significant portion of accidents and fatalities in the construction industry result from falls. Given the nature of the work, which frequently involves working at heights like on roofs, scaffolds, and ladders, this is not surprising. Falls can result in various injuries, including broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, chronic pain, and even death.
To address the risk of falls on construction sites, OSHA requires employers to follow specific rules and recommendations. These laws require employers to provide workers with harnesses, safety nets, guardrails, and safety protocols for using personal safety equipment properly. Scaffolds and ladders must also be correctly installed, checked, and maintained by employers.
Workers’ compensation benefits may be available to a construction worker who slips and falls on the job. Workers’ compensation insurance provides benefits to injured workers or those who become ill on the job. Workers’ compensation insurance is required in most states and pays benefits for lost wages, medical expenses, and disability. However, filing a workers’ compensation claim can be difficult. Without legal representation, an injured construction worker may not receive all of the benefits to which he or she is entitled.
A construction accident attorney can help injured workers navigate the workers’ compensation system and ensure they receive all of the benefits they are entitled to. A personal injury lawsuit may also be pursued if a third party, such as a negligent subcontractor or a manufacturer of defective construction equipment caused the worker’s injuries.
In this case, a lawyer can help the employee investigate the accident and establish liability. After that, the worker may file a lawsuit to request workers’ compensation for their wounds, lost wages, and other losses.
Falls among construction workers is a frequent and serious risk. Although it is a legal requirement for employers to provide a secure workplace, appropriate personal protective equipment, and safety precautions, accidents can still occur. Applying for workers’ compensation benefits can be complicated, so injured workers may find it helpful to work with an experienced attorney.
Construction workers involved in machinery accidents may also sustain back and spinal cord injuries. Heavy machineries like bulldozers, cranes, forklifts, and power tools are standard in construction work. Their improper use or malfunction can have disastrous results.
To protect construction workers from machinery accidents, New York State enacted stringent regulations. These laws require construction companies to provide their employees with the necessary training and personal safety equipment.
A construction worker who sustains injuries due to a machinery accident should be compensated under New York’s workers’ compensation laws. If a third party is to blame for the accident, the injured worker may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit to seek compensation.
Injured workers can benefit from the assistance of construction accident attorneys in navigating the legal system and defending their rights. These attorneys can investigate what caused the accident, determine who was at fault, and assist the injured worker in filing a claim or lawsuit to recover just compensation for their medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. In addition, they can represent the injured worker in court and negotiate with insurance companies.
Repetitive Motion Injuries
Injuries from repetitive motion are common in the construction industry. Workers are frequently required to repeat the same physical tasks, such as hammering, drilling, or operating heavy machinery, without adequate rest. This can result in chronic pain, numbness, and other symptoms. Repetitive stress injuries are typically gradual and may not be apparent until they are severe. They can result in wage loss and mounting medical bills.
The risks of repetitive motion injuries on construction sites are recognized by New York state law, and workers who sustain such injuries on the job are protected. Employers must provide safe working conditions for their construction workers. Ergonomic tools and training are included to reduce the risk of repetitive motion injuries. If an employee suffers from a repetitive stress injury, he or she may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits to cover medical costs and lost wages.
Lawyers who specialize in construction site injuries can assist workers who suffer from repetitive motion injuries in a variety of ways. For starters, they can offer legal advice and guidance on how to navigate the workers’ compensation process, which includes filling out the necessary paperwork and communicating with insurance providers. They can also assist injured workers who believe their employer was negligent in providing safe working conditions or adequate training to prevent such injuries in filing a lawsuit against their employer.
Broken Bones
Broken bones are a common construction site accident, usually caused by falls or collisions with large machinery or equipment. These injuries can be severe, necessitating extensive medical care, rehabilitation, and time away from work.
Specific laws and regulations in New York safeguard workers who break bones on construction sites. The state’s workers’ compensation program offers injured employees benefits, such as payback for lost wages and reimbursement for medical costs. The injured worker may also qualify for additional pain and suffering compensation if the employer breaks safety regulations.
The injured worker may pursue a third-party liability claim in circumstances where the injury results from another party’s negligence, such as a contractor or equipment manufacturer. In this situation, they can pursue additional damages in addition to workers’ compensation benefits.
Attorneys can be useful when construction workers are injured and require financial assistance for broken bones and other injuries. They can advocate for workers’ rights and assist them in navigating the legal system. They can also investigate the events leading up to the injury in order to build a compelling case, gather evidence, and speak with witnesses. A lawyer can negotiate a fair settlement with insurance companies and other parties on behalf of the injured worker, or if necessary, take the case to trial.
Burns
Burns is one of the injuries that occur most frequently on construction sites. They may be caused by a variety of mishaps, such as coming into contact with hot surfaces, hazardous chemicals, fires, or explosions. These wounds might need extensive medical attention, such as surgeries, skin grafts, and rehabilitation, due to how serious they could be.
Construction workers who sustain burn injuries in New York have legal protection. The state’s workers’ compensation program provides benefits to injured employees by paying for medical bills, lost wages, and other associated costs. The injured worker may also claim additional compensation through a personal injury lawsuit if the burn injury results from the negligence of an employer or other third party.
A lawyer can be of great assistance to those who suffer burn injuries on the job. Attorneys with experience in these fields can help injury victims better understand their legal rights and options.
Additionally, they can compile evidence, build a compelling argument on behalf of the injured worker, and bargain with insurance providers or other parties to reach a fair settlement. To ensure the injured worker receives the compensation he/she is due, a lawyer may, if necessary, file a lawsuit.
Brain and Head Injuries
Among the most serious types of injuries that can occur on construction sites are head and brain injuries. Falls, falling objects, the use of power tools, and other mishaps can all cause these accidents. From minor concussions to traumatic brain injuries, the severity of these injuries can vary greatly and may have long-term effects on the victim’s quality of life.
Under New York law, workers who suffer head or brain injuries on construction sites deserve benefits. These benefits pay for healthcare costs, lost wages, and other costs related to the injury. If the employer or another party was negligent in causing the injury, the injured worker might seek additional compensation through a personal injury lawsuit.
Construction workers who suffer head or brain injuries can greatly benefit from the assistance of an attorney. Personal injury attorneys can assist them in understanding their legal rights and options, as well as navigating the complex legal system. They can also investigate the events leading up to the injury, gather evidence, and build a compelling case on the worker’s behalf.
If negotiating a fair settlement with insurance companies or other parties proves impossible, an attorney can file a lawsuit to ensure the injured worker receives the money due. When they have a knowledgeable attorney, injury victims can focus on their recovery while their legal needs are handled.
Eye Injuries and Vision Damage
Eye injuries and vision impairment are common occurrences on construction sites. They can result from debris, dust, and flying objects that can lead to scratches, cuts, or penetration wounds. These injuries can result in severe complications, including temporary or permanent vision loss.
New York law requires employers to provide a safe work environment. They must take the necessary safety precautions to protect workers’ eyes with appropriate protective gear, such as safety glasses or goggles. If a worker sustains an eye injury on a construction site, he or she can seek compensation under the state’s workers’ compensation program. This program covers medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs.
If the eye injury was caused by a third party, such as a contractor or equipment manufacturer, the injured worker might file a personal injury lawsuit for additional compensation. In these cases, an experienced attorney can be of invaluable assistance.
By navigating the legal system, gathering evidence, speaking with witnesses, and creating a compelling argument on the injured worker’s behalf, a skilled attorney can help ensure he/she receives fair compensation. Attorneys can negotiate with insurance providers and other parties for a fair settlement or take the case to court if necessary.
For workers with eye injuries and vision impairment, seeking the help of a qualified attorney is critical to obtaining the financial support necessary for recovery and moving forward with their lives.
Ear Injuries and Hearing Loss
On construction sites, hearing loss and ear injuries are frequent occurrences. A worker may experience hearing loss or other ear injuries due to the loud noises made by machinery, tools, and other distractions on construction sites. Such injuries might require long-term medical care and rehabilitation since they might be permanent.
In the state of New York, workplace safety is a legal requirement. They must protect workers’ hearing and provide them with appropriate protective equipment, such as ear muffs. If an employee suffers an ear injury or hearing loss on the job, he or she may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Medical care, time away from work, and retraining are among the costs.
Suppose a third party, such as a contractor or equipment manufacturer, is to blame for the ear injury or hearing loss. In that case, the injured worker has the right to file a personal injury lawsuit for additional compensation. An injured worker can greatly benefit from the assistance of an experienced attorney in navigating the legal system and receiving the compensation due.
An advocate for the injured worker can compile evidence, speak with witnesses, and create a compelling case. The attorney can also bargain with the insurance companies or other parties. If necessary, he or she can file a lawsuit to ensure the injured worker receives fair compensation.
Benefits of Working with a Construction Accident Lawyer
Working with a construction accident attorney can provide numerous benefits for injured workers, including:
Understanding your legal rights and options
An experienced attorney can assist you in understanding your legal options as well as your legal right to compensation under workers’ compensation and personal injury laws.
Gathering evidence and building a strong case
A knowledgeable attorney can assist you in gathering evidence such as medical records, witness statements, and accident reports and using it to build a strong case on your behalf.
Negotiating with insurance companies
Insurance companies frequently try to pay as little as possible to injured workers. An attorney can negotiate on your behalf with them to help you obtain a fair settlement.
Representation in court:
If a settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, an attorney can represent you in court to protect your legal rights.
Peace of mind:
Dealing with the aftermath of a construction accident can be overwhelming. Working with an attorney can help ease the burden and give construction workers the peace of mind, knowing they have an experienced professional advocating for them.
The Best Legal Representation for Construction Workers in New York
If you are a construction worker injured on the job, don’t wait to seek the compensation you deserve. At Dervishi Law Group, P.C., our experienced personal injury attorneys are here to help. Contact us today at DervishiLaw.com to schedule a free consultation and take the first step toward securing the compensation you need to recover and move forward. Call (718) 484-4757 to speak directly to an attorney now.
