Updated on April 25, 2022
Construction sites are dangerous places because of the work entailed and the usage of heavy moving equipment, tools, and chemicals. Bureau of Labor Statistics showed that thirty percent of construction workers sustained a work-related injury in 2018. According to OSHA, one-fifth of all worker fatalities occurred in the industry in the same year.
Despite precautions taken on construction sites, some injuries are more common than others. Construction accident attorneys specialize in these injury claims and can help you determine when to seek compensation for your medical care, other expenses incurred, and any loss of income.
Most Common Personal Injury Claims in the Construction Industry
The two types of injury claims related to the construction industry include:
- Compensation to workers on a site, whether actual workers or supervisors
- Non-workers who sustain injuries from a construction site mishap, even if they were drivers or pedestrians moving near or in the construction work area.
Construction workers have two avenues to seek compensation, either from a personal injury claim or from their workers’ compensation. Workers can file for both in some cases since workers’ compensation does not cover pain and suffering. Non-workers can only file for a personal injury claim.
The most common construction injuries include:
Sprain and Strain Injuries
Sprains and strains consistently remain the most common type of construction site injuries. These may not be as severe as other injuries, but individuals lose an income until they recover. Additionally, these can cause future complications if left untreated.
Broken Bones and Fractures
Slips and falls are also common accidents in the industry and may even entail falling from a great height. These may lead to fractures and broken bones. Depending on how serious the injury, treatment and recovery time often impact worker mobility and health because these require anything for a few weeks of healing and even loss of mobility, paralysis, and lifelong pain.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries are also prevalent on construction sites and occur when a falling object strikes a worker on the head. These injuries often have a severe effect on a person’s life because they can cause permanent brain damage, cognitive issues, functional impairment, and mobility issues. In addition, they can also cause personality changes and seizures.
Cuts, Punctures, and Lacerations
The tools used on a construction site often lead to cuts, punctures, and lacerations ranging from mild to severe. These wounds lead to the need for stitches, surgery, amputation, etc., and can cause complications like infection. The resulting issues are high medical bills, the need for physical therapy, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Eye injuries
The tools and chemicals used on building sites require careful handling, but mishaps are not uncommon. Any damage to the eyes can mean that a worker suffers from compromised sight or permanent blindness, impacting their ability to work. Proper training and the use of protective gear are essential. Sometimes eye injuries are caused by the negligence of another party. Unfortunately, workers with compromised vision cannot perform their duties, requiring additional compensation.
Burns and Electrocution
Electrical workers or those performing building tasks with flammable chemicals are primarily at risk of electrocution and burns at their workplace. Third- and fourth-degree burns are severe and may require surgery, skin grafts, and other intensive medical treatments, often leading to hypothermia or tetanus. Severe burns can affect their quality of life and ability to earn a livelihood.
Spinal Injuries
Spinal injuries are not as common as other injuries but can lead to severe spinal cord damage. Compression and damage to the nerves or vertebrae are not uncommon with these injuries, leading to intense pain, loss of function, and numbness, to name a few. In cases where the spinal cord is critically damaged or severed, a worker can suffer from loss of mobility or paralysis (sometimes partial). Spinal cord injuries require expensive long-term care, extensive medical treatment, and physical therapy. Additionally, most spinal injuries make it difficult for an individual to return to work because of chronic pain and emotional distress. These can also lead to the loss of their life quality.
Final Thoughts
Always consult a lawyer for any injury resulting from a construction site, whether you work there or not, and even if a nearby construction caused it. As a plaintiff in a lawsuit over a construction-related injury, you can claim compensation for lost wages and any out-of-pocket expenses related to your treatment. You can also seek reimbursement for all medical expenses, your pain and suffering, and the loss of your enjoyment of life. In addition, if you were injured or became ill from a construction accident near your caused by negligence, you can also seek punitive damages.
