Construction sites have immense potential for injury. Not only do construction workers often work with heavy machinery, which may raise the odds of many types of accidents, but they often work at heights that could cause serious fall injuries, use hazardous chemicals, and use tools that can cause severe injuries. Whether you have suffered injuries in a construction site accident or work in construction and want to keep yourself as safe as possible, there are several things you may need to know.
Any time you suffer injuries in a construction site accident, working with a lawyer is paramount. A lawyer can guide you through the claim process and provide you with more information about the compensation you may deserve, whether you suffered injuries as a construction worker or as a visitor to the site.
6 Construction Accident Facts You May Not Know
There are multiple facts about construction accidents that can help you if you suffered injuries. Some key ones to know include:
1. Construction workers have the greatest prevalence of fatal workplace injuries in the United States.
Each year, more construction workers die than workers in any other industry. They may also suffer a high rate of non-fatal injuries which can, in many cases, result in debilitating medical costs and ongoing handicaps that may impact the rest of the victim’s life.
2. You may have the right to file a personal injury claim, not just a workers’ compensation claim, against your employer.
Any time you suffer injuries in a workplace accident, including a construction site accident, you have the right to file a workers’ compensation claim. Workers’ compensation will pay your medical bills for the duration of your recovery, along with a portion of your wages during the recovery period. However, workers’ compensation does not provide compensation for your pain and suffering, nor does it offer help with the many other bills that may go along with a serious injury.
When you file a personal injury claim, on the other hand, you can include your medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering as part of the claim. Sometimes, that can result in a higher-value claim that can make it easier for you to cover your ongoing costs as you recover from your injuries.
3. Multiple entities on a construction site may bear liability.
Construction sites are filled with potential hazards. How an accident occurred, and any additional factors that contribute to the accident, can determine who bears liability for the accident. Some potential parties that may contribute to overall liability include:
- The general contractor overseeing the construction site
- Subcontractors
- The owner of the property
- Equipment manufacturers
- Equipment rental companies
- Construction workers
- Pedestrians
After a construction site accident, you may need to consult with a lawyer to help you learn more about who likely bears liability for your specific accident and the associated damages.
4. Falls cause more construction site accidents than any other type of injury.
Around 35% of construction accidents occur because of falls. Construction workers often work at heights and may need to perform potentially dangerous work. Using safety harnesses or railings can help reduce the risk of falls and keep workers and pedestrians on the ground safer.
5. About 1 in 10 construction workers sustain injuries on the job each year.
With around 10% of construction workers suffering injuries on the job each year, workers may spend considerable time out of work or dealing with the aftermath of those injuries. Taking appropriate safety precautions and providing safety training for all workers can reduce the risk of injury and provide a higher degree of protection for many construction workers.
6. Younger workers have more injuries than older, more experienced workers.
While construction accidents can happen to anyone on the job site, 60% of injuries occur in workers still within their first year on the job. Younger workers may not yet have the experience to avoid potential hazards and may prove more likely to take dangerous chances that can result in injury. Providing safety training and shadowing opportunities that allow them to work with more experienced workers can help companies keep their young workers safer.
Contact Setareh Law’s California Construction Accident Lawyers
If you suffered injuries due to an accident on a construction site, you need a California construction accident lawyer to guide you through the claim process and increase your odds of recovering the compensation you deserve. Our team at Setareh Law can help you protect your rights and get the compensation you deserve.
Contact us online or call us at (310) 659-1826 for your free consultation. We also speak Spanish.