Questions About Construction Accidents

How many construction accidents occur each year in the United States?

Construction work is one of the most dangerous occupations in the United States. It is estimated that:
• Over 155,000 construction workers were injured in on the job accidents in the last year
• 10% of construction workers will be injured this year
• Falls account for the most common injuries, either from height or the same level
• The back is the most frequently injured part of the body, followed by legs, arms and hands
• Most injured construction workers miss more than 30 days of work after their accidents

What sort of factors can lead to falls on a construction site?
The number one cause of an accident on a construction site is a fall. Falls can occur when someone slips off a floor or a roof or falls of a scaffold. Ladders are another common cause of fall injuries.

What are some of the other causes of injury or death on construction sites?
There are literally thousands of potential dangers on a construction site. Heavy equipment, dangerous chemicals, and rushed production schedules can increase the accident rates of workers and even people in the surrounding areas. Most injuries on construction sites involve falls, collapses or cave-ins, power tool accidents, electrical hazards, and exposure to potentially dangerous materials such as asbestos, lead, benzene, and vinyl chloride. Electrocution, trench accidents, welding accidents or other equipment malfunction are other common causes of injury.

Can I get compensation for injuries from a construction site accident?
If you are injured on a construction site, then you may have a case for a construction accident lawsuit. Recoverable damages may include the costs of your medical care, both current and future, and an amount for pain and suffering. You can also claim lost wages and lost earning capacity. It is also important to assess the extent to which your injuries or time off from the job impact your future work opportunities or job security, and even whether your injuries are so serious and permanent that you may not be able to return to work.

Punitive damages may also be available to claim when a risk of injury could have been foreseen or prevented or if there was a clear violation of safety rules and regulations.

What should I do if I am injured in a construction site accident?
The first thing you should do is contact a doctor. After your injury is treated, then you should contact an experienced construction accident attorney for advice. If you or someone close to you has been involved in a construction accident, you deserve legal guidance and may be entitled to financial compensation for your pain and suffering. It's important to file a construction accident lawsuit as soon as possible, since you there are time limits on filing personal injury claims.