Common Types of Construction Accidents
Construction related injuries are usually severe due to the many hazardous situations that can occur on job sites. Those who work in construction have a higher risk of injury compared to people who work in other professions. Construction workers are exposed to heavy machinery, hazardous chemicals, dangerous tools and building materials, and extreme heights. Occasionally, if a construction site has not been marked properly, a bystander passing through or near the site could be injured, as well.
Construction Injury Statistics
In the United States, construction site related deaths continue to rise each year. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has determined the top four causes of construction related injuries and death. These are known as the “Construction Focus Four,” and include the following:
- Falls – Falls may occur due to unprotected sides or wall openings, improper scaffolding, the misuse of portable ladders, etc.
- Caught-In or Caught-Between – Being caught between heavy equipment or materials is usually due to lack of safety precautions.
- Struck By – Being struck by an object usually occurs when something falls on an unsuspecting person, or they are hit by a moving vehicle.
- Electrocution – Coming into contact with dangerous levels of electricity is quite easy to do on a construction site. A person may use equipment or power cords improperly, come into contact with power lines, or there may be a lack of ground fault at the site.
According to OSHA, in 2019, 5,333 workers died on the job, and about 20% of those fatalities in private industry were in the construction sector. This percentage accounts for one in five worker deaths that year.
For those who have been injured while working on construction sites, they can usually utilize their workers’ rights to file a workers’ compensation claim and receive payment for their injuries. However, there are times when the owner of the premises, general contractor, or other contractors might be liable for an injury. In these cases, it is important to reach out to a personal injury attorney as soon as possible.
Occasionally, it may be difficult to file a workers’ comp claim, and those who were injured on the job can be left without means to pay medical bills, or support themselves and their families. This is another reason why working with a qualified personal injury law firm, like the American Law Firm, is so important for injured workers or injured family members.
The American Law Firm – A Work Injury Lawyer in Rockford & Belvidere, IL
Being injured in a construction accident can leave you and your family with expensive hospital bills and without a reliable income. If you are unable to collect workers’ compensation benefits, or you feel your injuries were due to someone else’s negligence, contact the American Law Firm today, your personal injury lawyers in Belvidere and Rockford, IL.
For compassionate legal assistance from experienced personal injury lawyers, you cannot go wrong with the team at the American Law Firm. Reach out to us today to request a free case evaluation.
