According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2019, fatalities in the construction industry were at their highest levels since 2007 — with 1,061 deaths or an increase of five percent.
This includes the construction of buildings, heavy and civil engineering construction, and specialty trade contractors.
It is no surprise that construction is one of the most dangerous jobs, but it can be shocking when an accident happens to you or a loved one. An experienced workers compensation attorney can help you and your family handle the stress and results of an injury or death.
Top Workplace Injuries
Often, the top three work-related injuries are overexertion, slips, trips, falls, and contact with objects or equipment. Overexertion includes excessive physical effort such as lifting, pushing, holding, carrying objects, and repetitive, nonstrenuous motion that results in stress or strain.
A slip, trip, or fall can occur when striking an object or tripping at the same level, falling from a collapsing structure, through a surface or a higher level, or jumping to a lower level. Contact with an object might include an object striking a person, bumping into, stepping on, or being pushed into an object. It may also occur when a body or a body part is squeezed or crushed in equipment or under a collapsing structure.
The Construction Industry
Due to their work nature, construction workers often use large tools and machinery, hazardous materials, and unfinished work sites. Construction sites are full of obstacles, heights, and uneven and slippery surfaces.
Unfortunately, all of these common workplace situations can result in minor to serious injury and even death. When a construction employee experiences an accident in any of the above situations, it can cause burns, sprains, broken bones, back or neck pain, illnesses from toxic exposure, head or brain injury.
Workers Compensation vs Lawsuit Claims
Workers’ Compensation insurance is purchased by organizations to cover workplace accidents and injuries to their employees. If the accident occurs at work or on a work-related trip, and you were not intoxicated or violating other policies, you may be able to file a workers’ compensation claim. This can cover associated medical costs, lost wages, and long- or short-term disability benefits.
Typically, workers’ compensation is the only way an employer will cover any benefits to the injured individual. However, if the injury resulted from a third party’s negligence, you may also file a lawsuit to obtain additional benefits. This could include the manufacturer of a defective tool or piece of machinery, an architectural firm, or a project management company.
To ensure your legal rights are protected, get in touch with the experienced team at the Law Office of James M. Hoffmann 24/7 for a free case evaluation.