The construction industry has one of the highest rates of injury to workers. Construction workers are exposed to a constantly changing environment that often involves dangerous heights, falling debris, electrical wiring risk, and heavy equipment, vehicles, and power tools that can malfunction or fail. A common construction site accident involves falls from scaffolds, ladders, or other dangerously high places which can result in broken bones, head trauma, brain injury, and damage to the neck, back, hip, or spine. Other construction accidents may involve electrocution, explosions, and injuries involving forklifts, cranes, earth movers, or other industrial equipment.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a construction accident, you will want to ensure that you are properly compensated for your medical expenses, loss of wages, and possibly other damages. Having a competent attorney in your corner as soon as possible is important. At Smith Law, a St. Joseph personal injury attorney can investigate your accident to determine all of those parties responsible for your injuries. You will generally be entitled to workers' compensation which will provide medical and wage benefits. You may also be entitled to pursue a third-party injury claim against any others who contributed to or caused your injuries. These may involve manufacturers of faulty equipment, improper safety measures, lack of safety equipment, or violations of OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) safety regulations.
According to OSHA, one out of ten construction workers are injured on the job annually. The leading cause of such injuries is falls. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that approximately 150,000 injuries occur every year to those who work at construction sites. Some are simple accidents while others may be caused by negligence. General contractors have a duty to ensure that construction workers are provided with proper safety measures and have a reasonably safe environment in which to work.
Contact a St. Joseph construction accident lawyer at the firm if you have sustained injuries at a construction site today.