Construction is a high-risk industry that presents many dangers on a daily basis. Heavy machinery, electrical work, use of various chemicals, and more are all common aspects of construction, but they can pose serious harm to workers when an accident occurs. When these accidents are the result of negligence on the part of a company or other workers, you may be entitled to pursue a legal claim.
Dax F. Garza, P.C. is ready to represent you when you are suffering from construction work injuries caused by someone else. Extensive medical costs can be overwhelming, and our team ensures you are not left to handle this by yourself. We fight to secure compensation and help you take back your life.
The Dangers of Construction Work
There are many dangers that come with the construction industry, and workers are constantly at risk of harm. According to the most recent construction injury numbers, Texas saw 9,400 construction injuries, 3,400 requiring significant time spent off the job. There were also 126 construction fatalities during the same time period. The numbers also revealed that building contractors had the highest rate of injuries, as well as medium- to large-sized construction companies.
These numbers highlight the ongoing risks these workers face on the job. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), most construction injuries fall into four categories: falls, caught-in/caught-between, struck by, and electrocution. Collectively, these causes are known as the “fatal four” and represent the types of accidents that happen most frequently. Many different kinds of accidents and injuries can occur within each of these groupings and harm workers.
Common Types of Injuries on Construction Sites
Construction injuries can come in many forms and cause a wide variety of injuries. Many of these accidents can cause a variety of symptoms, ranging from traumatic brain injuries to amputations, to broken bones and lacerations. Injuries may be multi-faceted and range in severity. Workers could easily face long recovery times and require ongoing therapy and treatment, including rehabilitative therapies. Below is a closer look at some common construction injuries.
Vehicle Injuries
From construction vehicles to regular vehicles, vehicle accidents on the job site occur frequently. These accidents may occur amongst construction workers or from a motorist passing through a construction zone. Workers may face the same types of injuries as other motorists, but collisions involving heavy machinery are likely to be more severe.
Crushing Injuries
Workers can be crushed between building materials, heavy equipment, and machinery, and other objects. The amount of pressure this can exert on a worker can result in internal injuries, broken bones, and may even require amputation in some situations. These types of injuries can threaten a worker’s ability to do their job even after receiving medical care and recovering.
Electrocution
Electrical workers can be at risk of electrocution, especially if they are working with high voltages. These types of injuries can also occur on the jobsite if proper safety protocols are not followed or unsafe alterations are made to electrical equipment. These injuries can be highly dangerous and lead to health complications or death.
Burns and Chemical Exposure
Workers can suffer from first, second, or third-degree burns from sources such as fire, steam, excessive heat, or chemicals. These injuries can damage a significant amount of tissue and can lead to a risk of infection if not treated properly.
Slips, Trips, and Falls
Construction workers often work at great heights, traverse multiple types of surfaces, and are surrounded by tools and heavy equipment. Any of these settings can cause a worker to slip, trip, or fall and suffer serious or fatal injuries that can have lasting effects on their lives.
Struck-by injuries
Objects can fall from any height or surface on a construction site and hit a worker who is in the way. Workers can even be hit by objects that are in motion, such as the boom of a crane. These threats are numerous in the construction industry, and injuries can lead to traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, and more.
Determining Who Is Liable for Your Construction Injuries
Many times, construction injuries occur because of poor safety measures, distractions, human error, or negligence. As such, several parties could be responsible for contributing to the accident and injuries you suffered. These parties can include construction companies and contractors, property owners, tool and equipment manufacturers, and motorists. It is important to determine the cause of the accident in order to hold the right party accountable.
A lawyer can help you investigate the cause of the accident, gather evidence, and show that the at-fault party disregarded the obligations they had to safety and hurt you as a result of the accident they caused. Your lawyer can also secure compensation from the at-fault party once they have been deemed liable.
Compensation Provides Relief from the Burden of Construction Injuries
Construction injuries often result in serious harm that can take a while to recover from. For some, their injuries may be permanent and limit the work they can do, if at all. The costs associated with these injuries can cause significant financial hardship, and compensation can provide much-needed relief. Some losses you may be able to recover if you have been injured include:
- A wide range of medical expenses
- Lost wages or earning capacity for time spent away from work or the inability to work
- Pain and suffering
- Decreased quality of life
- Emotional distress
- Mental anguish
Your potential settlement will depend on the specific losses you have suffered. It is important to keep all records and gather evidence to support your claim and help you recover maximum compensation. Talk to your lawyer about what your case could be worth.
Dax F. Garza is Ready to Represent You
When you need support after a construction injury, Dax F. Garza, P.C. will fight for you to ensure you receive a fair settlement. We help you navigate the complexities of the claim process and ensure your rights are protected from start to finish. To learn more about how our team can get justice for you, contact us today to schedule your free consultation.
