Accidents in Construction Sites: Causes, Legal Options, and More

While industries that depend on intensive physical activities and heavy use of machinery are inherently dangerous, construction workers are particularly susceptible to life-threatening injuries. Stressful and ever-changing working conditions, time-sensitive schedules, improper knowledge of worker safety, and lack of precautionary practices make the sector vulnerable to different types of accidents.

Under most circumstances, workers are unaware of potential hazards that can cause them irreparable harm.

While construction site accidents may be unpredictable, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has identified four causes linked to 65% of deaths in the industry.

The following are the most common causes of construction site accidents that endanger employee safety.

•   Falls

Falls are an occupational hazard for construction workers. They often work at heights, on unstable surfaces without protective boundaries, and under exacting conditions. Accidental injuries caused by slipping down or falling from elevated surfaces are common in construction sites. In most cases, such accidental falls can result in severe physical damage.

Per research data, falls contribute to 37% of fatal accidents in construction sites.

Although not all falls are fatal, there’s a high probability of workers experiencing injuries that temporarily disable them from performing heavy-duty physical activities.

These reasons make falls one of the most common causes of construction site accidents.

•   Caught In or Between

Construction sites are chaotic places, filled to the brim with heavy machinery, dumps of raw materials, and flimsy structures prone to collapsing. Injuries caused by workers getting trapped under debris or between machinery comprise caught in or between accidents. Anywhere from 2.5-5% of construction site accidents are caused by such incidents.

Unfortunately, it’s every bit as terrifying as it sounds because such accidents at construction sites can lead to amputations or lifelong disabilities even if they are not fatal.

•   Struck By

Projectiles also pose a major threat to the safety of construction site workers. Injuries caused by falling debris, heavy-duty vehicles, moving parts of machinery (like cranes), etc. are categorized as struck by injuries. Nearly 8-10% of all construction site accidents result from unexpected projectiles.

Compromised visibility due to dusty and low-light working conditions also makes construction workers susceptible to such incidents.

•   Electrocution

Last but not least, the presence of electrical hazards is also one of the leading causes of construction site accidents. Malfunctioning electrical equipment, defective power lines, poorly maintained wiring, loose wires, and electrical fires are some of the common precedents of electrocution injuries.

Roughly 6% of all accidents on construction sites are caused by electrocutions.

Even though OSHA identifies the above causes of construction site accidents as the “fatal four”, workers can also suffer from overexertion, poor and exacting working conditions, and repetitive motion injuries. In rare cases, traumatic incidents at the workplace may cause mental health problems too.

Construction accidents and their causes may not be fully controllable, however, for anyone suffering from work site injuries, Glendale construction accident lawyers may prove to be helpful.

Experienced personal injury lawyers specializing in construction site accident cases can help workers get fair compensation for their suffering, medical treatment, and loss of wages.

Given that most construction site accidents can be attributed to hazardous and negligent work conditions that fail to meet established safety standards, personal injury attorneys in Glendale can investigate the incident on behalf of the injured.

From gathering evidence and coordinating with witnesses to negotiating compensation with employers and insurance companies, personal injury lawyers can provide steadfast support to workers who suffer from life-altering injuries.

Suffering from a freak accident that directly impacts someone’s working caliber can be a traumatic and demotivating experience. Such incidents can prove to be a major setback to one’s professional goals. However, seeking legal help that can ease the financial burden of treatment and provide compensation can help manage stress.

Construction is an evergreen industry that comprises a multitude of indoor and outdoor activities. Because of the ever-present market demand, it’s also one of the industrial sectors that can provide easy employment opportunities to the skilled and unskilled workforce.

But every industry has its pros and cons.

In the case of the construction, the cons may not always be unavoidable.

Pogosyan Law Firm in Glendale is aware of the challenges faced by construction industry workers and by extension, their next of kin. We specialize in providing humane and effective legal counsel to anyone who has suffered wrongful injuries or lost an earning member of their family to workplace accidents.

We have extensive experience in helping victims of construction site accidents and specialize in providing assistance in injuries caused by:

•     Forklifts
•     Caterpillar machines
•     Bulldozers
•     Cranes
•     Ladder falls
•     Scaffolding collapses
•     Defective safety equipment
•     OSHA violations

We provide legal representation to victims of personal injuries irrespective of the complexity of the case and ensure they get their full monetary compensation. Our lawyers can expertly handle cases covering loss of wages, monetary compensations, insurance acquisition, and more.

If you or someone close to you has suffered from accidents at construction sites and requires the counsel of an experienced personal injury attorney, reach out to us. We are available via phone and email. Our services are multilingual with support available in Spanish, Russian, and Armenian.

Don’t let construction site accidents halt your career. Let us help you get the fair compensation you deserve.