The construction of buildings is not an easy task. There are lots of moving parts in the process, both literally and figuratively, and the process can often result in accidents and injuries. Unfortunately, some of these injuries and accidents end up being lethal, producing some fairly devastating statistics for the industry.

Whether you are in the construction industry, have been injured by it, or simply reap the rewards of construction labor, it is important to understand the risks associated with positions in construction.

Yearly Construction Injuries
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are 150,000 injuries on construction job sites every year. Though these injuries vary in type and severity, the fact that so many occur should be a good indication of how much construction professionals risk their health and safety every day.

It does not appear that these numbers are going down, though one would like to assume that safety technology is advancing in some ways. Between 2011 and 2019, the amount of construction site injuries rose over 41%, meaning that the dangers of the building industry don’t seem to be going away anytime soon.

Yearly Construction Deaths
Unfortunately, a significant percentage of construction site injuries end up being fatal. 3.5 out of every 100,000 construction workers will die every year. In 2019, the United States saw 5,333 deaths from construction accidents alone. This is the highest fatality rate of any industry.

Some of the main causes of death on construction sites include:

  • Falls
  • Encounters with large objects or machinery
  • Electrocution
  • Collisions

Though OSHA demands a high standard for safety, the reality is that accidents still happen. Despite strict safety precautions, construction workers are still being hurt on the job.

Staying Safe As An Employee
If you work in the construction field, it is essential to understand that you have the right to safety. If your job site is not providing adequate safety equipment or following safety standards, you can take legal action to ensure that they do. When it comes to your health and safety at work, there is no room for error.

Steps To Take If You Get Hurt

If you get hurt on a construction site, it is important to follow certain standards and steps to ensure that you get what is owed to you. By following protocol, you can ensure that the proper people are held responsible for your injuries.

If you are injured on the construction site and are able, do the following:

  1. Report the injury to your supervisor or foreman. They may call medical professionals in some situations.
  2. Take photos. Document your own injuries, as well as the surrounding area and any materials or machinery involved in the accident.
  3. Note any coworkers who saw the accident and can act as witnesses. Write down their names and obtain their phone numbers if you do not already have them.
  4. Fill out a workers’ compensation form and submit it to your supervisor. Keep a copy or take a picture of the document for your records.
  5. Write down your account of what happened and document the progression of any injuries. Take notes about what doctors or medical professionals tell you and obtain copies of your medical records.
  6. Call your personal injury attorney.

Workers’ Compensation

If you are injured, you may be eligible for support. Of course, this depends on the circumstances. However, many construction-related injuries are eligible for workers’ compensation. To receive what you deserve, you need a strong personal injury attorney on your side. Your lawyer will be able to ensure that your settlement aligns with your suffering and injuries. Though we cannot heal your body or your trauma, we can help to ensure that you are not held financially responsible for injuries that were not your fault.

Workers’ Compensation Settlements

Many people wonder what they might be able to get from a workers’ compensation case. Though the answer is different for every situation, there are some categories that contribute to the final settlement. Categories include:

  • The cost of past, present, and future medical bills associated with the injury
  • Compensation for time unable to work because of the injury
  • Future lost wages and opportunities due to the injury
  • Pain and suffering
  • Mental duress or suffering

The more severe the construction accident and injury, the higher the settlement is likely to be.

Wrongful Death On A Construction Site

Unfortunately, not all those who are injured on a construction site live to fight for a settlement. Though this is absolutely devastating, the families of those who pass away due to construction-related accidents may be able to receive compensation in their loved one’s place. Though this certainly won’t undo the hurt caused, it can help to mitigate some of the financial damage caused by the accident.

In wrongful death cases, many families work the following into their settlements:

  • Medical bills, if applicable
  • Funeral expenses
  • Lost income

Many families rely upon a certain income to survive. When a loved one passes, their income is no longer available. This can financially devastate a family. To avoid this, many families of deceased construction workers look to earn wrongful death settlements that can help them to maintain financial stability.

Do I Need An Attorney?

When you get hurt on a job site, you absolutely need an attorney by your side. Many companies and managers will try to avoid payouts and lawsuits when they can and may try to blame the accident on you. The insurance companies that are involved often use extreme and invasive tactics to try and get you to admit fault or to disprove your case entirely.

An attorney can field all communication with these people and ensure that you do not relinquish your rights inadvertently. We can also help to maximize your settlement so that you and your family can recover from your trauma with financial stability.

Contact English, Lloyd, And Armenta

Our attorneys at English, Lloyd, and Armenta have been serving our community for over three decades. We understand the unique challenges facing construction workers and appreciate how dangerous the job can be. We are passionate about earning justice for our clients and ensuring that they are not held financially responsible for something that wasn’t their fault. Contact us today for more information or to schedule a consultation.