It is no secret that construction is a dangerous industry. Even though construction work is central to the growth of our society, the workers in the industry jeopardize their own safety every day when they go to work.

When it comes to personal injury law, construction-related jobs are some of the most common claims and cases. Many building companies have strict safety regulations on paper, but, in practice, they are not always applied. Even when they are, some aspects of construction are simply dangerous, even with safety measures in place. This means higher rates of personal injuries and workplace compensation.

Whether you are considering a job in construction, have worked in the industry for years, or were recently injured in a construction position, it is important to know what kinds of positions are most dangerous and what you can do if you are injured on the job.

High Rise, High Risks
The highest risk jobs in construction are in jobs that take place at great heights, such as roofing, building high floors of buildings, cleaning or repairing high rises, etc. The largest injury threat to those working high up is the possibility of falling. The higher one is working, the more severe the injury is likely to be. Harsh weather conditions can add an additional threat.

Sewage Work
Those who work to build and maintain sewage lines and duct-work put themselves at significant risk. These small spaces contain harmful contaminants and pose the possibility of suffocation or entrapment in the small spaces. It is also not uncommon for there to be a threat of electrocution in these positions.

Highway/Freeway Workers
Many of us feel inconvenienced by highway construction because it is easy to forget how greatly the workers are risking their lives to repair our roads. High speed traffic poses an incredible threat to workers, who simultaneously must use heavy and dangerous equipment to do their jobs. The high speed of the cars can also cause small objects, such as stones, sticks, and litter, to be thrown off of the road at elevated speeds, presenting a projectile risk.

Demolition
Workers doing demolition for old buildings are at great risk of being struck or crushed by falling debris. Explosives are often used on these sites, posing a fairly obvious risk to workers. Though the team has a bit of control over how they demolish the buildings, many factors are outside of human control. Despite the industry’s best efforts to make this line of work as safe as possible, it still presents a significant threat.

Frame And Steel Workers
Framing a building is generally done with steel, which is a heavy and durable substance. Though this is good for the building itself, it puts the workers involved at a high risk of injury. As steel beams are brought up to their rightful place, they often swing around. It is nearly impossible to control this, and therefore injuries and fatalities can easily occur.

Operators Of Heavy Machinery
Those who work with heavy machinery are surrounded not only by the machines themselves but by heavy objects that the machines will lift or move. This presents a higher probability that a heavy object will fall or strike workers. Additionally, a small malfunction of a heavy machine can create a larger-than-normal risk.

Electricians
Electricity is generally dangerous, but those installing and repairing broken electrical systems have an increased likelihood of electrocution and electrical shock.

Your Rights On The Construction Site

Though construction is a dangerous field, workers still have the right to remain as safe as possible. Construction companies, along with foremen and contractors, have an obligation to follow all OSHA standards, as well as additional safety standards required to keep workers safe. Though mistakes do happen at a higher rate on construction sites, employers must still do their best to protect employees.

What To Do If You Are Injured On A Construction Site

If you are working on a construction site and sustain an injury, you deserve compensation just like any other field. Before you contact your personal injury attorney, you need to follow a few steps.

  • Call medical help right away. Even if you feel okay, the sooner you are examined by a medical professional, the fewer insurance companies can argue with any injuries you sustain.
  • Take photos. Document the injury, as well as the surrounding area and any materials involved.
  • Note your peers. Be sure you know who was around you when the injury occurred. Even if they were not involved, they can act as a witness if needed. If you do not already have their contact information, ask them for it.
  • Call your personal injury attorney.

By following these steps, you can be sure that you are not held financially responsible for an accident that was not your fault.

Construction Site Settlements

After a workplace injury on a construction site, your personal injury attorney can help you to win the settlement that you deserve. Though the exact amount will vary depending on the situation, the sum should include:

  • The cost of any medical bills, present and future, related to the injury
  • Salary for time spent away from work because of the injury
  • Future opportunities squandered because of a lasting or permanent injury
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional and mental suffering

Your personal injury attorney can walk you through all of these categories to determine how much the settlement should be. The more evidence you have, such as medical records and photos, the less likely they will be able to fight the case.

Contact English, Lloyd, And Armenta

Seeking workers’ compensation or suing for an injury is no easy task. Insurance companies do everything that they can to avoid paying settlements and will go to great lengths to disprove your story. In order to preserve your body and your livelihood, contact the attorneys at English, Lloyd, and Armenta. We have over 30 years of experience in the area and understand the unique challenges that California construction workers face every day. We are passionate about protecting workers and ensuring that their futures are not stolen from them by workplace accidents.

For more information or to schedule a consultation with us, contact us today.