The types of construction injuries in California vary in severity. But it’s no surprise that construction work can be dangerous. With heavy machinery, elevated workspaces, and the use of power tools, the risk of injury is always present.
Explore the most common construction injuries, California construction injury laws, and why it’s important to hire a construction injury lawyer to advocate for your recovery needs.
Common Types of Construction Injuries in California
Construction sites in California are regulated, but workers can still experience serious injuries on the job. The types of construction injuries in California can range from minor sprains to life-altering disabilities.
Some of the most common injuries include:
- Falls from heights. Falls are the leading cause of construction injuries at 52.5 per 10,000 workers. Employees on scaffolding, ladders, or rooftops are at a higher risk. Injuries may include spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injury, broken bones, or internal bleeding.
- Struck-by object injuries. About 700 deaths occur each year on the job site as a result of a worker being struck by a heavy object. Non-fatal injuries can lead to head trauma, lacerations, or crushed limbs.
- Electrocution and electrical burns. Electricians and general laborers working near exposed wires or incomplete circuits are at risk of serious injury. Electrical injuries can lead to severe burns, nerve damage, and cardiac arrest. About 150 electrocution deaths happen yearly on U.S. job sites.
- Repetitive motion injuries. Not all injuries are sudden. Repetitive stress from lifting, bending, or operating machinery can cause long-term issues, such as tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, or chronic joint inflammation.
- Caught in between accidents. Construction sites are busy places with many moving parts. These injuries happen when workers get trapped between heavy machinery, walls, or debris. This can cause crushed bones, amputations, or suffocation.
- Exposure to hazardous substances. Construction workers may handle or be exposed to harmful substances like asbestos, lead, or toxic chemicals. Long-term exposure can lead to respiratory diseases, occupational cancers, or serious skin conditions.
- Heat-related illnesses. With California’s rising temperatures, outdoor workers are increasingly at risk of heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Employers must comply with OSHA heat illness prevention standards.
Construction Injury Laws in California
Understanding construction injury law is crucial after an accident. California has worker-friendly regulations, but navigating the system requires legal experience.
Workers’ compensation covers many construction worker injuries in California. Benefits generally cover medical bills, temporary or permanent disability, vocational rehabilitation, and wrongful death.
If your injury was caused by someone other than your employer, you may have grounds for a personal injury claim, which you can pursue in addition to workers’ compensation. A personal claim can help you recover costs for pain and suffering, full wage replacement, and punitive damages in serious cases. A construction injury attorney can help assess your situation and determine the path that suits your circumstances.
Your employer is obligated to provide a safe working environment. If your injury resulted from failure to follow OSHA regulations, provide safety training, or did not properly maintain equipment, they may be held accountable by the state.
How a Construction Injury Lawyer Can Help
Many injured workers make the mistake of trusting insurance companies to look after their interests or provide a fair settlement. However, this can lead to denied benefits or unfair settlement amounts. That’s why it’s crucial to hire a construction injury lawyer after a workplace accident.
A skilled lawyer knows how to interpret the law, gather supporting evidence, and build a strong case to maximize your compensation. This means negotiating with insurance adjusters and filing claims on your behalf.
An attorney can calculate the full scope of your damages, including long-term medical needs, lost earning capacity, and emotional trauma. They also help you meet California filing deadlines to ensure all paperwork is submitted correctly and on time.
Why You Should Choose English Lloyd & Armenta
At English Lloyd & Armenta, we’ve built a reputation for providing honest, aggressive, and effective legal advocacy for injured workers in California. We offer decades of experience handling complex construction injury cases. Our firm has helped countless workers recover compensation for workplace injuries.
We offer personal one-on-one support to clients and tailor strategies to fit your specific needs and circumstances.
FAQs
What Are the Most Common Injuries in the Construction Industry?
According to 2020 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, construction and extraction occupations see the most injuries of all occupations at a rate of 213.9 per 10,000 workers. The most common injuries experienced by construction workers were falls, slips, and trips, at 52.5 per 10,000 workers. Falling to a lower level, such as toppling from scaffolding or from a ladder, was the next most common injury at 25 per 10,000 workers.
What Injuries Are Not Covered by Workers’ Compensation in California?
Workers’ compensation in California generally doesn’t cover accidents at work caused by intoxication, fighting, or intentional self-harm. Horseplay or accidents that happen during unauthorized breaks may also be excluded. Injuries sustained while commuting to or from work are also not generally covered unless you were traveling as part of your job. For questions about workers’ compensation specifics, you can contact the San Bernardino office at 909-383-4341.
What Is the Most Common Injury Suffered by Construction Workers?
Falls are the most common injury suffered by construction workers, often from roofs, scaffolding, ladders, and unprotected edges. These types of injuries can result in broken bones, spinal damage, or traumatic brain injuries. Falls are often the leading cause of fatal injuries. Proper safety harnesses, fall protection systems, and obeying safety regulations can reduce the risk.
What Is the Most Common Type of Injury in the Work Environment?
The most common type of injury in the work environment is overexertion, with over 1 million cases reported from 2021 to 2022. This can include symptoms, such as fatigue, pain, and tenderness in various areas of the body. Slips, trips, and falls can also lead to serious bodily injury, including strains, fractures, and head and spinal trauma.
California Construction Injury Lawyer
If you’ve been involved in a construction-related accident, don’t try to navigate the legal aspects of your claim alone. English Lloyd & Armenta has the experience, dedication, and resources to handle the most complex construction injuries. We provide aggressive advocacy for our clients at every step of the process.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the right steps toward recovering compensation for your injuries.
