Construction work is one of the most important and widespread jobs in the world. We rely on the construction industry to build and maintain safe and functional infrastructure, utilities, public works, heavy industry, and everything in between.

Construction workers are tasked with following strict safety regulations to ensure that both the workplace is held to a standard and the end product meets specification.

This responsibility comes at a cost: construction work can be extremely dangerous. Construction workers encounter risks on job sites that can lead to serious injury, permanent disability, and even death.

In this blog, we will discuss common construction site injuries, how they happen, and what to do if you’re injured on the job.

Construction Site Injuries and How They Happen

Construction injuries can happen in a number of ways. From the failure of safety equipment and building materials, to falling objects and other potential hazards, construction site workers are exposed to various dangerous situations and accidents happen at an alarming rate.

It’s important to note that anybody on a construction site can be at risk of injury, not just construction workers. Project managers, site visitors, safety inspectors, developers, architects, and even trespassers can be seriously injured on a construction site.

What are the Most Common Construction Site Injuries?

Listed below are the most common injuries on construction sites:

• Broken bones
• Spinal cord injuries and back injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Electric shock
• Toxic exposure
• Fractures, burns and other “minor injuries”
• Repetitive motion injuries
• Heat stroke
• Hearing loss and vision loss
• Post traumatic stress disorder

Broken and Fractured Bones

Broken or fractured bones are among the most common injuries at construction sites. These injuries can occur in a number of ways: a worker falls, falling debris strikes a person, machinery accidents, scaffolding accidents, hoist accidents, etc.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Spinal Cord and Back Injuries

Much like broken bones, brain, spinal cord and back injuries are common. These injuries can lead to permanent disability, brain damage, paralysis, and more. Traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries are amongst the most serious injuries suffered by construction workers.

Electric Shock

Unsafe electrical equipment can lead to serious injuries and even death. Electric shock can happen in a number of ways: machinery contacting power lines, defective equipment on construction sites, exposed wires, etc.

Toxic Exposure

Exposure to dangerous chemicals is common in many construction and industrial industries. Employers are obligated to follow proper safety regulations and provide their workers personal protective equipment to keep safe from dangerous chemicals, and a property owner is expected to warn of any toxic chemicals present before work is started.

Fractures, Burns, and other “minor injuries”

A construction site accident that leads to a minor injury can still hamper a person’s quality of life in a big way. Minor injuries can be caused by faulty equipment, falling objects, unsafe conditions (exposed nails, broken glass, etc.), and other common construction site accidents.

Repetitive Stress Injuries

Construction work often requires people to repeat an action in uncomfortable conditions or postures. Repetitive stress injuries can cause long term damage to a person’s joints, muscles, bones, and back.

Heat Stroke

Construction workers are often put in extremely hot environments, both inside and outside. Industrial workers are sometimes put in cramped places with hot machinery, electricians are routinely in attics and crawlspaces, other workers are in direct sunlight without access to water or shade. Heat stroke and heat exhaustion can lead to death.

Hearing Loss and Vision Loss

As mentioned before, construction jobs are often completed in uncomfortable conditions. Loud noises and a lack of safety precautions can lead to permanent hearing loss. Exposure to toxic chemicals, equipment malfunction, and other accidents can lead to vision loss.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Whether a person is injured in a construction accident or not, they may still be traumatized from the events that occurred. Major accidents can lead to fatalities, and workers who witness a tragedy in their place of work may suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as a result.

Wrongful Death

Construction accidents result in death at an alarming rate. Although occupational safety equipment and precautions have gotten better over the years, construction workers and other people in industrial settings are killed in accidents or die as a result of toxic exposure.

If a loved one or family member died in an accident at a construction site, you may be entitled to a wrongful death lawsuit. Reach out to an experienced law firm today to discuss your case and legal options.

Workers Compensation

In some cases, construction accident injuries can result in workers compensation claim. Workers compensation is a type of insurance that gives benefits or payments to employees who are injured or become sick on the job site.

If you’re an employee is entitled to workers compensation upon injury, and your claim has been denied, consider contacting a law firm that specializes in construction accidents and workers compensation to see if you qualify.

Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer

If you’ve been injured in a construction accident, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit.

Seek medical care immediately after your accident and document all evidence and medical records relevant to your construction accident case.

Many workplace injuries and fatal construction accidents happen at no fault of the worker, and can be attributed to negligence on the part of the contractor or employer for failing to provide a safe work environment or proper training.

This is when a Construction Accident Attorney can help. A personal injury lawsuit can secure compensation for injured construction workers or their family members in the event of a wrongful death claim.

A Construction Accident Attorney from Bodewell Law will work to recover compensation for all damages related to your construction accident:

• Medical expenses
• Physical therapy costs and other medical bills
• Lost wages
• Non economic damages (pain and suffering, emotional damages)
• Other economic damages (property damage, workers compensation)

Contact us today for a free consultation. The mission of our legal team is to help injured workers obtain compensation they rightfully deserve.