Construction is one of the most dangerous industries. Not only must workers operate heavy machinery and perform their jobs using hazardous equipment, but these tasks are often carried out at great heights — and under other perilous conditions. A broad range of construction accidents can happen on job sites due to a number of reasons. Here are five of the most common construction accidents that occur.
1. Falls from Heights
A significant amount of construction work is done on ladders, scaffolds, and elevated platforms. Accordingly, falls are one of the most common causes of injuries and fatalities on construction sites. Many of these accidents can be prevented by ensuring proper safety measures are taken and adequate safety gear is used. Under New York’s Scaffold Law, a responsible third party can be held strictly liable if their failure to provide the necessary height-related protections caused a worker to suffer injury.
2. Caught-in-Between Accidents
Caught-in-between accidents happen when a worker is caught, squeezed, or compressed between two objects. These types of accidents are listed among OSHA’s fatal four and can occur in a variety of ways. They can be caused by trench cave-ins, being pulled into unguarded machinery, equipment tip-overs, and being pinned by heavy equipment. Often, caught-in-between accidents can cause severe crush injuries or even death.
3. Trips, Slips, and Falls
There are countless hazards on construction sites that can lead to trip and fall or slip and fall accidents. Debris, depressions in the ground, broken stairs, poor lighting conditions, spills, and oil on the floor are all factors that can lead to a worker losing their footing and falling. These types of unsafe conditions can cause injuries such as broken bones, soft tissue injuries, nerve damage, concussion, lacerations, and permanent disability.
4. Electrocution Accidents
Electrocution can occur on construction sites when a worker is exposed to lethal amounts of electric energy. These accidents are a leading cause of fatality in the construction industry — they may arise when someone comes into contact with a power line, exposed electrical wires, or damaged equipment. However, even if exposure to electrical energy is not fatal, the resulting injuries can be serious and require extensive medical treatment.
5. Falling Objects
Some hazardous conditions on construction sites can result in objects falling from above. Failure to properly secure materials, improperly stacking supplies, and not using safety nets are some of the most common causes workers may be struck by an object falling from above. Depending on the size and weight of the object, a worker can sustain a concussion, traumatic brain injury, neck or back injuries, paralysis, broken bones, and fatality. It’s crucial for workers to minimize their risk by wearing protective gear.
Compensation for Construction Site Accidents
It’s important for injured construction workers to be aware that they may be entitled to monetary recovery beyond the benefits provided by Workers’ Compensation. Although a worker is barred from suing their employer, there may still be a third party who can be held accountable in a personal injury action. If a third party’s negligence can be established, a construction worker injured on the job may be eligible to recover compensation for the economic damages — as well as their pain and suffering.
Contact an Experienced New York City Personal Injury Attorney
If you were hurt on a construction site due to someone else’s negligence, it’s critical to consult with a personal injury lawyer who can advise you regarding your legal rights and remedies. As a result of our commitment, candor, and knowledge, the personal injury lawyers at the Edelsteins, Faegenburg & Brown LLP regularly obtain substantial verdicts and settlements on behalf of our clients.
The Edelsteins, Faegenburg & Brown LLP is a personal injury law firm dedicated to fighting for the rights of accident victims to ensure they secure the monetary recovery they deserve for their injuries. Located in Manhattan, our firm has been handling personal injury cases throughout New York City since 1937. Call to schedule a free consultation at (212) 425-1999 today.