Workers’ Compensation Claims - Construction Site Accidents
If you sustained an injury while working on a construction site, you could always ask one of our Sacramento workers’ compensation lawyers to help you file a claim. We are experts in workers’ compensation cases and can help you understand what causes construction accidents, the most common construction site accidents, and who is responsible for work-related injuries. Construction site workers die every day, leaving behind grieving and suffering families. If your injuries happened at work, please visit Sacramento Workers’ Compensation Attorneys P.C., and we will discuss your legal options.
You can get into a work-related construction site accident in hundreds of different ways. The most common construction site accidents are falling off a high place, getting struck by an object, accidentally getting electrocuted, and getting a body part caught in equipment.
These accidents are often caused by faulty ladders, defective safety guardrails, stepping on an open-sided floor, or not having a fall protection system. Failure to provide warning signs and not wearing proper safety or protective gear are also common causes of construction site accidents. Inadequate training in operating machines and equipment also leads to accidents.
Statistics show construction worker deaths account for about 20.7% of total worker fatalities.
In 2017, there were 4,674 reported fatalities in the workplace. Nine hundred seventy-one of them worked in the construction site industry. That means for every five worker deaths, one is related to construction.
High-risk construction site workers include those above 55, those who work from high places, and those who move heavy objects. Workers who operate heavy machines and equipment also have a higher accident risk.
Of all the industries, construction poses the highest risks of accidents, injuries, and deaths. This industry remains very dangerous despite efforts to make the workplace safer for workers.
The United States Department of Labor has cited the four most common construction site accidents. The Fatal Four include falls (39.2%), getting struck by heavy or falling objects (8.2%), getting electrocuted (7.3%), and getting caught between equipment and heavy objects (5.1%).
These four common and deadly construction site accidents make up 59.9% of the reported construction site deaths.
Other causes of construction site accidents slip and fall, falling off a ladder or scaffolding, and vehicular accidents. Defective power tools and incorrect use of machinery are also prevalent.
If you were injured at work, your employer might be responsible for your injuries. Should it be proven your injuries are job-related, you are entitled to file a workers’ compensation claim and collect benefits.
Since you are losing income, your compensation can go to your medical bills, medications, and day-to-day expenses. Remember, once you accept workers’ compensation benefits, you forfeit your right to sue your employer in court for your injuries.
However, if your employer fights your claim, you can sue them in court. But, you won’t be eligible to receive workers’ compensation benefits if the injuries are not related to your duties, even if you were in your workplace.
What can you do?
Getting into a construction site accident can result in devastating injuries and, in some cases, death. If you get into an accident while working, you should visit our Sacramento Workers’ Compensation Attorneys P.C. office, and we’ll discuss your case. You’ll better understand your job risks, how many construction site workers die every day, what causes accidents in construction sites, and the most common construction site accidents. Our Sacramento workers’ compensation attorneys can help you understand who is responsible for work-related injuries and how you can start the legal process. Give us a call now or visit our office to understand your options better.
