Construction work is a dangerous job. Construction workers routinely climb to great heights, use large and powerful machinery, and work around exposed electrical wiring, often in very hot weather. When something goes wrong on a construction site, the potential for severe injury to a worker is high. If you have been hurt in a construction accident, it is important to contact a lawyer as soon as you can. Construction crews may continue work relatively soon after a serious accident, and evidence from the accident site will need to be preserved by a qualified attorney before the scene is disturbed too much.
Common Types of Accidents on Construction Sites
Some serious or fatal construction site accidents are preventable if employers follow certain safety guidelines. If you were hurt on a construction site, it is best to contact an attorney to explore your legal options. Here are a few of the most common types of accidents that occur on construction sites:
- Falls From Heights – The reasons workers may fall from heights are numerous. Sometimes a lack of safety equipment, like harnesses, is the culprit. Other times, equipment fails. Scaffolding may collapse or the rung of a ladder may break.
- Falling Objects – When people are working at heights or machinery is being used to hoist heavy objects, there is a risk that things will fall. Even a small object, like a screwdriver, can cause great harm if it is dropped from a great height.
- Electrocutions – Workers at construction sites are often in close proximity to unfinished electrical wiring. Hazards like inadequate waterproofing, absent signage, or exposed wires can cause workers to be electrocuted.
- Vehicle Strikes – Construction zones on or near a roadway puts workers at increased risk of being hit by a vehicle. Careless drivers may fail to slow down or look out for construction workers in or next to the road, causing an accident.
- Machinery Accidents – The heavy machinery used in construction presents unique dangers. Crushing injuries are common when workers’ limbs become caught in machinery, or a person stands too close to a moving machine.
These are just a few common types of accidents that occur on construction sites. While the line of work is inherently dangerous, there are safety regulations in place employers should be following to minimize the risk to workers.
Injured construction workers may be able to recover limited compensation through their employer’s workers’ compensation insurer. If a third party’s negligence caused the injury, the injured worker may be able to sue that party and recover both economic and non-economic damages.
Contact a Green Bay Construction Site Accidents Lawyer
If you were injured in a construction site accident, you should get in contact with a qualified Green Bay Construction Site Accidents Attorney as soon as possible after the accident. Critical evidence at the scene of the accident must be documented and preserved quickly before it is disturbed or lost. Construction sites are busy places, and are often left exposed to the elements. The sooner you call Herrling Clark Law Firm Ltd., the sooner we can begin our investigation and start seeking to recover compensation for you. Call 920-739-7366 for a free consultation.
Source:
https://www.osha.gov/data/commonstats