Construction workers have the highest fatal and non-fatal injury rates in the country. In fact, this industry is responsible for 20 percent of all fatal workplace accidents in the United States. Workers in the construction industry also tend to have a longer recovery time after a non-fatal accident when compared to other industries.
Unfortunately for workers and their families, the benefits provided through workers’ compensation is rarely sufficient. Thankfully, they may have other options. Learn more about the most commonly experienced injuries in the construction industry in the following sections, and discover how a seasoned personal injury attorney may be able to increase the settlement that your family receives after a workplace accident.
Burns and Scarring
Construction workers handle all sorts of equipment, including those that are electrically powered. If a short in the equipment occurs, the worker may suffer a burn, which can ultimately lead to scarring. Fires, explode wiring, leaky pipes, and combustible materials all increase the chances of a work-related burn injury.
Head Injuries (Traumatic Brain Injury)
Though hard hats are often encouraged in the construction industry, there are many circumstances in which an employee may not need one. An example might be a worker who installs sprinkler systems after a build has been completed. Of course, even in these situations, accidents can happen. Debris can fall on them, or they may drop a tool. Such occurrences can result in a head injury, otherwise known as traumatic brain injury (TBI). Hard hats can also provide insufficient protection in situations involving heavy equipment or elevated workspaces.
Lacerations and Cuts
While a cut or laceration may not seem important, there are some serious potential risks. The cut could sever nerves or cut into a bone. Seemingly superficial injuries can also lead to an infection, especially if the worker remains on the job after the injury occurs.
Breaks and Fractures
Falls and the crushing of limbs between objects can cause breaks or fractures for a construction worker. Sadly, they can take a long time to heal, which often leaves the worker without income for an extended period of time. The worker must then typically work their way back into their position, as a fracture often leads to atrophy of the muscles.
Loss of Digits or Limbs
Power tools, machinery, and other hazards in the workplace can cause an employee to lose a limb or digit. Depending on the severity, this loss could result in long-term unemployment, and possibly even permanent disability.
Loss of Hearing or Vision
Loud noises, improper handling of equipment or chemicals, and failure to use protective equipment can lead to hearing or vision loss for a construction worker. In most cases, the damage is permanent. If severe enough, the loss of vision or hearing may leave the worker disabled and unable to perform their duties.
Heat Stroke
Construction workers often work outside, sometimes in severe heat. When not allowed ample and frequent breaks or adequate hydration, they run the risk of heat stroke. At best, they may lose time off work. At worst, they could suffer death, kidney damage, brain damage, or a heart attack that leaves them incapacitated or permanently disabled.
Stress Injuries and Repetitive Motion Injuries
Most construction workers are assigned to a specific task. Unfortunately, the repeated and extended performance of the same movements can result in stress injuries or a repetitive motion injury. The worker may lose time on the job, and they may require surgery to correct the problem. In the worst of situations, temporary or permanent disability may occur.
Contact Our Green Bay Work Injury Lawyers
Although injured employees may be entitled to workers’ compensation for their losses, the payout often falls short of meeting their needs. Herrling Clark Law Firm, Ltd. can help determine if you may be owed additional compensation through a third-party liability lawsuit. Schedule a free consultation with our Appleton workplace injury lawyers to get started. Call 920-739-7366 today.
Source:
https://www.ishn.com/articles/101859-most-common-construction-site-injuries