Every day, thousands of Americans suffer injuries in the workplace. While accidents can occur in any type of job, workers in some industries have an increased risk of injury. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), multiple types of work in the construction industry are among the top ten most dangerous jobs in the United States. While injuries can happen for any number of reasons on a construction site, many accidents occur because of the negligence of an employer or third party. If you have suffered an injury in a construction site accident, you should be sure to understand the role that negligence may play in these cases and your options for recovering compensation.
Negligence and Injuries in Construction
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), approximately 4,779 private sector workers suffered fatal injuries on-site in 2018. Of those fatalities, over 20% occurred within the construction industry. Construction workers can suffer fatal injuries in any number of ways, but the most common serious injuries occur due to falls, electrocutions, and being crushed by equipment, collapsing structures, or debris.
In many cases, these injuries occur due to the negligence of an employer. For instance, many falls could be avoided if employers provided their employees with proper fall protection equipment and training. Similarly, many electrocutions occur due to a lack of proper protective equipment or failure to use proper energy control procedures. If you have suffered an injury while working at a construction site, a personal injury attorney can help you determine who was responsible and work with you to secure financial compensation for your injuries..
Compensation for a Construction Site Injury
If you were injured in the normal course of work, you are entitled to receive workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits will fully cover the costs of any medical treatment you receive, and you may also receive compensation for a percentage of the income lost while you are recovering from your injury. In addition to workers’ comp benefits, you may also be able to recover compensation through a third-party claim. This type of claim may be made against a party other than an employer or coworker, and it can address damages above and beyond the workers’ compensation benefits you are eligible to receive. A third-party claim may be made against a manufacturer of defective parts or a subcontractor who did not follow proper safety procedures, and it may address damages such as pain and suffering, emotional trauma, or loss of society experienced by your loved ones.
Contact an Appleton, WI Construction Site Accident Attorney
At Herrling Clark Law Firm, Ltd., we can help you determine whether you can make a workers’ compensation claim or pursue a personal injury claim against a third party. We are dedicated to helping you pursue the compensation that will allow your family to recover from a tragic accident. To schedule a complimentary initial consultation with a knowledgeable Green Bay workers’ comp attorney, call us today at 920-739-7366.
Sources:
https://www.cnbc.com/2019/12/27/the-10-most-dangerous-jobs-in-america-according-to-bls-data.html
https://www.osha.gov/data/commonstats