Construction Work Injury

Construction work is integral to advancing our community and provides us with safe housing, growing neighborhoods, and safe and up-to-code buildings. Although this essential job is necessary and beneficial to our communities, there are numerous risks associated with construction work. Construction workers handle heavy machinery and are responsible for constructing large edifices.

Just the private construction industry, for example, saw approximately 1,008 fatalities in 2020.  While not all accidents result in death, construction workers often sustain severe injuries like muscle strains, TBIs, or broken bones, or those which require amputation. Despite standards and safety regulations in place, not all accidents can be prevented. Contacting a GA construction accident lawyer is in your best interests.

Here at Mann Law Firm, we understand the complexities of the legal system and are prepared to guide you through every step so you can receive the maximum compensation in your case. Were you or a loved one injured in an accident while working on a construction site? Read on to learn how we can help.

Why Choose Us

David Mann believes that all clients deserve his full attention and support, which is why he personally handles every case. Mann has a diverse legal career and has achieved numerous seven-figure verdicts and settlements on behalf of his clients. At Mann Law Firm, we can help by reviewing the circumstances of your case, outlining all available options, and guiding you through the legal system.

We serve all of Middle Georgia, including Dublin, Warner Robins, and Milledgeville. Don’t hesitate; there are strict time limitations on how long you have to seek compensation. Call us today at (478) 742-3381 or fill out our form to schedule a free initial consultation.

What Are Some Common Hazards on a Construction Site?

Due to constant exposure to heavy equipment, and harmful and toxic chemicals, construction workers are in a dangerous work environment where they face on-the-job risks every day. The federal and state government regulates these jobs to protect workers; however, accidents are often unavoidable due to encounters with serious hazards on a daily basis.

Construction workers experience twice as many fatal accidents compared to other industries. Some examples of dangers that construction workers face include demolition accidents, fires, improper or insufficient training, repetitive motion tasks, and noncompliance with OSHA rules.

These are some of the most common risks construction workers face:

Falling objects or “struck-by”

These accidents occur when an object or piece of equipment hits a construction worker. Compared to other common construction site accidents, these occur about 10 percent of the time. Workers may also be at risk for falling or moving objects.

According to a report from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, the number and proportion of construction fatalities from struck-by incidents (170; 15.4%) and electrocutions (79; 7.2%) decreased from 2018 to 2019, while the number of fatalities due to caught-in/between incidents (59; 5.4%) remained relatively constant. Heavy equipment like cranes, forklifts, and supply vehicles are responsible for a significant number of construction site accidents.

Electrocution

An electrocution accident may occur when a worker encounters power lines, equipment is not used as intended, or there is a lack of ground-fault protection. Setting up workplace safety guidelines specific to electrical work hazards can minimize these construction hazards.

Fall Accidents

The most cited violation by OSHA inspectors in construction site accidents is slip and fall. These accidents average 40% of the total number of accidents that happen on construction sites. Having inspection checklists made for employees and communicating when surfaces are unstable are just some ways to help minimize construction accidents.

These accident types are responsible for more than two-thirds of construction worker deaths. Acting quickly after a construction accident is the best way to protect your rights in a construction accident injury. If you were involved in a construction accident, get in touch with us for a free, initial case evaluation: (478) 742-3381.

What Steps Should I Take After a Construction Accident?

Construction workers face hazards on the job each day, and every year, thousands of workers suffer injuries from minor cuts to more severe accidents that result in fatalities. Follow these recommendations if you or a loved one was involved in a construction site accident.

Get the proper medical attention

After being injured in a construction accident, your first priority should be to seek proper medical attention. If you are able to, you should call 911 as soon as you can or have a coworker call for you.

Schedule a check-up with your primary care physician, no matter how minor you think your injuries may be. Some injuries that occur to the head, neck, or spine may not be noticeable initially but some result in more serious consequences if left untreated. If you’re filing a workers’ compensation claim or personal injury lawsuit, evidence that you sought medical attention may help your case.

Report the accident to your employer

In some cases, construction workers may not feel comfortable reporting the accident for fear of losing their job or immigration status. Reporting your accident to whoever is in charge can prevent future accidents and accelerate the processing of your workers’ compensation claim.

OSHA requires that any amputation, loss of an eye, or hospitalization be reported within 24 hours. Worker fatalities should be reported within 8 hours of the accident. Don’t speak with an insurance company or sign paperwork until you consult a construction accident lawyer.

Gather information

Collecting information like witness contact information and taking photos and videos of the accident can help ensure you are appropriately compensated. Collecting all evidence related to your case and keeping track of all medical records and bills is important and can help you receive the compensation you need to move forward.

You should keep track of all pertinent evidence, including medical records and bills. Get in touch with a construction accident lawyer, and they will explain your rights and assist you in determining the best path forward. Writing about the day-to-day impact your injuries have on your life in a journal may also serve as critical information during any investigation.

Seek Workers’ Compensation

When an employee is injured in a work-related accident, they may be eligible to receive workers’ compensation for their losses. Seeking worker’s compensation means you give up any right to sue your employer; however, this does not mean you can’t go after other entities that may also be responsible.

Some examples of third parties that may be liable for a construction accident include:

• Engineers
•  Contractors
•  Insurance companies
• Equipment manufacturers
• Site owners
• Electricians.

You have one year from the date of your accident to seek compensation for your injuries through a workers’ compensation claim. A construction accident lawyer can help you determine if you should pursue a personal injury claim.

Contact a Construction Accident Lawyer

Once you’ve received the proper medical care, consider contacting an attorney who can handle paperwork and the investigation on your behalf.

Having a lawyer on your side can ensure your best interests are protected. Get in touch with a member of our Mann Law Firm team to set up an initial case review regarding your construction accident.

Contact us online or call us at (478) 742-3381.