The construction industry is important to both the development of communities and the economy. While it’s central to creating new infrastructure and roadways, the construction industry is also a crucial source of jobs, providing employment for millions of Americans.
Despite these benefits, however, the construction industry does come with some significant drawbacks. This is especially true when it comes to the dangers associated with construction sites and construction jobs.
In fact, these dangers are so substantial that the National Safety Council (NSC) has ranked construction jobs as the fourth most dangerous jobs in the U.S.1
At Finderson Law, LLC, our Fort Wayne attorneys know how risky the construction industry is – and how devastating a single construction accident can be. As dedicated advocates for the injured, our lawyers have more than 20 years’ experience helping injured workers pursue recovery and justice. We are ready to meet with you, explain your rights and help you navigate the recovery process so you can secure the compensation you deserve.
Though no amount of money can reverse permanent injuries or losses, financial recoveries can be critical to obtaining medical care and restoring your life in the aftermath of a construction accident.
Call (260) 420-8600 or email us for more information about your rights and recovery options. Initial consultations are free.
Causes of Construction Accidents: Top OSHA Violations at Construction Sites
Heavy equipment and the ever-changing nature of construction sites contribute to the dangers that construction workers regularly face. Regulators at the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have attempted to limit these risks and protect construction workers by establishing various safety standards and procedures.
Tragically, these OSHA construction regulations are violated all too often. In fact, according to OSHA, the following were the top five construction violations in 2016:
- Failure to provide proper fall protections
- Failure to properly set up scaffolding
- Ladder violations
- Failure to provide fall protection training to workers
- Failure to provide eye and face protections.
Excavation violations, aerial lift violations and failure to provide head protection were also among the top 10 construction violations in 2016.
Common Injuries Caused by Construction Accidents
When construction accidents happen, workers can suffer injuries like (but not limited to):
- Severe bone fractures
- Head and traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord and back injuries
- Burn injuries
- Loss of limb
- Disfigurement and scarring
- Internal organ injuries
- Permanent blindness or hearing loss.
Recovering from Construction Accidents: The Legal Options
When construction accidents happen, injured workers may have a few different legal options for pursuing financial recovery, depending on the exact cause(s) of the accident. Some of the primary options include:
- Filing a workers compensation claim – When construction accidents result from the negligence of an employer, a coworker or even the injured worker him- or herself, pursuing a workers compensation claim can be an option for financial recovery.
- Filing a lawsuit against a negligent third party – When the negligence of a third party – like a contractor, equipment manufacturer or private individual – played a role in causing a construction accident, an injured worker may also file a claim against that negligent party (in addition to pursuing the worker compensation claim). When this is an option, it can increase the compensation available to injured workers.
- Filing a claim for Social Security disability benefits – This can be an option when the injuries are severe enough to prevent the worker from returning to work and when additional eligibility requirements (like having enough work credits) have been met.
An experienced Fort Wayne attorney at Finderson Law, LLC can go over the facts of your accident and point out your best options for maximizing your financial recovery.
Don’t Recover from a Construction Accident Alone: Contact a Fort Wayne Workers Compensation Lawyer at Finderson Law, LLC
If you or someone you love has been hurt in any type of construction accident, call a Fort Wayne workers compensation lawyer at Finderson Law, LLC at (260) 420-8600. You can also email our firm.
Our attorneys are ready to help you advocate your rights and guide you through every phase of the recovery process. As resourceful problem solvers, we have the knowledge, experience and skills necessary to help you bring your claim to the best possible resolution.
Contact us to find out more about how our legal representation and support can make all the difference in the strength and outcome your claim.
We’ve helped and satisfied hundreds of clients. Our history of providing the highest quality legal services – and delivering exceptional results – has earned us a 5-star rating on Facebook.
From offices in Fort Wayne, we are proud to represent clients throughout Allen County and the state of Indiana.
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1: NSC dangerous job rankings, based on injury and work accident data published in Injury Facts 2017