Construction accidents in the US are common. Numerous risks are associated with any project in this industry, regardless of size, which can potentially cause severe or fatal damage.
One in five worker fatalities, according to OSHA, occur in the construction industry. 4764 construction workers lost their lives while working in this field in 2020. Owing to the numerous risks that construction workers face, it is crucial to have knowledge of what to do in the event of an accident. They can do this by speaking with experienced construction accident attorneys.
In this article, we shall go over the types of accidents that construction workers are susceptible to and the accidents that construction accident lawyers handle.
Type of Accidents Handled by Construction Accident Attorneys
Falls
According to OSHA, falls are the leading cause of severe injuries and deaths on construction sites. Most construction sites mandate workers to work high above the ground, leaving them susceptible to falling and getting seriously injured. In some extreme cases, it could lead to death.
Some of the common causes of falls include:
- Falling from ladders, scaffolding, and the roof
- Tripping on power cords or equipment
- Slipping because of spills
Caught-by Accidents
Being trapped between objects is another type of accident that construction accident lawyers handle. This happens when a construction worker is stuck, squeezed, crushed, or compressed between debris and a machine.
It causes severe injuries and can easily lead to incapacitation or even death. Caught-by accidents can lead to:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Brain injuries
- Multiple fractures
- Amputations
Struck by an Object
This is another type of accident that construction accident lawyers handle. Most accidents in this category involve cranes.
Moving, lowering, or lifting a weight with a crane increases the risk of collapsing, hitting a person, or even overturning. It is also possible for crane weights to fall unexpectedly, crushing everyone beneath them.
Other construction objects that can hit workers include:
- Vehicles/trucks
- Construction tools
- Falling objects
- Machines
Electrocution
One of the leading causes of fatalities from electrocution in the construction sector is touching live wires.
Some familiar places to find live wires include underground cabling, light fixtures, control panels, circuit breakers, and transformers. It is also possible for roofers, mechanics, HVAC technicians, and laborers to accidentally come into contact with lines, either above ground or below.
Wrongful Death
The Georgia law permits the family of a construction worker who perishes while on duty to sue for wrongful death. The family will sue for compensation for the medical costs, if any, and funeral expenses. In case the construction worker succumbs to death, the following people can sue:
- The spouse of the deceased construction worker
- The children of the deceased, if they did not have a spouse
- In the absence of a spouse and children, the parents of the deceased should sue
- If the deceased has no spouse, children, or parents, a family representative should sue
To claim compensation, the advocate must prove there was negligence by the employer. People who might be held liable include:
- The owner of the construction site. They are mandated by law to provide a safe environment for the workers
- Manufacturers who distribute defective tools
- Subcontractors
Conclusion
Construction accidents are caused by falls, being struck by objects, or electrocution. After a mishap, an Atlanta construction accident lawyer will ensure the injured worker is fairly compensated in terms of:
- Health and medical expenses
- Loss of wages
- Pain and suffering
- Diminished ability to earn
In the event of the death of the victim, the family will be compensated, and funeral expenses will be catered for.
