Construction sites present numerous hazards to workers and those visiting the location.
Even with strict safety standards and regulations in place, accidents can and do occur. While they are called “accidents,” the situations can still result in serious injuries that impact a person’s entire life.
Several situations can cause injuries on construction sites. These include:
- Negligence
- Worker irresponsibility
- Willful misconduct
- Accidents
Our personal injury lawyers at Fetterman & Associates P.A. represent injured construction workers throughout Florida. Our law firm is dedicated to helping and advocating for those who have been injured while working at or visiting a construction site. Every person on the site has the expectation of safety while on site. When this standard is not observed, you also have the right to receive compensation for injuries and damages incurred.
Sobering Construction Site Accident and Injury Statistics
According to reports from the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, it’s estimated that around 150K injuries occur each year because of construction workplace accidents. The top cause of these accidents is falls. The report also stated that the individuals most likely to be involved in a construction site accident were between the ages of 25 and 34, and the injury would likely be to their spine, back, or trunk. Another significant portion of construction site accidents involves head injuries, which often cause brain damage.
Another frightening fact is that over 1,000 construction workers are fatally injured due to workplace accidents every year. This has made construction one of the most dangerous industries in the country.
Common West Palm Beach Construction Accident Injuries
Accidents that occur on construction sites cause a higher rate of serious and catastrophic injuries than other types of accidents. Some of the most common injuries that occur include:
- Fractured and broken bones
- Blindness
- Musculoskeletal and internal injuries
- Severe burns
- Brain injuries and TBIs (traumatic brain injuries)
- Amputation and loss-of-limb accidents
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
However, these injuries are not the only ones that may occur. Because of ongoing exposure to hazardous materials, many construction workers also develop chronic diseases, including:
- Silicosis
- Asbestosis
- Mesothelioma
- Asbestos lung cancer
Common Causes of West Palm Beach Construction Site Accidents and Injuries
As mentioned above, construction sites typically have numerous hazards on-site. These include things like precarious surfaces, heavy equipment, and dangerous materials. Even with these risks in place, it is possible to keep construction sites safe with proper safety inspections that are focused on ensuring worker safety and welfare.
While this is true, some construction companies have not followed the proper safety rules. This is done, in many cases, to help expedite the project and increase profits. This type of negligent behavior creates unsafe environments that put the health of workers, property owners, bystanders, contractors, and supervisors at risk. Also, this level of irresponsibility can result in severe injury and, in some cases, death.
Some of the most common types of construction accidents that occur include:
- Improper use of tools
- Crane accidents
- Misuse of safety equipment
- Welding accident
- Heavy equipment user error or failure
- Slip and falls
- Electrical accidents
- Struck by accidents
- Explosions or fires
- Roofing accidents
- Falling objects
- Power tool mishaps
Depending on the accident and resulting injury, construction injury accidents may be covered under several different areas of the law. It depends on the circumstances of every case. Some of the common areas of law that construction accidents are tried under include (but are not limited to):
- Negligence
- Wrongful death
- Premise liability
- Product liability
Fetterman & Associates can review your case and situation to determine what course of action should be taken.
West Palm Beach Construction Accident Injury Compensation
If you are injured while on the job, you can seek compensation for your injuries. However, the rights you have as a worker are somewhat limited compared to other personal injury situations.
Sometimes, the law will only allow you to recover workers’ compensation benefits for the injuries you suffered. Unfortunately, this may not adequately compensate you for the harm you have experienced. Also, workers’ compensation benefits aren’t always available for these situations, and the protections do not apply to third-party negligence.
While this is true, you still have options. For example, you can pursue other responsible parties besides your employer. Some parties that are considered under this include architects, engineers, developers, construction managers, general contractors, and property owners.
For example, as a worker, if you are harmed because of defective equipment or a faulty tool, you can file a claim against the device manufacturer under product liability. Some items that may be qualified for this type of claim include heavy equipment, lifts, scaffolds, safety harnesses, ladders, nail guns, and other types of safety equipment.
Types of Compensation You Can Pursue
At Fetterman & Associates, we understand how serious and devastating construction accidents can be. Along with suffering devastating injuries yourself, the impact of the injury may be felt by your entire family, especially in cases where you are the main financial provider. Regardless of what case our team takes on, we will take a comprehensive and personal approach to ensure every client receives the compensation they deserve.
Some of the compensation we can pursue on your behalf includes:
- Assisted care
- Current and future medical costs
- Rehabilitation costs
- Current and future lost wages
- Funeral and burial expenses due to wrongful death
- Diminished quality of life
- Pain and suffering
Along with fighting for your right to compensation for rehabilitation and medical costs, we can also pursue non-economic damages. This includes things such as diminished quality of life and pain and suffering. Since these cannot be quantified to specific financial sums, our team will calculate what you deserve based on the extent of your injuries and the long-term effect you will experience.
Our team is ready to help you with your construction accident injury case. If you have questions or would like to schedule a consultation, contact our legal team at Fetterman & Associates P.A. today. We are here to help you get the compensation you deserve after a construction accident injury.
