Construction Accidents
Each year, more construction workers die from workplace accidents than workers in any other industry. Construction has the third highest rate of death by injury — only mining and agriculture experience higher rates. Construction has about 6% of U.S. workers, but 20% of the fatalities. In a construction accident, many parties may be responsible for the payment of damages to the injured worker. Besides workers compensation benefits, there could also be a negligence lawsuit against a corporation responsible for the accident. In addition, there might also be a products liability action that might be available to the injured worker.
Your employer must assure your safety on a day to day basis while on the job. They are required by law to have safety and health programs in place and to properly train employees in safety procedures and proper use of equipment. All to often, construction accidents could have been avoided if the proper safeguards were put in place. Of the approximate 600,000 construction companies in the US employing less than 20 workers, only a handful of these companies have formal safety and health programs. OSHA’s safety standards are routinely violated.
Statistics from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) report that about 90% of the fatalities occur from four main types of injuries: falls from height, (such as scaffolding or ladders), being struck by objects, being caught between objects, and electrocution. Still others are injured from power tools and equipment, heavy machinery, excavations, and confined spaces.
Here are just some of the possible issues which can lead to a negligence suit.
- Construction Site Falls
- Crane Accidents
- Scaffolding Accidents
- Run-Over by Operating Equipment
- Electrical Accidents
- Trench Collapses
- Fires and Explosions
- Welding Accidents
- Unsafe/ Dangerous Equipment Accidents
- Logging Accidents
- Brazing Accidents
- Cutting Accidents
- Elevator Accidents
- Structure Failure
- Building Collapse
- Supervisor Negligence
- Punch Press Malfunctions
- Fork Lift Accidents
- Dumpster Accidents
- Nailgun Accidents
- Compressor Accidents
- Exploding Compressor
- Gas Explosions
If you have been hurt on the job, don’t assume you don’t have any rights because you are not a legal resident of the US or you are working here as an illegal alien – you do still have rights and we are here to protect those rights. While you may not be able to file a claim under worker’s compensation, you may still have the right to file a negligence claim. But don’t delay, there are time limitations to filing a claim – call an attorney as soon as possible.
If the negligent actions of a third party have left you injured, contact The Law Offices of Jose Francisco, for a Construction accident attorney who will fight for your right to recover just compensation for your loss.
