Construction sites are among the most dangerous places to work. Every day, preventable accidents cause construction workers injuries. Construction workers are often required to climb to great heights, work on roadsides, and use powerful machinery. Unfortunately, due to the inherent nature of the work, construction workers face the risk of serious injuries every day on the job.
Discuss Your Case With a Staten Island Lawyer Today
If you’ve experienced a devastating construction accident Injury, you need an experienced lawyer on your side. Attorney Frank J. Dito has been helping Staten Island and Brooklyn residents who’ve been injured in construction accidents for over 15 years. He’s experienced in negotiating with insurance companies and taking construction accident cases to court. Contact the Law Offices of Frank J. Dito today to schedule your free initial consultation.
Types of Construction Site Injuries
There are many types of risks construction workers face on the job. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has identified some of the most common causes of construction accident sites.
Failing from Heights
There are several different ways construction workers can become injured by falling, especially in New York City. A construction worker may fall from a tall building while working on the outside of the building. A worker may fall from the incorrectly built scaffolding or lack sufficient maintenance to keep it safe. Additionally, a worker may fall from a heavy machine onto the ground below.
When supervisors and managers fail to make the construction site safe, fall accidents can happen nearly anywhere. We’ve seen cases where a foreman fails to place safety cones around a hole, and a construction worker falls into the hole, causing severe injury or death. Workers can also fall into ditches or trip and fall on machinery or equipment left on the floor. Finally, some job sites do not enforce requirements for harnessing when employees are working at great heights, increasing the risk of severe injury or death should they fall.
Trench Collapses
When a trench collapses in a construction accident, a construction worker can be injured in several ways. Suffocation, drowning, and poisoning are a few of the common injuries associated with trench collapses. Trenching equipment can fall onto construction workers or ladders may fall, causing the worker to hit the ground and become injured. Excavation equipment is among some of the most dangerous in the industry. Employers should provide safe access in and out of the excavated area, protect their employees from loose soil, and carefully monitor the trench to avoid collapse.
Accidents Involving Scaffolding
OSHA has strict regulations intended to keep construction workers safe and stable while working on scaffolding. Unfortunately, some employers fail to follow these guidelines, putting their employees at risk. Many different accidents can occur on scaffolding, including scaffolding collapsing and causing a construction worker to plunge to his death or sustaining a severe injury. Employers should ensure that all scaffolding is safe and well maintained to protect their employers.
Electric Shock
Anytime a worker uses power tools, generators, machinery, or works around electrical wires, there is a risk of electrical burns. When managers decide to cut corners, construction workers can be injured. Electric shock can cause ongoing complications such as organ damage, burns, or amputation. In serious cases, electric shock can cause death.
Failure to Use Safety Gear
OSHA also has stringent regulations requiring construction workers to wear safety gear. Workers should always wear safety glasses, hard hats, and other personal protective equipment on the construction site to prevent injury. When a manager or owner downplays safety and fewer employees wear safety equipment, he or she is putting the employees at risk.
In other cases, employers refuse to provide employees with access to all the safety equipment they need to wear to protect themselves. Protective equipment can prevent serious injuries in the construction industry. Wearing protective gear could be the difference between a fatal accident and one that causes serious injuries.
Repetitive Motion Injuries
Construction workers are often required to do the same task over and over. The muscles and soft tissues used can become damaged and worn. Over time, these injuries can cause pain, limited mobility, and even prevent the construction worker from performing his or her job. Back injuries, knee injuries, and wrist injuries are some of the most common repetitive motion injuries in the construction industry.
In addition to the construction accident causes listed above, workers can also be hurt when ladders collapse, by traffic accidents, by malfunctioning equipment, and by errors made by negligent workers.
Options for Recovering Compensation After a Construction Accident
New York state laws provide important protections for construction workers injured on the job. Understanding your rights under these laws will help you pursue the compensation you need. One of the best things you can do is discuss your case with a lawyer. If you were injured on the job, you have a right to apply for workers’ compensation benefits.
In some cases, pursuing a personal injury lawsuit is the best option. Successful plaintiffs are entitled to economic damages for their lost income, medical expenses, and the pain and suffering they’ve endured from their injuries. Attorney Frank J. Dito will examine your case closely and advise you of the best legal option.
Contact an Experienced Construction Accident Lawyer
Construction accident injuries can be catastrophic, causing pain, ongoing medical issues, and the inability to return to work. Pursuing compensation through a personal injury lawsuit can help you obtain the compensation you need to receive the ongoing treatment you need. With a proven track record of successfully securing compensation for clients, you can rest assured that attorney Frank J. Dito will work tirelessly for you. He does not charge clients for legal fees until he successfully obtains compensation. Contact him today to schedule your free initial consultation.