Construction work is one of the most dangerous jobs, and injuries on the job site commonly occur. With many workers suffering serious injuries each year, it’s important to understand your legal rights.
We’ll use this blog to discuss construction site accidents and all of the details involved, such as who may be held liable and what to do after a construction accident at work to protect your rights and pursue fair compensation.
Key Takeaways:
- Common Accidents: Falls, falling objects, electrocutions, machinery accidents, getting caught between objects, slips, collapses, and burns are the leading causes of on-site injuries.
- Injury Types: Workers can suffer broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal injuries, burns, toxic exposure, amputations, internal injuries, and even death.
- OSHA Regulations: Employers must follow OSHA safety standards, provide training, inspect sites, and ensure protective gear; violations can lead to employer liability.
- Liability: General contractors, subcontractors, property owners, and equipment manufacturers may be held responsible depending on negligence or defective equipment.
Common Types of Accidents
Accidents and construction sites can seem as if they go hand in hand, especially if safety protocols are not strictly followed. In 2024, the most frequently violated Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards involved equipment, training, and protection.
Common types of construction accidents include:
- Falls from heights such as ladders, roofs, or scaffolding
- Falling objects such as tools or materials
- Electrocutions
- Machinery accidents, such as with forklifts, cranes, or bulldozers
- Accidents involving getting caught between heavy objects
- Slip and falls
- Collapses
- Burns from fires and explosions
As a result of construction site accidents, victims may suffer a wide range of injuries, such as:
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Burns
- Toxic exposure
- Amputations
- Internal injuries
- Death
OSHA Regulations and Worker Protections
OSHA sets and enforces safety standards to protect construction workers. This means that employers are required to inspect sites, train employees, and provide protection on sites. This can look like ensuring proper scaffolding setup is in place, training employees on safe equipment usage, inspecting sites for hazards, or requiring protective gear.
If a construction accident occurs and it is found that OSHA regulations were violated, the employer or general contractor may be held liable.
Who is Liable for Injured Subcontractors and Contractors?
Liability for a construction site accident can depend on several factors. In scenarios where someone is injured on a construction site, there are multiple parties that may be investigated for liability:
1. General Contractors
General contractors are usually responsible for overall site safety. If their negligence, such as failure to warn about a hazard, leads to an injury, they may be liable.
2. Subcontractors
Subcontractors must protect their own workers. However, if a subcontractor’s negligence causes injury to another worker on-site, they may be liable.
3. Property Owners
If a hazard of the property causes injury, the owner may share responsibility, especially if they have control over the work being done.
4. Equipment Manufacturers
If defective equipment leads to injury, the manufacturer could be held responsible under a product liability claim.
What to Do After a Construction Accident at Work
If you or someone you know is injured on a construction site, here’s what to do immediately following:
- Prioritize Your Health: Seek medical attention immediately. Your health and safety should always come first after a construction site accident.
- Report the Incident in Writing: Notify your supervisor or employer about the accident in writing to create an official record of what happened.
- Document Everything: If it is safe to do so, take photos of the scene, collect witness statements, and keep copies of all medical records and related documents.
- Don’t Sign Anything Without Legal Guidance: Avoid signing any forms, waivers, or settlement offers before consulting with a legal advocate who understands construction injury claims.
- Contact a Construction Accident Lawyer: Reach out to an experienced construction site accident attorney. Legal advice is essential for protecting your rights and navigating a complex claim.
Learn More: Average Workers’ Comp Settlement Amount
Let DM Injury Law Represent Your Construction Site Accident Claim
Construction accident claims are legally complex. They may involve workers’ compensation claims and personal injury lawsuits that require extensive investigation. A skilled construction site accident lawyer can help you determine liability, gather evidence, negotiate with other parties, and take your case to court if necessary. All this is done to maximize your compensation.
DM Injury Law is the team to trust when you find yourself in a difficult situation. We ensure your rights are protected and give you the best chance of recovering full compensation. Contact our team for a free consultation for your claim.
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