Construction Accidents Information Center
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Frequently Asked Questions about Construction Accidents
Q: How do I take steps to assert my rights to a safe workplace?
A: If you feel that your workplace is unsafe, your first action should be to make your supervisor aware of the danger, then follow up in writing. If you are still unsuccessful in getting the safety hazard corrected, you can file a complaint at the nearest OSHA office. You can refer to OSHA's website at http://www.osha.gov for more information.
Q: If I'm injured while working on a construction site, is it possible for me to recover more than just workers' compensation benefits?
A: Workers' compensation laws only affect your recovery from your employer, not other parties. If other parties, such as equipment manufacturers, property owners or third-party contractors, are responsible for your injuries, you may be able to recover from them in addition to collecting workers' compensation benefits.
Construction workers must deal with some of the most dangerous working conditions faced by employees in any industry, and serious work-related injuries at construction sites occur with unfortunate frequency.
A construction site event can be catastrophic and lead to permanent injury or death. If you or a loved one has suffered in a construction site accident, you want to take the legal steps to ensure your just recovery. You need a personal injury or accident law firm that is well versed in the regulations and the every day realities of a construction job site that results in injuries to workers. Whether you need assistance with workers' compensation or you need a skilled personal injury attorney to pursue your claims, we are a firm that can assist you. We are experienced in handling complex construction claims related to these happenings. Contact us today for a free consultation or to speak to an experienced attorney.
Construction Accidents - An Overview
Construction workers face some of the most dangerous working conditions in the country on a daily basis. Although there are regulations, statutes, ordinances and industry standards that mandate employers must provide a reasonably safe working environment, construction workers still suffer serious injuries at an alarming rate.
The sheer number of hazards on a construction site makes it virtually impossible to prevent all injuries from occurring. These hazards include falls from scaffolds and other elevations, being struck by moving or falling machinery, electrocution, health hazards resulting from exposure to asbestos and chemicals, injuries caused by defective or unsafe equipment, and lifting and repetitive motion injuries.
If you have suffered or if one of your family members has suffered injuries as the result of a construction accident, an experienced construction accident and injury litigation attorney can help you understand your rights.
Construction Injuries at a Glance
According to the US Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics, the construction industry accounts for the highest number of worker fatalities of any industry. Hazards posed by construction sites include exposure to noise, dust and other chemicals, working from high elevations and in confined spaces, working with power tools and other mechanical equipment, exposure to electricity, and performing excavations. More information on the specific types of injuries suffered by constructions workers is provided below.
Workers' Compensation
If you have been injured while working at a construction site, your financial recovery may be affected by workers' compensation laws, depending on your employment situation and the degree of liability on your employer's part. Following is a brief examination of the typical workers' compensation procedure. Keep in mind that parties other than your employer may be legally responsible for your injuries (such as third-party contractors, property owners or equipment manufacturers) and your recovery from those parties will not be affected by workers' compensation laws. If you or your loved one has suffered injuries as the result of a construction accident, consult a workers' compensation attorney to learn if you qualify for benefits.
Construction Accident Resource Links
OSHA - Employee Workplace Rights
From the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. What to do if you question the safety of your workplace. Lists addresses and phone numbers for more information.
OSHA - Construction Scaffolding
Overview, press releases, links, OSHA standards and regulations, and a "Scaffolding eTool", which provides illustrated safety checklists for specific types of scaffolds and identifies hazards.
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is the federal agency responsible for conducting research and making recommendations for the prevention of work-related disease and injury.
Department of Labor
Resource for workers, including information on each state's workers' compensation laws, whistleblower protection and health and safety guidelines.
OSHA Construction Resource Manual
The manual contains important information on inspections, penalties for violations, reporting requirements for injuries, access to records, health and safety standards and more.