Every day, construction workers face serious hazards from the moment they step on the job site. Unfortunately, heavy machinery, elevated heights, and hazardous materials make accidents common in the industry. These hazards can have serious and potentially fatal consequences, from falls and slips to electric shocks and explosions.
Understanding the risks of construction and their potential impacts can help workers take proactive steps to prevent injuries and keep the workplace safe. If these measures fail, knowing your legal rights helps navigate the aftermath of a construction injury and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Risks Faced by Construction Workers
Construction is one of the most hazardous industries, with numerous risks involved in everyday responsibilities. From falling debris from a nearby building to leaking toxic substances on a job site, construction workers face dangers that impact their safety, health, and well-being. Some of the most common risks include:
- Falling from heights
- Slipping or tripping
- Exposure to toxic substances like asbestos, lead, and chemicals
- Electrical hazards such as shocks, burns, and electrocution
- Machinery accidents
- Falling tools, debris, or construction materials
- Loud noises
- Building collapses
- Explosions
Common Injuries Among Construction Workers
With many risks involved, it’s not uncommon for injuries to happen to construction workers while they’re on the job. There are four injuries, commonly referred to as the “Fatal Four” by OSHA, that account for the majority of construction-related incidents each year, including:
- Falls: Falling from ladders, scaffolding, and elevated work areas is a leading cause of fatal and non-fatal construction injuries.
- Struck-by: In fast-paced environments, it’s common for objects such as swinging cranes, falling tools, or flying debris to strike workers and cause injury.
- Electrocution: Working with electrical equipment such as live wires, exposed wiring, or faulty systems puts workers at serious risk of electric shock.
- Caught in between: Collapsing structures, heavy machinery, or moving materials can trap, pinch, or crush workers in between two objects.
Impact of Injuries on Construction Workers
While the most serious incidents can be fatal, almost all construction-related injuries have an impact on a worker’s life, well-being, or finances. Many face physical injuries, ranging from minor sprains to complete amputations, that can cause long-term disabilities and chronic pain. With the time required to heal from these injuries, they must take time off work and face the financial strain of lost wages and rising medical bills.
Even if a workplace incident doesn’t cause physical injury, it can trigger mental health challenges like PTSD, anxiety, and depression. These silent challenges make it difficult to return to work, maintain productivity, or feel safe in the workplace where the trauma occurred.
Legal Rights of Injured Construction Workers
If you’re injured while working in construction, you have the right to pursue legal action and seek compensation for your injuries. In California, workers are entitled to benefits under the state’s workers’ compensation laws, which help cover lost wages, medical expenses, and rehabilitation costs. The state operates under a no-fault system, meaning that you can still receive benefits regardless of who was responsible for the accident.
In some situations, you may have to file a third-party liability claim. If someone other than the employer, such as a third-party contractor, property owner, or equipment manufacturer, is responsible for the injury, you may be eligible to receive additional compensation. This compensation can help cover damages such as pain and suffering, lost wages, and future medical bills.
Role of Construction Injury Lawyers
After a construction-related injury, the legal process can be overwhelming. Hiring a construction injury lawyer helps navigate the claims process and ensure your rights are protected. An attorney will evaluate your case to determine whether you qualify for workers’ compensation, a third-party liability claim, or both. They’ll help you understand your legal rights and pursue compensation for your suffering.
Some of the key tasks a construction injury lawyer performs include:
- Case evaluation
- Filing of workers’ comp claims
- Pursuing third-party liability claims
- Protecting against employer retaliation
- Negotiating settlements
- Court representation
Pursuing Compensation for Construction Injuries
Construction injuries can cause physical, mental, and financial damages. If you suffer a workplace accident, you can pursue compensation to help cover all injury-related losses, including:
- Medical expenses: Coverage for medical care, including doctors’ visits, testing, medications, surgery, and physical rehabilitation.
- Lost wages: Compensation for any past or future lost earnings due to the injury.
- Pain and suffering: Emotional distress, mental suffering, reduced quality of life, and other non-economic damages from the accident.
- Disability benefits: Financial support for those who suffer from permanent disabilities after a construction-related incident.
- Wrongful death: Coverage of funeral expenses and financial support for the family of construction workers who die in a fatal accident.
Preventing Construction Injuries
The best way to prevent construction injuries is for employers, workers, and safety professionals to take proactive steps that create a safe work environment. Some key strategies include:
- Identifying and controlling potential hazards.
- Establishing clear safety procedures for all workers.
- Providing extensive safety training, especially when working with new equipment.
- Having all workers wear personal protective equipment.
- Inspecting and maintaining tools and equipment.
- Developing emergency response plans to prepare workers for unexpected situations.
Contact The Law Offices of Jacob Emrani Today!
If you or someone you know is suffering from a construction-related injury, contact The Law Offices of Jacob Emrani. Our experienced team of Los Angeles construction accident attorneys can evaluate your case and help you fight for the compensation you deserve. Whether you pursue workers’ compensation, a third-party liability claim, or any other legal route, we’ll be there every step of the way.
Call (888) 912-7115 to set up your no-cost case evaluation today! Our legal team is on call and ready to fight for your rights so that you can focus on your recovery.