Common Types of Construction Accidents and How an Attorney Can Help

Construction sites are inherently dangerous environments, and accidents can happen despite the best safety measures in place. Workers in the construction industry face numerous risks daily, including falls, equipment malfunctions, electrical hazards, and more. 

When accidents occur, they can result in serious injuries or even fatalities. In this article, we will explore some common types of construction accidents and the critical role that an attorney plays in helping victims seek justice and compensation.

Common Types of Construction Accidents

Falls

Falls are among the most prevalent accidents in the construction industry, often resulting in severe injuries or fatalities. They can occur from elevated surfaces such as scaffolding, ladders, roofs, or even elevated work platforms. Common causes of falls include:

• Lack of fall protection: Failure to provide or use proper fall protection equipment, such as harnesses, guardrails, or safety nets, can lead to accidents.
• Unsafe working surfaces: Slippery or unstable surfaces can cause workers to lose their footing and fall.
• Improper ladder use: Using ladders incorrectly, placing them on uneven ground, or overreaching can lead to ladder-related accidents.
• Scaffold collapses: Faulty scaffold construction or inadequate maintenance can result in dangerous collapses.

An experienced construction accident attorney can investigate the circumstances surrounding a fall and determine liability. They will work to establish whether negligence on the part of the employer, contractor, or equipment manufacturer contributed to the accident.

Struck-by Accidents

Struck-by accidents occur when construction workers are hit by objects such as tools, equipment, or vehicles. These accidents can result in severe injuries or fatalities. Common scenarios include:

• Falling objects: Objects dropped from heights or accidentally knocked off surfaces can strike workers below.
• Vehicle accidents: Construction sites often involve heavy machinery and vehicles, and accidents involving them can be catastrophic.
• Tool mishaps: Malfunctioning tools or improper use can lead to workers being struck.

An attorney specializing in construction accidents will assess the circumstances of the struck-by accident, identify responsible parties, and determine if negligence played a role. They can then pursue legal action against the responsible parties to secure compensation for the victim’s injuries and losses.

Electrical Accidents

Electrical accidents are a significant risk in construction, especially when working on or near electrical systems. Common electrical accidents include:

• Electrocution: Direct contact with live wires or faulty electrical equipment can lead to electrocution, which can result in severe injuries or death.
• Arc flashes and arc blasts: These occur when an electrical fault creates an explosive release of energy, causing burns, injuries, and fires.
• Wiring errors: Incorrectly installed or damaged electrical wiring can pose serious hazards.

An attorney experienced in construction accident cases will work to establish liability by investigating the electrical accident thoroughly. They may bring claims against contractors, subcontractors, or property owners who failed to provide a safe work environment or proper electrical safety measures.

Caught-In/Between Accidents

Caught-in/between accidents involve workers getting trapped, crushed, or squeezed between objects or equipment. Common examples include:

• Trench collapses: Workers can be buried in excavated trenches if proper safety precautions are not taken.
• Machinery accidents: Getting caught in heavy machinery or equipment can result in severe injuries or fatalities.
• Collapsing structures: Buildings, walls, or scaffolding can collapse unexpectedly, trapping workers beneath the debris.

A construction accident attorney will investigate the accident thoroughly, analyzing whether safety protocols were followed and whether any negligence contributed to the caught-in/between accidents. They will then pursue compensation for the victim’s injuries and losses.

Chemical and Toxic Exposure

Construction sites often involve the use of hazardous chemicals and materials, and exposure to these substances can lead to long-term health issues. Common chemical and toxic exposure accidents include:

• Inhalation of toxic fumes: Exposure to airborne chemicals, gasses, or fumes can cause respiratory problems and other health issues.
• Skin contact with corrosive substances: Chemicals and solvents can cause severe skin burns and irritation.
• Inadequate safety measures: Failure to provide proper protective gear or safety protocols can lead to chemical exposure accidents.

A construction accident attorney with expertise in toxic exposure cases will assess the circumstances and the extent of harm caused by chemical exposure. They may pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term health consequences.

How Does A Construction Accident Attorney Can Help?

Construction accidents can have devastating consequences for victims and their families. Here’s how a construction accident attorney can provide invaluable assistance:

• Legal expertise: Construction accident attorneys specialize in this area of law, allowing them to navigate complex legal processes efficiently.
• Investigative skills: Attorneys will thoroughly investigate the accident, collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses, and reconstructing the events leading to the accident.
• Liability determination: Attorneys will identify responsible parties, including employers, contractors, subcontractors, equipment manufacturers, and property owners, and assess their liability.
• Compensation pursuit: Attorneys will pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses through negotiations or litigation.
• Ensuring compliance: Attorneys will ensure that all relevant safety regulations and laws are followed on the construction site and hold negligent parties accountable.
• Settlement negotiations: Attorneys will negotiate with insurance companies and liable parties to secure a fair settlement for the victim, avoiding lengthy court battles if possible.
• Litigation representation: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, attorneys will represent the victims in court, advocating for their rights and seeking justice.

Conclusion

Construction accidents are all too common and can result in life-altering injuries or even fatalities. However, victims of construction accidents do not have to face the physical, emotional, and financial burdens alone. 

Attorneys specializing in construction accident cases can provide crucial assistance in navigating the legal system, identifying responsible parties, and pursuing compensation for injuries and losses. 

If you or a loved one has been a victim of a construction accident, seeking the expertise of a construction accident attorney like Swartz & Swartz is a vital step towards achieving justice and securing the compensation you deserve. For more information, get in touch with our team now!