Construction sites are known to be dangerous places, with a high risk of accidents and injuries. Despite strict safety regulations and protocols, construction accidents still occur frequently, causing serious injuries and even fatalities.
Construction accident attorney in Houston, Greg Baumgartner, wrote this article and will explore the most common types of construction accidents and the steps you can take if you or a loved one has been involved in one.
The Most Common Types of Construction Accidents
Falls
According to OSHA, falls are the leading cause of death in the construction industry, accounting for nearly 40% of all construction fatalities. These accidents can occur from scaffolding, ladders, roofs, or other elevated surfaces.
Falls can result in serious injuries such as broken bones, spinal cord injuries, and traumatic brain injuries. Employers are responsible for providing proper fall protection equipment and training to their workers to prevent these accidents.
At Baumgartner Law Firm, we have helped families after a fatal fall at a construction site for decades. Several of those cases involved faulty fall protection or violations of OSHA standards.
Struck-By Accidents
Struck-by accidents occur when a falling object, equipment, or vehicle hits a worker. These accidents can happen due to a lack of proper safety protocols, inadequate training, or negligence.
Struck-by accidents can result in serious injuries, including broken bones, internal injuries, and even death. Employers must ensure workers wear appropriate personal protective equipment and follow safety protocols to prevent these accidents.
Electrocutions
Electrocutions are another common construction accident, often caused by contact with live wires or faulty equipment. These accidents can result in severe burns, cardiac arrest, and even death.
Employers must ensure that all electrical equipment is properly maintained and workers are trained to handle and use it safely. Workers should also be provided with personal protective equipment, such as insulated gloves and boots when working with electricity.
At Baumgartner Law Firm, we have won many electrocution cases involving both serious injury and wrongful death.
Caught-In or Between Accidents
Caught-in or between accidents occur when a worker is caught, crushed, or squeezed between two objects. These accidents can happen when working with heavy machinery, in trenches, or in confined spaces.
These accidents can result in serious injuries, including amputations, crush injuries, and suffocation. Employers must provide proper training and safety protocols to prevent these accidents from occurring.
Vehicle Accidents
Construction sites are full of vehicles, from forklifts to delivery trucks. Getting by a vehicle while working at a site happens more often than one would think. Most of the time, the many moving parts of the job lead to injury accidents. Our law firm has handled forklift, semi-truck accidents, and other machinery accidents.
Lesser Known Construction Accidents
Trench accidents are not common, yet they are especially dangerous. Baumgartner Law Firm has handled several fatal cases where the safety of the workers was taken for granted.
What to Do If You Are Involved in a Construction Accident
If you or a loved one has been involved in a construction accident, it is essential to take the following steps:
Seek Medical Attention
The first and most crucial step is to seek medical attention immediately. Even if you do not feel injured, it is essential to get checked by a medical professional to ensure no underlying injuries.
Report the Accident
It is crucial to report the accident to your employer immediately. Reporting will ensure that the accident is documented and that proper steps are taken to prevent similar accidents in the future. Also, if your employer has workers comp, giving notice is essential for a comp claim. If you believe a third party is responsible, call an experienced attorney for advice.
Document the Accident
If possible, take photos of the accident scene and your injuries. This documentation can be used as evidence if you file a lawsuit.
Consult with a Personal Injury Lawyer
If you have been injured in a construction accident, it is essential to consult with a personal injury lawyer. They can help you understand your legal rights and options and guide you through filing a lawsuit.
Filing a Construction Accident Lawsuit
If you have been injured in a construction accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and losses. To file a successful lawsuit, you must prove that someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing caused the accident.
To do this, you must gather evidence, such as medical records, accident reports, and witness statements. A personal injury lawyer can help you gather and present this evidence in court.
Read More: How Do You Prove Wrongful Death in Texas?
How to Prevent Construction Accidents
While accidents can happen even with the strictest safety protocols in place, there are steps that employers and workers can take to prevent them:
Proper Training
Employers must properly train workers on safety protocols, equipment usage, and emergency procedures. Workers should also receive regular refresher training to ensure they are updated on safety procedures.
Regular Inspections
Employers should regularly inspect the construction site to identify potential hazards and address them before they cause an accident.
Use of Personal Protective Equipment
Workers should be provided with and required to wear appropriate personal protective equipment, such as hard hats, safety glasses, and steel-toed boots. Fall protection and other safety items must be provided as well.
Communication and Collaboration
Effective communication and collaboration between workers and employers can help identify and address potential hazards before they cause an accident.
Get Help For Injury at a Construction Site
Construction accidents are a common occurrence, and they can result in serious injuries and even death. By understanding the most common types of construction accidents and taking steps to prevent them, we can create a safer working environment for construction workers.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a construction accident, it is essential to seek medical attention and consult with a personal injury lawyer in Houston, TX, to understand your legal rights and options.
With proper safety protocols and precautions in place, we can work towards reducing the number of construction accidents and creating a safer workplace for all.
Injured in an Accident at a Construction Site? Call Baumgartner Law Firm for Help.
Contact Baumgartner Law Firm for a free consultation on construction accident injury cases.
6711 Cypress Creek Pkwy, Houston, TX, 77069
(281) 587-1111
Related Resources:
Texas Third-Party Construction Accident Lawsuits
Independant Contractor or Employee For Civil Liability?