How common are fatal construction site accidents?

Injury is not something that anyone wants to deal with, especially when they are at work. Everyday millions of people get up and go to work with the expectation that things will be fine and that they will go according to plan. Construction sites are among the most dangerous work sites in the United States despite the safety features that are built in and the overall safety regulations that are present. Keeping this in mind, accident victims’ families deserve experienced legal advice when it comes to how to pursue a case.  

How Common are Worksite Accidents?

Worksite accidents are more common than you might think. Workplace accidents on construction sites are especially prevalent despite all the extra safety monitoring and training that goes into the workforce. Though there are plenty of safeguards in place, there is no way to make sure that every worker is going to be able to stay safe and that there will not be an accident. Accidents on construction sites make up nearly 650 deaths each year and there are plenty of different causes for these deaths. 

There are four common construction site injuries that have been dubbed the “fatal four” and that lead to most deaths on construction sites. We will discuss each further. These four accidents are falls, being struck by an object, electrocution and being trapped or crushed by machinery. 

Falls

Falls account for the largest percentage of deaths on construction sites with an astonishing 38%. Falls are quite common as most construction sites do have an element of climbing or being elevated off the ground. Falls can occur off of equipment, off of buildings that are being worked on, from scaffolding that has been erected for the work and even into shafts and trenches that have been dug to help with the building process. Falls can be simple and non-fatal, and they can cause injury that does affect the way that the person is able to work or live for the rest of their lives. 

Falls can cause instant death, they can cause major injury like brain injuries, broken bones or even internal bleeding. They can also cause lasting damage that makes it hard, if not impossible to get back on the workforce or to just live life. When you are injured on a worksite it is the responsibility of the employer to help you get the settlement you need and help you get the money you need to keep living life. 

Struck By Falling Object

Another common injury is being struck by an object on the worksite. This can be tools falling from scaffolding, collapsing structures that are around you, falling materials and even equipment that moves around. These falling objects can strike workers in the head, even with hardhats on it can cause damage to the spine and to the brain. 

These objects can also cause lacerations, broken bones, and lasting pain that makes it hard to function and hard to work as well. With falling objects, they can become fatal at a great enough height, and they can cause a great deal of pain and a great deal of time to heal from. 

Electrocution 

Electrocution accounts for nearly 10% of deaths and serious injury on construction sites. Electrocution can cause immediate death and can cause internal injury; it can cause heart trouble and it can cause a huge deal of pain and neurological issues down the road. Electrocution can happen to anyone; it can be fast, and it can be the result of energized machinery and more. It is very difficult to tell if machinery is energized and one misstep can lead to very serious trouble and very serious pain and suffering. 

This is a terrible way to die, and it can cause you a great deal of pain when it comes to recovery as well. 

Being Trapped or Crushed

Another cause of death and serious injury on construction work sites is being trapped or crushed by machinery. This accounts for nearly 8% of deaths on construction sites. This is something that is again, very hard to handle and very hard to manage. Machinery is very large, it can fall over, it can become unsettled on the foundation that it is standing, it can be moved, and so much more. 

When machinery moves it can be very hard to track where it is going, and it can make for a very dangerous and very scary time. When it comes to the overall dangers that come with moving machinery, it can cause a ton of trouble and it can be difficult for every person on the team or on the work force to know where every machine is and where they are moving at all times. Though most construction sites do keep a very close eye on where machinery is being moved to, this does not account for human error, and it does not account for the accidents that might end up happening. 

What Can a Lawyer Do?

When you are dealing with an accident on a worksite or a death on a worksite, it is the responsibility of the employer to help make sure that the family of the victim and the victim themselves are cared for. Settlement money can be used for paying medical bills, it can be  used to help pay for the pain and suffering of those that are dealing with the injuries, and it can also help pay for the time off work that you do have to take. 

With those that are dealing with this type of injury, it can be very difficult to get to work and it can be hard to prove that you are entitled to compensation or that the family of someone that has passed is. A great law team and lawyer is going to be able to work closely with you and the family to help make sure that the case is solid, that it is well grounded, and that there is a good chance that you are going to be able to come out with a settlement that is going to help you live a better life. 

Handling accident cases when it comes to accidents on construction sites it can be hard to prove that there is any wrongdoing, and it can be hard to prove that there is a case. With the help of a great lawyer, you can get your case heard, you can get a fair settlement, and you can start down the road of recovery toward a new life that is free of pain and that is going to help you get your life back in order.