If you have suffered an injury due to a construction site injury, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. In some instances, you may also be eligible to file a third-party claim against the negligent party, whether an individual or a corporation.
Unless your employer purposely caused your injury, you likely cannot file a personal injury claim against them, even if their oversight led to the accident. Below are some common causes of injuries occurring on construction sites. Regardless of the cause of your accident, you’re likely entitled to workers’ compensation.
Lack of Fall Protection
Falls are actually the leading cause of fatalities on construction sites. Workers who use ladders or scaffolding put themselves at greater risk of falling and suffering a severe injury or fatality. Employers are required under OSHA regulations to provide all employees who work at heights over six feet with fall protection, but many do not adequately offer protections such as safety nets, guardrails, or Personal Fall Arrest Systems (PFAS).
Scaffolding Problems
Scaffolding-related incidents are also extremely common for workers at construction sites because they occur when scaffolds are not properly erected or maintained. These accidents can also happen if a worker unwittingly uses defective scaffolding equipment that has not been repaired or removed. Furthermore, if an employer fails to utilize proper safety precautions, they put their employees at further risk of bodily harm or death. Employers should always know and follow OSHA standards when using scaffolding at their sites.
Crane Accidents
This type of construction site accident usually occurs under the following circumstances:
- High winds, which topple cranes
- Crane collapse due to defective parts or lack of maintenance
- Overturning due to material overload
- Contact with live electrical lines
Injured workers from a crane accident may be eligible for workers’ compensation from their employer and damages from another negligent party, such as a general contractor or crane manufacturer.
Let Shlesinger & de Villeneuve Help Protect Your Rights
Just because there are hazards at your workplace does not mean you aren’t entitled to workers’ compensation if injured. Seek medical attention for your injury immediately, and let us help you investigate your claim to ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive any damages and compensation you are entitled to. Contact us today to learn more.
