Get Our Insider to Property Damage Brochure
Charlotte Construction Site Injury Lawyer
Working on a construction site is hard work. However, it doesn’t have to be dangerous. Due to the nature of the job, injuries that occur on a construction site are often very severe. Construction workers can be injured from various hazards, such as machinery, toxic chemicals, or vehicles used in construction. If you or a family member was injured on a construction site, you should consult with an experienced Charlotte, North Carolina injury attorney.
The construction site accident attorneys in Dewey, Ramsay & Hunt, PA have over 30 years of combined experience handling personal injury cases that they will proudly use to your advantage. Our attorneys will fight in pursuit of the maximum compensation for your injuries. To schedule a free consultation with one of our dedicated attorneys, call us at (704) 377-3737 or contact us online.
Common Causes of Construction Accidents
There are several factors that can occur at a construction site. However, some accidents are certainly more common than others. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has named four construction accidents that occur more frequently than other accidents. These four are:
- Falls
- Electrical hazards
- Hitting from objects
- Get caught in / between dangers
OSHA has named these construction accidents the “Fatal Four,” due to the number of deaths they cause each year. OSHA estimates that eliminating these four hazards would save about 631 American construction employees each year.
According to OSHA, accidental falls account for about 40% of all construction site fatalities. Construction worker falls are common due to the type of work performed from high heights such as roofs, scaffolding, or ladders. Slips and falls also occur frequently due to debris, wiring, and tools that are scattered throughout the construction site.
Electrocutions account for about 8.5% of deaths in construction. It is not surprising to learn the number of electrocution deaths in construction due to the amount of electrical equipment used.
Objects hitting hazards refers to falling objects or blows from machinery that injures or kills a construction worker, such as impact tools, or a crane. About 8.4% of construction worker deaths are caused by falling objects.
Getting caught in / between hazards occurs when a construction worker gets caught, usually by heavy machinery or a vehicle such as a forklift. This type of accident can range from a trench collapse to getting caught by a piece of heavy equipment. According to OSHA, these accidents account for about 1% of construction worker fatalities. To avoid these accidents, employers must ensure that their employees have the appropriate equipment and sufficient training so that they can handle any situation that may arise.
Common Wounds in Construction Sites
Injuries sustained on a construction site are often severe and could even affect a worker’s ability to perform his or her job. Despite safeguards put in place by employers and government agencies, construction accidents continue to occur. These accidents can include:
- Back Injuries
- Brain Trauma (TBI)
- Fractures and Broken Bones
- Lacerations and Cuts
- Burns
- Electrocutions
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Paraplegia
- Quadriplegia
- Paralysis
Some of these injuries can prevent a construction worker from returning to work and leave them in limbo while medical bills continue to pile up. If you were seriously injured on a construction site, you should consider presenting your personal injury case as soon as possible.
Damages Available for Injuries Occurring at a Construction Site
Due to the uniqueness of each case, it is impossible to determine how much compensation an individual can receive for their injury. However, if an injured party can prove their claim in court, they can receive damages in the form of:
- Lost income due to injury
- Pain and suffering due to the accident
- Medical bills incurred in treating the wound
Construction workers who are injured on the job may have the opportunity to successfully file a claim for workers’ compensation. The North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Act applies to workers who sustain occupational injuries in North Carolina. Workers’ compensation allows injured employees to receive specific loss benefits for situations involving disfigurement or loss of a limb.