Construction laborer was the 10th most dangerous job in America in 2009, according to CNNmoney.com. Specific construction jobs such as roofer and ironworker were said to be even more dangerous. Each year, hundreds of thousands of workers are injured or killed on construction sites. The perils of a construction site are many and mistakes only have to happen once to be injurious, debilitating or deadly.
Many construction site accidents involve
- Heavy machinery
- Dangerous power tools
- Crane accidents
- Falls from heights on roofs, scaffolding, etc.
- Weather conditions of working year-round
- Fires and explosions
- Dangerous Chemicals
- Falling Objects
- Electrocution injuries
Who is at Fault?
When a worker is injured or killed in a construction accident, one or more parties such as property owners, employers, superintendents, architects, manufacturers and insurance companies may be held responsible for
- Unsafe procedures
- Poor/unsafe working conditions
- Failure to provide safety equipment
- Negligent management
- Inadequate training
- Explosions or fires
- Exposure to toxic fumes or substances
- Unrealistic employer demands that lead to safety shortcuts
- Otherwise removing or failing to provide proper safety equipment
Injury and Long-term Disability
Most injuries sustained on a construction site lead to a loss of work that lasts at least 30 days. Unexpected medical bills, loss of income and the possibility of physical impairment resulting in lifelong disability can financially and emotionally devastate a family. Due to the physical demands and the specific skill set of most construction work, one injury can destroy a career, and it may be difficult for the accident victim to establish a career in a different field.
Government Safety Regulations
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) are two government agencies whose purposes are to set regulations that prevent employers from removing safety features of machines and workplaces or from failing to provide such safety precautions. Although OSHA and NIOSH sets regulations and inspects for violations, some employers still ignore the safety codes or are neglectful in setting safety standards in the workplace in ways that are often not discovered until after an accident occurs.
Construction Accident Liability Litigation
It is important to bring justice for injured workers or the families of construction employees who were killed in a workplace accident. Victims and their families deserve compensation for financial hardships as well as pain and suffering. The person or entity that disregarded safety features or regulations and created an unsafe construction site should be held accountable for actions that led to harm of the construction laborer.
Contact a Construction Accident Lawyer
Were you or someone you know involved in a construction site accident that may have been the result of construction workplace negligence? If so, please contact us today and receive a free consultation with one of the experienced attorneys at Fried Rogers Goldberg. You can also view our verdicts and case results by clicking here.