Construction work is widely recognized as one of the most hazardous occupations, with employees regularly exposed to risks every day. Even routine tasks can quickly turn dangerous, leading to serious or even life-changing injuries. If you work in construction, understanding the most common types of injuries, and your rights if you’re hurt, is absolutely critical. Our construction accident lawyers in Los Angeles here to educate you so you may properly understand the possibilities if you were in a construction accident. Here are some of the injuries most often experienced by workers in the industry:
Falls from Heights
Construction workers often perform tasks on scaffolding, ladders, and roofs – environments where a single misstep can have serious consequences. Falls from significant heights frequently result in life-changing injuries, including broken bones, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and even fatalities.
Struck-by Object Injuries
Construction zones are filled with potential hazards like falling tools and moving vehicles or machinery. Workers can be struck by materials, tools, or debris, sometimes without warning. These accidents often cause head trauma, internal bleeding, and fractures, and can happen in both hectic and routine worksite conditions.
Electrocution
Contact with live electrical lines, faulty wiring, or damaged equipment makes electrocution a real risk on many construction sites. Workers suffering electrical injuries may experience severe burns, nerve damage, or even cardiac arrest. These incidents can also have long-term neurological effects and the potential for life-threatening complications.
Crush Injuries and Caught-In/Between Accidents
Operating or working near heavy machinery or unstable structures creates a risk of crushing accidents. Workers may become pinned, trapped, or caught in collapsing walls or equipment. The result can be devastating injuries like amputations, internal organ damage, and in severe cases, can be fatal.
Repetitive Stress Injuries
Many construction tasks involve repeated use of certain joints or muscles, which can add up over months or years. Overuse can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, chronic back pain, and other musculoskeletal injuries that gradually worsen without proper intervention.
Burns and Chemical Exposure
Handling flammable substances or caustic chemicals is a staple of many construction projects. Accidents can lead to various injuries, including skin burns, airway problems, and even vision loss due to splashes or reactions. Prompt medical care is critical to limiting the damage from these types of accidents.
Hearing Loss
Construction sites are rarely quiet, and repeated exposure to loud equipment without adequate ear protection can lead to permanent hearing loss. This injury often goes unreported but can have a lasting impact on a construction worker’s ability to communicate and perform job tasks safely.
Understanding the range of injuries that can happen on a construction site highlights why it’s so important for workers to know their rights and seek immediate support if they’re hurt on the job.
Legal Options for Injured Construction Workers
If you’re hurt while working on a construction site, you may have more than one way to seek financial support and justice for your injuries. The right legal approach depends on exactly how the accident happened and who is responsible.
Workers’ Compensation
Most construction workers are covered by workers’ compensation insurance through their employer. This system is designed to provide you with medical care, partial wage replacement, and disability benefits without needing to prove that your employer was at fault. In exchange, you usually cannot sue your employer directly for workplace injuries. Workers’ comp is the most common and fastest way to get help after a construction accident.
Personal Injury Lawsuit
Sometimes, a third party (not your employer) causes or contributes to your accident. For example, a careless subcontractor, an equipment manufacturer, or a property owner may be liable if their negligence led to your injuries. In these cases, you may have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit, which can provide compensation for your full losses, including pain and suffering. Personal injury claims require proving fault, but can result in larger settlements or verdicts than workers’ compensation claims alone.
It’s important to review your situation with an experienced workplace accident attorney in Los Angeles to be sure you choose the best path forward. Contact Grey Law today to schedule a free consultation.