Construction sites are one of the deadliest places to work. Even though construction workers make up only 6 percent of the U.S. labor force, the construction industry accounts for 20 percent of all worker deaths, according to OSHA. Many of the deaths are younger workers, and construction has the second most fatalities of any other injury for workers younger than 18.
There is also a high risk of nonfatal injuries on construction sites as well, with one in 10 construction workers getting hurt on the job every year. A lack of experience often plays a role in these injuries, since nearly two-thirds of them occur within the employee’s first year on the job. These injuries can devastate entire families and threaten current and future earnings.
If you or a family member has been hurt on a construction site, Burg Simpson’s work injury attorneys can help. Call us today at (720) 400-8558 or fill out a FREE case evaluation form here.
Types of Construction Worksite Injuries
More than half of construction site fatalities are a result of what industry experts have dubbed the Fatal Four:
- Falls: These are the single greatest cause of construction site deaths. It’s no coincidence that fall protection is also the most common construction site OSHA violation. Workers typically fall from roofs, scaffolds, and ladders.
- Struck by object: Construction workers constantly get hit by objects. Whether it is a vehicle, an unstable wall, or an errant tool, object strikes make up roughly 10 percent of worksite deaths.
- Electrocutions: Construction workers are also at abnormally high risk for electrocutions. These can happen through contact with a power line, but also by improper use of machinery because of faulty wiring.
- Caught between objects: Workers frequently get caught beneath or between objects. Inadequate access points, faulty trenches, and insufficient protective systems can lead to these fatal accidents.
Other common causes of construction-related workers’ compensation claims include:
- Injuries from slips and falls, including head, neck, knee, and back
- Defective ladders and scaffolds
- Injuries sustained from lifting and operating heavy machinery
- Construction vehicle accidents
- Electrocution and electrical burns
- Injuries and breaks from repetitive strain and pressure
Which Construction Workers Are Most Likely to get Hurt?
Ironworkers get hurt on the job more than any other construction workers. When it comes to fatalities, things change. The workers most likely to die on the job are:
- Laborer: More than one-quarter of worksite fatalities strike the average laborer.
- Supervisor: 13 percent of construction site deaths are front-line supervisors.
- Roofer: These employees are the third most likely to die onsite, and the most likely to die from a fall.
- Electricians and Carpenters: This group rounds out the top five most endangered construction site vocations.
Are You Entitled to Workers’ Compensation?
Workers’ compensation is designed to pay for all of an injured party’s medical expenses, and roughly 75 percent of cases involve medical-only benefits. However, there may be accommodations for cash reimbursement for days missed from work, too. You may be entitled to:
- Temporary total disability
- Temporary partial disability
- Permanent total disability
- Permanent partial disability
- Death benefits
In addition, the workers’ compensation lawyers at Burg Simpson can help you apply for Social Security benefits and assist in exploring the possibilities of filing a third-party personal injury lawsuit.
What Is a Third-Party Personal Injury Lawsuit?
If a third party – someone other than your employer – is responsible for your workplace injury, you may be eligible to sue for damages and compensation. It’s just another reason to speak with an experienced workers’ comp attorney to explore every option available to you.
A construction worksite injury can leave wounds that linger for years. A death can cripple a family and rob them of a steady income.
If you have been injured on the job, let our professional construction injury attorneys help you:
- Receive fair compensation for your injuries
- Have access to quality medical care
- Understand your legal rights within the workers’ compensation system
- Get reimbursement for legitimate expenses you have incurred during your injury
- Apply for additional Social Security benefits
- Explore third-party personal injury lawsuits
The workers’ compensation attorneys at Burg Simpson have been handling these types of complex cases for more than 40 years and know the ins and outs of the complicated laws that govern workers’ compensation. Contact us today to get started with your claim by calling (720) 400-8558 or complete our FREE case evaluation form.
