Most Common Types Of Construction Site Injuries

The construction business is among the most dangerous careers there are. Even with the best safety procedures, policies and education in effect, thousands of construction workers and passers-by every year are seriously injured in accidents on site. From unsecured equipment to slipping and falling to chemical burns, bruises and scars, these accidents can be utterly disabling and can take years or even a lifetime from which to recover.

Of course, when you get injured in a construction injury, you deserve compensation for the harm you’ve suffered. In many cases, workers’ compensation will kick in to cover your medical bills and a portion of your lost wages. In other cases, where egregious lack of care was displayed, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit to collect further damages.

It’s important, however, to understand the most common types of construction site injuries and the difference between workers’ compensation and when you need a construction injury lawyer. Let’s explore how this all breaks down.

Burn Injuries

Among the most common construction site injuries, but one that you don’t hear about very often, are burn injuries. Construction sites carry a high likelihood of explosions and fires at build sites. Likewise, exposure to dangerous chemicals, exposed wires, leaky pipes and a range of other injuries that create the risk of fire pose a real danger to construction workers.

Head Injuries

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) from head trauma due to improperly secured tools, falling objects, and materials, or even slip and fall injuries. Other kinds of head injuries include lacerations, skull fractures, concussions and others. While hard hats provide a degree of protection, brain injuries can change your entire personality, even rob you of your ability to handle mundane, everyday tasks.

Spinal Injuries

Spinal injuries most often result from falling, from scaffolding or ladders, or any other high area of a job site. These kinds of injuries can lead to lifelong loss of function, even partial or full paralysis, or traumatic brain injury.

Lacerations and Cuts

Cuts and lacerations are probably the single most common form of construction site injury. They can result from poorly-maintained tools, defective equipment, exposed sharp objects, broken glass and debris, unsecured machinery or a wealth of other hazards. Even less serious cuts can end up infected, which can create debilitating issues if not properly treated.

Broken or Fractured Bones

Construction sites use a great deal of heavy equipment and machinery. When this machinery isn’t properly secured or the right training and education aren’t in place for operators, broken bones often result. Depending on the severity of the break, such injuries can create lifelong disabilities.

Loss of Limb

Again, heavy objects and equipment pose a severe danger to workers, especially those that aren’t properly trained or when equipment safety procedures aren’t followed. Various types of heavy equipment can result in the complete loss of limbs, either as a direct result of the accident or due to necessary amputation to save the worker’s life.

Sensory Loss

Loss of senses—specifically eyesight and hearing—occur often on job sites. These can happen due to the constant loud noises on site, and due to the eyes being exposed to dangerous chemicals, flying debris or even the bright light from welding tools. It’s imperative for workers to wear the right personal protective equipment at all times.

Stress Injuries

Stress injuries are those injuries that arise from repetitive motion such as bending, constant lifting, twisting, and movements that over time can result in loss of function and life-changing implications.

Environmental Conditions

Construction workers often have to perform in extreme conditions such as high heat or serious cold. Frostbite and heat stroke are common injuries, which can result in heat stroke, heart attack, frostbite, hypothermia or other injuries.

When Workers’ Compensation Kicks In

Workers’ comp is a kind of insurance that just about every employer has to carry. When you get hurt on the job, it kicks in to cover your medical bills and recovery, a portion of your lost wages, and even training in new job skills if you can no longer work your prior job. Unfortunately, all too often overzealous insurance adjusters or a simple error results in worker’s comp claims getting denied.

When to Find a Construction Injury Lawyer

When you are facing a workers’ comp denial, or you need help pursuing a personal injury claim for egregious negligence on the part of someone at the job site, a construction injury lawyer will give you your best shot at success. If you need help seeking compensation for your construction site injury, the Bandas Law Firm can help. Give us a call for a free consultation today.