One of the more dangerous industries to work in is construction. And with warmer temperatures, more and more projects will be taking place in buildings, roads and bridges. Unfortunately, given the nature of the work, some workers may be at risk for serious injuries.
Recently two construction workers in Brooklyn were injured and hospitalized after, while working on a utility pole, the truck with the bucket carrier in which the workers were located flipped onto its side. The workers had to be rescued from a ditch. It was not clear based on media reports what caused the truck to flip on its side.
Although the fall caused one worker to sustain an ankle break and the other a rib injury, wearing safety harnesses kept it from being a much more serious accident, according to officials.
Common Types of Construction Accidents and Injuries
Falls are one of the more common types of accidents to happen on a construction site, resulting in:
- fractures;
- spinal cord injuries;
- brain damage;
- burns;
- electrocution;
- amputations; and
- exposure to hazardous substances.
Many of the accidents happen on scaffolding, cranes, trenches, ladders and when using machinery.
Filing an Injury Claim after a Construction Accident
Work accidents generally lead to claims being filed under workers’ compensation. However, if they are caused by the negligence of a third party, a separate claim could be filed against the negligent party. In some cases it could be that another contractor is also working on the site and created a hazardous situation, or that the owner of the property is responsible for hazards on the property.
Workers’ compensation and third-party liability cases may allow workers to recover damages related to their medical expenses, lost wages, and disability. Victims or their families can consult with an attorney at Gacovino, Lake & Associates for legal help after a construction accident.
