Construction workers can suffer a severe injury in a moment. All it takes is one error by either the worker or someone else to cause an injury that could force the worker to miss a substantial amount of work. Usually, if you are injured on the job, workers’ compensation would be your remedy to recover losses. However, you may have a personal injury lawsuit if a third party is to blame for your injuries. You should contact an experienced attorney to discuss your legal options.
Construction work is regarded as one of the most dangerous occupations in the world. Some of the most serious injuries in construction work are known as the “Fatal Four”; these are the leading causes of death. The “Fatal Four” are:
- Falls
- Struck-by objects
- Electrocutions
- Caught-in between
Workers who survive these accidents can be left with serious injuries that can last a lifetime. Listed below are some of the most common construction accident injuries.
Slip and Fall Injuries
Fall injuries are perhaps the most common suffered by construction workers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), falls comprise over 30 percent of nonfatal injuries in the construction industry. Workers can fall in many ways. One of the most common causes of work falls is when an employee trips over debris left in their path.
Falls from height are even more debilitating. Workers can be injured when scaffolding collapses or they lose balance on a higher floor. Employers are supposed to provide training and personal protective equipment (PPE), but they do not always do so.
Overuse Injuries
Construction work is highly physical. Workers often are required to do heavy lifting and repetitive motions. The constant physical labor that taxes certain parts of the body can cause strain. These body parts can wear down over time. Construction workers can suffer from bursitis and tendonitis, which take away strength and motion.
Soft Tissue Injuries
You may suffer a strain or tear when trying to lift something. Back injuries and other soft tissue injuries are common in the construction industry. Construction workers may suffer a disc injury due to an unnatural motion or difficulty lifting something.
Job-Related Illnesses
When you are on a construction site, you may be exposed to several toxic substances. Whether they already exist at the site or you have been exposed to dangerous chemicals, you could develop an illness.
Job-related illnesses include:
- Asthma
- COPD
- Other respiratory illness
- Cancer
Workers’ Compensation Benefits for Construction Workers
If you are a construction worker and have been injured on the job, you may qualify for workers’ compensation benefits that can pay for part of your lost wages and medical expenses. You should consult a lawyer if you need help with your claim as soon as possible.
Contact a Monmouth County Workers’ Compensation Lawyer at the Law Offices of Michael S. Williams After a Construction Accident
If you have been injured on the job and need help with your claim, a Workers’ Compensation lawyer at the Law Offices of Michael S. Williams is here for you. Call 732-351-2800 or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation. Our offices are located in Tinton Falls and New Brunswick, New Jersey and we serve not only clients in Monmouth and Middlesex County, but throughout the state.
