Our attorneys regularly handle cases involving wrongful death and serious physical injuries resulting from accidents at or near construction sites. Construction accidents are all too common in the Mid-Atlantic Region – Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and New Jersey. Oftentimes, these accidents involve failures to follow basic safety rules published by the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
What are some of the most frequent types of construction accident cases?
There are many types of construction accident cases. Some of the more frequent preventable construction accidents include the following:
Construction Site Fall Accidents – construction-related falls can include slip-and-fall accidents on unstable or uneven walkway surfaces. They can also include falls from roofs, falls from improperly secured scaffolding, falls through unsecured flooring that has been left unguarded, and other types of falls.
Trench Collapses – any time construction is being done in a trench or under the surface of the ground, there is a danger that a cave-in or trench collapse will occur. Trench collapse cases can result in death and catastrophic injuries due to the weight of soil and other material that can cover the workers in the trench or pit. In many cases, these accidents are completely preventable.
Caught-in accidents – any time two heavy or immovable objects come together, a crush injury can occur to the unlucky individual whose limbs or body should happen to be caught in between the objects. Crush injuries can be some of the worst types of injuries, resulting in pulverizing-type of damage to bones and organs.
Vehicular collisions – Construction injury cases often result from job site vehicular collisions. For example, a dump truck backing over a pedestrian laborer would be a job site vehicular collision.
Electrocution – Exposed wiring, improperly grounded wiring, unguarded electrical, and operation of heavy machinery where inadequate safety precautions are in place can result in electrical accidents at job sites. Electrocution injuries can be some of the worst – as electrocution can result in death, serious burns, scarring, nerve and organ damage including damage to the brain and heart.
Falling objects – falling object cases are very common. Imagine there are workers standing on the ground next to a house where roofers are laboring high above. A bundle of shingles comes sliding off the roof directly above the workers on the ground. Any time there are materials and height, there is a danger that items may fall and cause injury.
Injuries caused by dangerous or defective equipment and machinery – one of the most frequent types of construction accidents involves an injury caused by dangerous equipment or machinery. Construction equipment oftentimes relies on power generated by compressed air, which can cause serious injuries – even death. Construction equipment and machinery malfunctions can also cause lacerations, broken bones, and other serious and permanent physical injuries.
What are some of the most frequent types of injuries?
Our attorneys represent people – and the families of the fallen – with the following:
- Death
- Spinal cord injuries including quadriplegia and paraplegia
- Amputation of limbs and digits
- Neck and back injuries related to herniated and damaged discs
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Broken bones
- Organ damage
- Torn ligaments
- Torn cartilage
- Burn injuries
- Lacerations
What should I do if involved in a construction accident?
Health is your priority, then justice.
If you have been involved in a construction accident, or if your loved one has been in a construction accident, you should seek immediate medical attention. Go to the nearest hospital or walk-in medical aid center, as appropriate. Call 911 if you are dealing with a medical emergency.
As soon as your medical condition is stabilized, it is important to contact a construction accident attorney as soon as possible. Construction accidents are not like most other types of accidents. Construction sites are by their very nature temporary, and defective conditions and evidence can disappear quickly. It is important to get help to understand your legal rights and to preserve the evidence as quickly as possible.
If you have been injured or if a family member has fallen victim to a construction accident, please contact us now for a free consultation with one of our personal injury and wrongful death attorneys.
