The Four Fatals of the Construction Industry
According to the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO), more than 5,000 workers were killed on the job in the United States in 2021. That's an average of 343 worker deaths every day. Out of all workers, Latino employees were the most at risk of dying while on the job.
Millions of families nationwide have loved ones who worked in construction areas , and every day these workers put their trust in their employers. However, when accidents happen, that trust is often not matched. When a negligent employer tries to blame you-the worker who has suffered the accident-and tries to deny you the compensation you deserve, it's time to fight back.
The following four types of accidents were the main responsible for more than 60% of the deaths of construction workers that occurred in 2016:
- Falls – Falls comprised 384 deaths out of a total of 991 in 2016.
- Shock for an object – Ninety-three workers died in 2016 as a result of being hit by an object.
- Electrocutions – Electrocution accidents took the lives of 82 workers in the same year.
- Stopping / Being Compressed – This category took the lives of 72 employees construction in 2016. These deaths include workers who were compressed by heavy machinery or objects, got stuck or were trapped and / or crushed by materials, structures or equipment that has collapsed.
If the construction companies implemented safety rules, regulations and procedures to combat the fatalities properly, OSHA estimates that 631 could be saved every year.
Common Injuries Caused by Construction Accidents
The construction zones are always full of dangerous tools and precarious work conditions, even for the most expert builder. When an accident happens, the worker can suffer serious injuries such as:
- Cuts and lacerations
- Broken bones
- Burns
- Lesions in the ankles and knees
- Lesions in the neck, shoulders and back
- Paraplegia or quadriplegia caused by injuries to the spine
- Wounds in eyes causing visual problems or blindness
- Cranial or brain trauma
- Electrocution
- Exposure to toxic chemicals
- Unfair fate
Even though experiencing a construction accident is already stressful enough, employers sometimes act in bad faith and refuse to pay the compensation owed to the injured builder. If that happens, it’s time to take the situation to the next level and get legal support.
What you can do if you have gone through a construction accident
Your employers are required to keep the work area free of potential hazards with rigorous safety protocols, but the chances of an accident will always be present. If you have suffered injuries in a construction accident:
- Seek medical help immediately
- Report your injuries to your employer
- Record everything you remember about the scene of the accident and try to obtain counts of potential witnesses
- If possible, take pictures of your wounds, your clothes , as well as the work area
- Look for legal help from an expert lawyer in construction accidents, such as Laura Ramos in Ramos James Law, PLLC
The process is different when working with an unjust death. The family of the deceased should be the one who seeks legal advice to obtain the compensation due for the death of his loved one.
In any case, the negligence of the employer must be demonstrated in order to receive the compensation deserved, either due to the existence of defective products, machinery in poor condition, or bad protocols in the work area. Let Austin construction accident attorneys at Ramos James Law help you win the fight.
If your company refuses to compensate you, you still have the option of recovering with the support of an expert construction accident lawyer.
We understand the financial burden you may be suffering during this difficult time. That’s why we do not charge unless we win your case. Ramos James Law goes to great lengths to help you secure the compensation you deserve.
Investigate
We investigate. We prove fault. We build your case to show how much you’ve lost, and what you’re owed.
Negotiate
We negotiate with insurance companies who try to pay you less than you deserve. And if they won’t play fair, we take them to court.
Fight
We fight for your medical expenses, future medical costs, lost wages, physical impairment, and financial compensation so you can move forward.
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Every case is unique. Please contact Ramos James Law for a free consultation to discuss your situation.