Why Do You Need a Lawyer for Construction Zone Accidents?
Having a lawyer on your side can be invaluable if you have been involved in an accident on a construction site. Injuries in these areas can be both permanent and fatal, so it is important to have a strong advocate on your side to ensure you get the compensation you deserve. In addition, a lawyer can help you determine if negligence or strict liability caused the accident and whether or not you should be able to file a lawsuit.
Negligence vs. strict liability
Unlike other claims, proving negligence in construction zone accidents is not a given. The most important question is whether or not the injured party acted negligently.
photo by Faruk Tokluoğlu
A negligent act is an action or inaction that causes an unreasonable risk of harm. Generally, a person negligently acts when they do not follow the minimum level of care required to avoid harm.
A lawyer will review the facts surrounding an accident to determine whether a person acted negligently. The law varies by state, but a person who works negligently is held liable in most states. In addition, a defendant may be held liable if he or she acted recklessly or willfully.
A logical example of strict liability is explosives on a construction site. A blasting incident can lead to direct and indirect injuries, but a claim may be made by the injured party even if the blaster exercised the utmost care.
Injuries that can be permanent
During construction, workers are at risk of severe injuries. These can include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, burns, and broken bones. These injuries can have a lasting effect on the worker's life.
These injuries can also prevent the worker from working in the future. Depending on the severity of the injury, treatment can include stitches, physical therapy, or surgery.
Construction zones pose numerous risks, from tripping hazards to falling objects. While accidents are inevitable, safety measures can help prevent work zone injuries.
Injuries can also occur when employees use faulty machinery or tools. Defective equipment can result in catastrophic injuries. Some construction workers are injured by falling or collapsing ladders. Other accidents may involve improperly installed scaffolding, heavy loads, or faulty equipment.
A traumatic brain injury can lead to permanent cognitive changes, including personality changes, seizures, and a loss of cognitive function. In addition, brain damage can also have an impact on mobility.
Injuries that can be fatal
photo by Kaique Rocha
Almost one in five workers dies yearly from injuries that can be fatal in construction zone accidents. While employers are aware of certain risks, many risks in the workplace can cause severe injuries.
A major risk in the construction industry is falling. These can be from heights and result in serious injuries. Another risk is caught in between. This can occur when a worker is buried in debris or caught between two objects.
The majority of work zone crashes involve vehicle collisions. The best way to protect against a crash is to wear a seatbelt. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration encourages drivers to plan their routes and adhere to posted speed limits.
Pedestrians are also at risk of injury in work zone accidents. About one-third of all motor vehicle accidents result in the death of a pedestrian. Pedestrians are especially at risk when the road is narrow, the area is poorly lit, or the pavement is uneven.
Injuries that can be covered by workers' compensation
photo by MART PRODUCTION
Whether you are a construction worker or not, you are at risk for accidents. These can include trips, slips, and falls. You may be entitled to compensation if you are injured in a construction zone accident.
Workers' compensation is designed to cover any injuries sustained while on the job. The benefits help with medical bills, lost wages, and other accommodations. In some cases, you might even be eligible for a partial disability or long-term disability.
Injuries that workers' compensation can cover include fractures, sprains, and other injuries. Amputations are the most expensive. They average $113,695 per claim.
The next highest cost is burns and other trauma. However, some accidents are relatively minor and require little time off work. A sprained ankle is also a covered injury.
If you are a construction worker, you must seek medical attention as soon as you are injured. You will need to report the incident to your employer. You can contact a lawyer if you are unsure of your rights. A lawyer can assess your case and tell you if you have a strong case or if your claim will be denied.
Employing a lawyer with experience with these matters is crucial if you or a loved one has been hurt in a construction accident. Contact us by phone at +1-844-872-6824 or by email at hello@ouchusa.com.