An Augusta construction accident attorney from Barrios Virgüez Attorneys can help guide you through the legal process and recover money for your injuries if you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a construction accident.
Why Are Construction Accidents so Dangerous?
More than 20% of workplace deaths are related to construction accidents, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Construction accidents can happen as the result of working in a construction zone or even being outside a construction zone and being hit by a falling object. Here are some additional reasons construction accidents are dangerous:
- Heights: Falling-related accidents are caused by working at heights. Keep an eye on your surroundings while working. Roofs, ladders, and scaffolding can be faulty, resulting in a worker being injured without their fault.
- Dust: There is always demolition and working with old materials and buildings for construction workers. Apart from asbestos, workers are also vulnerable to inhaling dust.
- Accidental impact: Manual labor is more prevalent in the construction industry than in most other fields. Heavy machinery and dangerous equipment are also used in construction.
- Vibrating objects: It can be very difficult to work with vibrating tools. Workers who regularly use vibrating machinery for a long time may suffer from Hand-arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS).
- Loud noises: When you work with loud noises, you develop industrial or occupational deafness.
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Common Construction Accident Statistics
While construction accidents are common in Georgia and across the country, there are some things you should know about construction accidents and common statistics to keep in mind.
- Every seven seconds, a worker is injured on the job, according to the National Safety Council (NSC). Among the top five most dangerous industries to work in, construction made the list.
- Statistics released by the Bureau of Labor (BLS) in 2018 show that serious workplace injuries have decreased in all industries. Despite this, construction workers’ statistics weren’t all positive.
- Every year, one out of ten construction site workers is injured according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
- According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are approximately 150,000 accidents at construction sites each year.
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Common Causes of Construction Accident Injuries
Construction workers can get hurt in many different ways on the job, but a few types of accidents are frequently cited. Among the most common construction accidents are:
- Falls: Scaffolding, rooftops, or ladders are often used by construction workers to reach high places.
- Falling objects: Falling tools, building materials, scaffolding, or other supplies can injure workers if they land on them.
- Electrocutions: During construction, wires are often exposed, electrical systems are unfinished, and power lines are downed.
- Burns or explosions: The exposed wires may still spark explosions or fires even if they do not electrocute anyone. The threat of gas leaks is also similar.
- Falling and slipping: Workers often trip over extra materials, tools, and debris at construction sites.
- Machinery accidents: In addition to large and/or dangerous machinery, construction workers may also be required to operate smaller power tools like nail guns and drills.
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How Construction Accident Compensation Works
A construction worker knows that their job entails some risk. It does not mean that getting injured is a given. Construction workers’ compensation benefits may be available if they are injured on the job. You may be entitled to compensation benefits if you are injured in a construction accident in Augusta.
Even if you contributed to your construction accident, you still have a right to compensation. No-fault insurance is provided by workers’ compensation. Unless you engage in willful misconduct, such as fighting, you are entitled to benefits.
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What to Do After a Construction Accident Has Occurred
Following a construction injury, you should follow certain steps to make sure you’re properly cared for and compensated, regardless of your particular situation.
1. Consult a Doctor
A construction accident injury should be treated medically as soon as possible. Even if your injuries seem minor, this is very important. Many serious injuries don’t manifest their symptoms until hours or days after they occur.
2. Inform your Employer
Your employer needs to be informed of the accident as soon as possible after you have addressed any immediate health concerns. Employees are required by many states to report accidents within a specific period.
3. Obtain Information
If you have been injured in an accident, you should gather as much information as possible. You will be compensated promptly if you provide all of this information. You should gather the following information:
- Information about the witnesses: Ask for contact information from witnesses if there were any. Don’t press the witness for the information if they seem reluctant.
- Pictures of the damaged scene: The accident scene should be photographed if possible. Especially if you lack the necessary safety equipment and your employer fails to provide it, the photographs will prove this.
- Medical records: To receive accurate compensation down the road, you must keep track of all your medical expenses.
- Employer correspondence:Your employer’s written correspondence should be kept in a folder. Additionally, write down any correspondence with your employer regarding the accident or your injuries.
4. Names and Pictures
You may not be able to obtain photos of the accident scene or the names of any witnesses if you have been injured in a construction site accident. A co-worker should be able to assist you in those situations.
To document the unsafe condition, a few cell phone photos can help immensely. If you are unable to write down witnesses’ names and addresses, ask a coworker to do so.
The investigation must be carried out as quickly as possible to ensure a thorough result. Witnesses can be influenced by external factors such as fear of repercussions as well as their memories fading.
5. Speak with a Construction Accident Attorney in Augusta
If you are injured in an accident, your priority should be to receive medical attention. By doing all the necessary paperwork and investigation, an experienced construction site accident attorney can help you achieve a successful outcome in this case.
A competent and professional law firm can handle your case so you can concentrate on getting better.
Contact an Augusta Construction Accident Lawyer Today
A personal injury attorney is the best resource for victims of construction accidents due to the complexity of their cases. A construction accident lawyer in Augusta will use decades of experience to help guide you through the legal process and obtain the compensation you need.
It is possible to receive compensation for damages incurred as a result of a construction accident. Get a free case evaluation from Barrios Virgüez Attorneys. If you are entitled to compensation, they will do everything in their power to help you claim it.
Call or text 678-888-2222 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form