Falls from Heights

Construction workers often work high up in the air or on scaffolding. When they fall, they can suffer devastating injuries after hitting the ground. Construction workers can also strike innocent bystanders, injuring them in the process.

There are many reasons that workers fall. For one, scaffolding might be defective or improperly installed. Federal guidelines strictly govern scaffolding, but lax safety standards can lead to dangerous setups.

Other times, workers might trip or slip on equipment, causing them to fall, or they might lack sufficient training that enables them to walk on scaffolding in a safe manner.

Electrocutions

Exposed wires can lead to electrocutions, which might cause mild to life-threatening injuries. Electrocution burns are so serious because they often cause serious internal injuries that are unfortunately not visible. Many victims can suffer cardiac arrest, stroke, or brain damage.

If you have suffered an electrocution, you should immediately go to the hospital. A doctor can order tests that will determine how bad your internal injuries are so that you receive prompt treatment.

Falling Debris

More than construction workers can fall from a great height. Debris such as materials, tools, or equipment can also fall, striking people on the ground. Although construction workers wear hard hats that will protect them against injuries, members of the public do not and could fully suffer the devastating effects of getting hit in the head with debris.

Trench Accidents

Workers dig trenches on a construction site for a variety of reasons. For example, the trench might be needed to lay pipes or wires, or the trench can help workers access areas on the construction site. Many trenches will collapse because they are not properly supported. In other situations, a worker might fall into a trench because he loses his footing or because the trench was not properly marked.

Caught in Machinery

Many workers suffer serious injuries when caught in machinery. Often, the worker’s own negligence has contributed to the accident, but other times equipment defects or inadequate safety equipment might be to blame. Injured workers can suffer amputations, crushed limbs, cuts, and broken bones in these accidents. Many will also die.

Speak to a Daytona Beach Attorney Now

If you have been injured in a construction site accident, you might have a legal claim. Everything will depend on the circumstances surrounding your injuries, including who is to blame. Often, if someone other than your employer is to blame, you can sue for compensation above and beyond what you will receive in Workers’ Compensation benefits.

To start the process, please contact us today. One of our Daytona Beach construction accident attorneys at Bundza & Rodriguez, P.A. will be pleased to meet with you. You can call or send us an online message.

Resource:

osha.gov/oshstats/commonstats.html

Reasons for Accidents

Scaffolding accidents can happen in many different ways, but the most common are:

• Slipping or tripping and falling off the scaffolding
• Planking or support giving way
• Objects falling and striking the worker

Another reason for accidents is the lack of scaffolding safety training for workers. Without sufficient safety training, workers do not know how to safely navigate scaffolding, which can contribute to critical errors that lead to falls.

Because of the risk of falls, OSHA closely regulates the construction and maintenance of scaffolding. If the company that set up the scaffolding does not follow these regulations, then they are to blame for any injuries caused to workers and members of the public.

Types of Injuries

Most injuries stem from falls and collision with the ground below. As a result, many workers suffer the types of injuries we see from traumatic blows to the body:

• Concussions and other traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Cuts and bruising
• Internal organ injuries
• Fractures

If the worker falls from a great height, then they can die when they strike the ground. Passersby are at risk of all of these injuries as well, since they might be struck by the worker falling or by the collapsing scaffolding.

Steps to Take after an Accident

After a scaffolding collapse, victims need to move quickly. For example, you should make sure that all injured people receive immediate medical treatment. You can stop bleeding by applying pressure to any wounds and keep bleeding body parts elevated above the heart.

If you are a construction worker, you should notify your employer of the injury as soon as possible. You might qualify for workers’ compensation if you were injured on the job. These benefits will pay for reasonably necessary medical care and a portion of your lost wages. Whether or not you can bring a lawsuit will depend on whether your employer was responsible for the faulty scaffolding or whether another party was.

If you are a member of the public, you can sue any person or business responsible for your injuries. These parties could include:

• The worker who fell
• The general contractor
• The subcontractor that installed the scaffolding
• The manufacturer of the scaffolding if it is defective

After an injury, you are not expected to know who to hold accountable. Contact a Daytona Beach construction accident lawyer to review your options.

Speak with Bundza & Rodriguez Today

Construction accidents injure far too many people each year, including innocent members of the public. If you were hurt in a scaffolding collapse, you might be entitled to compensation for your injuries.

To find out more, please schedule a free case evaluation with one of our Daytona Beach construction accident attorneys at Bundza & Rodriguez, P.A. You can call 386-252-5170 as soon as possible.

Resource:

osha.gov/SLTC/scaffolding/construction.html