Construction Accidents
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Construction Accident Lawyer In Miami, Florida
Construction sites are notorious for being hazardous work environments. However, it is crucial for construction workers to feel safe and protected while on the job. If you or a loved one has sustained an injury in a construction site accident, you may be concerned about covering medical expenses and lost wages. Your employer might pressure you to file a claim through your health insurance, or perhaps you have been informed that your employer lacks workers’ compensation insurance. It is important to refrain from seeking advice on compensation from your employer or an insurance company. Instead, allow the skilled construction accident lawyers at Florida Legal to assess your case free of charge. They can guide you on the best course of action to pursue compensation for your injuries.
Common Causes of Construction Accidents
Working on a construction site poses a heightened risk of injury, surpassing that of other industries. Construction laborers constantly face environmental hazards, dangerous equipment, and exposure to hazardous materials. Failing to prioritize safety at all times puts both oneself and coworkers in grave danger.
Neglecting safety regulations by construction companies, site supervisors, foremen, or other employees can lead to severe injuries. While lifting-related injuries are common, the most catastrophic accidents often involve falls from heights due to defective planking or support giving way. These incidents can cause significant harm to unsuspecting employees. Various issues on construction sites contribute to potential injuries, including:
- Falls from scaffolding, ladder, or other height
- Heavy equipment accident
- Exposure to hazardous materials
- Structure cave-ins
- Slippery surfaces
- Heavy objects falling
- Defective tools or machinery
- Injuries from power tools
- Faulty safety equipment
- Inadequate safety precautions
- Electrocution, fire, or explosion
- Dangerous, conditions, work practices, or lack of supervision
Serious injuries sustained by construction workers can be catastrophic, inflicting devastating consequences. As a physically demanding profession, injured workers often lack the option to engage in light or moderate work during their recovery. Consequently, a severe on-the-job injury can result in unemployment and the loss of a promising career.
Given the typically generous compensation and benefits provided to construction workers, finding an alternative career path that offers comparable rewards becomes an arduous task. This predicament can lead to feelings of depression, strained marriages, and the dissolution of families. The impact of such circumstances is profound and far-reaching.
Construction Accident Injuries
Construction accidents often result in a higher occurrence of severe and catastrophic personal injuries compared to other workplace accidents. These injuries can have life-altering consequences and commonly encompass:
- Broken and fractured bones
- Internal and musculoskeletal injuries
- Brain injuries, including traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries, including paralysis
- Loss-of-limb and amputation injuries
- Severe burns
- Blindness
Construction accidents can have a profound impact on both victims and their families. Those who experience such injuries may endure prolonged work absences, require ongoing medical treatment, and even need vocational retraining. Additionally, the risks associated with old building materials and other hazardous substances can lead to the development of chronic illnesses among construction workers, such as:
- Asbestosis
- Asbestos lung cancer
- Mesothelioma
- Silicosis
Silica particles can become airborne when chipping or drilling concrete that contains silica. When inhaled, these tiny crystalline particles can cause scarring and stiffness in the lungs, leading to a condition called silicosis.
Exposure to asbestos can cause Mesothelioma and asbestosis, leading to respiratory issues. Mesothelioma, a cancer that is typically fatal, has seen improving 5-year survival rates. It’s important to note that these diseases may take decades to develop and even longer for symptoms to manifest, making an accurate diagnosis challenging.
Determining Liability In Construction Accidents
Employers have a legal obligation to provide a safe work environment for their employees, as outlined in the concept of premises liability. While most construction companies emphasize safety training, unfortunately, serious injuries and fatal accidents still occur. Many of these incidents can be attributed to high turnover rates and insufficiently trained personnel.
In cases where a company fails to ensure a safe environment or provide adequate training, they may be held responsible for personal injury claims or wrongful death lawsuits resulting from fatal construction accidents. Additionally, if equipment failure, manufacturer defects, or design flaws are factors, other parties may also be liable for damages. Potential parties who could be held accountable include:
- The construction company
- Site foreman or supervisor
- Manufacturer of equipment/tools
- Negligent coworker, sub-contractor, or another individual
Construction Accident Statistics
Construction companies and federal regulators place significant emphasis on occupational safety, aiming to minimize and prevent workplace injuries and fatalities. To achieve this, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) establishes and enforces safety standards and regulations. OSHA, a part of the Department of Labor, develops safety laws applicable to all industries, including construction, ensuring that construction sites operate in a secure manner.
Safety courses are mandatory for most construction companies with 20 or more employees. However, smaller contractors employing fewer than 20 workers may not provide sufficient safety training, increasing the risk of worker injuries. The Bureau of Labor Statistics provides valuable insight into this matter:
- 10% of construction workers suffer a work-related injury each year
- Construction workers have the highest rate of workplace fatalities
- Construction fatalities have decreased by 20% since 2007
- Specialty trade contractors suffered the most fatalities by sub-class
- Approximately 1,000 construction fatalities occur each year
Contact Our Miami Construction Accident Lawyer Today
If you’ve experienced a construction accident in Florida, it’s crucial to thoroughly explore your legal options before pursuing compensation. At Florida Legal, we comprehend the intricacies of workplace injuries and the most effective approach to securing maximum compensation on your behalf. Contact our office today to connect with a skilled Miami construction accident lawyer for more information on how we can assist you. We offer free consultations to gain a better understanding of your case and provide guidance on the best course of action.