Construction Accident Law: What You Need to Know

In the US, around 70,000 non-fatal injuries occur on construction sites each year. The construction industry is the most hazardous in America. Working with heavy machinery and tools makes for a dangerous work environment

With this being the case, it can be a good idea for construction workers to be familiar with construction accident law principles. That’s what we’re going to be looking at today. Read on for everything you need to know.

Common Types of Workplace Injuries

Thankfully, a majority of the injuries that take place are non-fatal. But this doesn’t mean they’re not serious. The hazardous nature of a construction site means the potential for serious harm is everpresent.

Falls are one of the leading causes of injuries on construction sites. Electrocution, getting caught in machinery, and exposure to chemicals are all also common construction accidents. Repetitive motion injuries and strains are among the less serious types of injuries.

Some common injuries sustained on construction sites include broken bones, burns, head injuries, spinal cord damage, and vision impairment. Wearing the proper protective gear is one way to avoid many types of workplace injuries.

Rules and Regulations in Place

With the number of accidents in construction occurring each year, it comes as no surprise that there are strict rules placed on this industry. For a start, in most states, you’ll require in-depth training to work on a construction site.

Most employers also require workers to have obtained an OSHA Construction Certificate. OSHA sets out a lot of the rules that govern construction sites and construction workers in the US.

Construction Accident Law: The Facts

This area of the law deals with both personal injury and wrongful death cases. It also covers the safety laws, regulations and standards governing the construction industry as set forth by OSHA. If you or a loved one has either been injured or passed away as the result of an incident on a construction site you may be entitled to compensation. 

Your employer has a duty to protect you from the hazards of your workplace. This includes things such as providing protective gear, installing guardrail systems, and ensuring scaffoldings are secure. If they fail to do this they’ve acted in a negligent manner.

When this is the case you might be able to file a claim against them. You also have the option of claiming workers’ compensation. If you receive this compensation you’ll be unable to sue your employer. 

There is another option, however. If you’re not covered by workers’ compensation or you’re injured by a third party you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit.

To navigate your case effectively it’s best to contact an attorney. These personal injury lawyers in Concord, NC would be a great option to take if you’re in the area.

Contact a Construction Accident Attorney Today

Construction accident law can be confusing to understand. But you want to make sure you’re being compensated fairly for your injury. This is why it’s important to get in touch with an attorney if you do sustain an injury on-site.

We hope you’ve found this article informative. If you’re looking for more how-to guides and interesting articles you can peruse the rest of our site now.