In San Diego, the construction industry is one of the most dangerous industry types that there is. In fact, in the year 2014, there were more than 800 construction worker deaths reported to the Occupational Health & Safety Administration (OSHA) across the U.S. The following consider the most common types of serious injuries suffered during a construction site accident.
Head Injuries
Head injuries are one of the most serious injury types, and unfortunately one of the most common as well. A head injury can be sustained when a worker suffers a fall from height, a slip and fall, or when a falling object makes contact with a worker’s head. Head injuries can also occur in construction site vehicle accidents. As reported by OSHA, falls were extremely prevalent amongst construction workers in 2014, and were involved in 349 out of 874 total construction worker deaths. And the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the number of fall injuries increased from 2013 to 2014.
Back and Spinal Cord Injuries
Like head injuries, back and spinal cord injuries may also be incurred in any of the accident types listed above. A back and spinal cord injury can be devastating, and in extreme cases, a spinal cord injury can result in complete paralysis from the injury site downwards.
Burns
Burn injuries can be sustained in multiple ways – thermal burns, chemical burns, cold temperature burns, electrical burns, and friction burns are all possible for construction workers. While some burn injuries may be less serious and heal with at-home treatment and time, other burn injuries can cause permanent scarring and disfigurement, and can even be severe enough to render a limb unusable.
Electrocution Injuries
Electrocution injuries are some of the most devastating injury types at construction sites, and are almost always preventable. In fact, electrical and wire methods standards is one of the most commonly violated safety standards in the construction industry, and in 2014, 74 construction workers died as a result of to an electrocution accident.
Amputation, Broken, and Crushed Bone Injuries
When large and heavy machinery and equipment is used at a construction site, even the slightest of errors can have tragic consequences, and result in a broken bone. In more extreme cases, an error may result in a crushed body part, and even the loss of digit or limb. In addition to loss of limb from heavy machinery, the use of sharp objects and tools, such as saws, also contributes to the risk of an amputation injury at a construction site.
Loss of Hearing or Vision
Improper handling of dangerous chemicals, improper use of certain machinery, and loud noises on a construction site all contribute to the risk of hearing or vision loss for construction workers. Hearing or vision loss is often permanent, forever impairing an individual’s ability to hear, see, or live life as he or she once did.
What to Do After You Suffer a Construction Site Accident
Most construction site workers are barred from filing a claim directly against their employer, although recovery under workers’ compensation insurance is likely possible. In addition to workers’ compensation insurance, the experienced San Diego construction site accident attorneys at Berman & Riedel, LLP can help you to explore your right to file a third party liability claim for damages. To learn more about third party claims and your rights after you have been injured at a construction site, call us today at 858-350-8855.
