Construction sites throughout Texas are rife with hazards that can endanger workers’ lives and livelihoods. Our lawyers recognize how challenging it can be to suffer an injury on the job. Construction accident injuries can put you out of work for months. We can help you recover compensation for lost wages, medical bills, and other expenses. You may be able to recover workers’ compensation benefits, or you might be eligible to file a lawsuit to recover damages. The Garland construction accident lawyers at Hartley Law Firm can help you understand all of your options.
Common Injuries at Construction Sites
Various injuries can occur if you work at a construction site. The most typical injuries that a construction site worker might sustain are:
- Neck and head injuries,
- Fractures,
- Amputations,
- Burns,
- Disfigurement,
- Lacerations,
- Internal injuries,
- Impaired hearing,
- Lung damage,
- Traumatic brain injuries, and
- Spinal cord injuries.
If you have suffered any of these injuries at work, you may be able to receive compensation. Contact an experienced construction accident lawyer at our firm to discuss your case.
Typical Causes of Construction Site Worker Injuries
There are several common reasons why a construction site worker may sustain injuries on the job. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has identified the four most common causes of construction site injuries.
Struck-by Hazards
Construction sites are often busy with lots of equipment, vehicles, and building materials moving around. That’s why being struck by an object is one of the most common causes of construction site accidents. Struck-by hazards include:
- Being struck by a flying object when grinding materials,
- Getting hit by a swinging or slipping object if loads are not secured, and
- Getting struck by an object on ground level, like moving materials.
You should seek immediate medical care if you experience an injury on a construction site. Once you’ve sought treatment, a construction accident attorney can investigate the cause of your injury and determine if you might be eligible to receive compensation.
Falls from Heights
This is another leading cause of injuries at construction sites. Of the 1,008 construction accident fatalities recorded in 2020, 351 fatalities were caused by falls from heights. To help prevent falls, employers must provide protective equipment, including proper safety gear. Employers are also required to train workers to use that equipment safely. Additionally, employers are supposed to provide fall restraint systems that are adequately maintained.
Caught in or Between Objects
Getting caught in or between objects is one of the most common causes of injuries at construction sites. Having no guards on moving parts on machinery can lead to this type of accident. Construction workers can also get caught between a forklift or crane and other objects if the operator does not see them. Often, these types of accidents cause crush injuries. Caught-in-between or crush injuries can be excruciating and usually require medical treatment.
Electrical Shock
Electrical injuries on construction sites are all too common. Hazards that might cause electrical shock include:
- Inclement weather,
- Defective equipment,
- Buried power lines,
- Overhead power lines,
- Exposed wiring, and
- Unsafe wiring on the premises.
Electrical shock can cause severe and even permanent harm. Employers, as well as workers, should take preventative measures to reduce the chance of electrical shock taking place. These actions might involve:
- Checking that power cords are not worn or damaged,
- Ensuring that employers train employees in using equipment, and
- Using safe digging practices when working next to underground power cables.
If you suffered injuries from an electrical shock on the job, Hartley Law Firm can help you pursue the compensation you need.
What Damages Can I Recover in a Personal Injury Lawsuit?
In general, Texas law prohibits an injured worker from pursuing a personal injury lawsuit against their employer when that employer subscribes to workers’ compensation insurance. However, if your construction accident was caused by the negligence of a third party, or if your employer does not subscribe to workers’ compensation insurance, you might be eligible to collect damages through a construction accident lawsuit. Typically, a plaintiff will seek two types of damages in a personal injury claim: economic and noneconomic damages.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are fairly straightforward. These damages are meant to compensate you for monetary losses caused by your injury. Economic damages may include:
- Lost wages,
- Medical expenses, and
- Future medical costs.
It’s a good idea to save your medical bills, pharmacy receipts, and pay stubs to help your attorney calculate your economic damages.
Noneconomic Damages
Noneconomic damages are more subjective and are more difficult to calculate than economic ones. Noneconomic damages might include:
- Pain and suffering,
- Loss of consortium, and
- Loss of enjoyment of life.
The noneconomic damages you might be eligible to receive depends on the unique facts and circumstances of your injury. An experienced construction accident lawyer can help you calculate and prove your noneconomic damages.
How We Can Assist You
At Hartley Law Firm, our experienced attorneys can help you at every stage of your construction accident case. We can also help you file your workers’ compensation claim or file an appeal if your claim was denied. Let us put our experience and skill to work for you so that you can focus on what matters most—recovering from your injury. Austin Hartley is an award-winning lawyer who always puts his clients first. Whether you want to file a workers’ compensation claim or want to explore your legal options, contact us today online or by phone to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how we can help you.