Construction areas are often full of dangerous equipment and hazards. One act of carelessness or negligence by another person can lead to a devastating accident. If you have been injured in a construction accident, reach out to a New Jersey and Pennsylvania personal injury lawyer at Rand Spear to help you recover compensation for your losses.
Common Causes of Construction Accidents
The construction industry can be dangerous, as there are often powerful tools, heavy equipment, and hazardous scaffolding filling construction sites. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), there are four main hazards that cause fatalities at construction sites. These hazards include:
Falls
Ladders, scaffolding, and floor openings can create dangerous hazards on construction sites.
You can prevent falls on a construction site by inspecting ladders and scaffolding, marking floor openings, and using fall prevention and perimeter equipment.
Struck-by Accidents
Large equipment can make it difficult to see construction workers on site, and tools falling from elevated heights can cause serious injuries. You can prevent struck-by accidents by remaining alert for potential dangers, wearing bright clothing or safety vests, and communicating well with others on site.
Caught-In / Between Accidents
Trenches and excavations on construction sites create dangers for workers. Caught-in / between accidents can be prevented by using a benching or shield system to protect trenches and adequate protective systems when entering deep trenches or excavations.
Electrocutions
Oversized equipment and electrical tools must be used cautiously around power lines and exposed wires on construction sites. You can prevent electrocutions by locating utilities and overhead power lines prior to starting work, maintaining a safe distance from power lines, and only operating portable electric tools while grounded or double insulated.
In addition to these top causes of construction fatalities, other causes of construction accidents include burns, explosions, exposure to hazardous toxins, and overexertion. Construction accidents are often preventable. However, if someone’s negligence caused a construction accident in which you were injured, you may be eligible to collect compensation for your losses.
What to Do After a Construction Accident
If you are involved in a construction accident in New Jersey or Pennsylvania, there are certain steps you should take. These steps will help you protect your rights and increase your chances of obtaining a successful resolution to your personal injury claim. Here are some actions you should take after your construction accident:
- Document your construction accident with your supervisor.
- Take photos or videos of the accident site.
- Collect contact information for anyone who witnessed your accident.
- Seek medical attention right away.
- Keep a record of your injuries and symptoms.
- Contact a New Jersey and Pennsylvania construction accident lawyer.
Our skilled construction accident attorneys at Rand Spear can investigate your accident and determine whether you have a workers’ compensation or personal injury claim. We can evaluate the details of your accident and review your legal options for recovery with you. You should contact us as soon as possible after your accident, as you have limited time to make a legal claim.
Parties that Could Be Liable for Construction Accidents
If the injuries you suffered in a construction accident were caused by your employer, your medical bills could potentially be covered by workers’ compensation. However, if someone other than your employer was responsible for your accident, you may need to file a personal injury claim against a third party. The following parties may be liable for your accident if they acted negligently and caused your construction accident:
- The manufacturer of a defective product or equipment
- A subcontractor or vendor who acted negligently
- A supplier that failed to secure its product
- An engineer or architect who created a flawed design
- A project manager who failed to properly oversee a job
- A negligent coworker
While a workers’ compensation claim may only pay for your medical bills and lost wages, you can receive additional damages if a third party is responsible for your construction accident. Filing a civil claim may be in your best interest. Reach out to a construction accident attorney in New Jersey and Pennsylvania today to discuss your legal options.
Injuries Suffered in a Construction Accident
Injuries suffered in a construction accident can be physically and financially devastating. They may leave you unable to work and participate in activities like you did prior to your accident. Common injuries suffered in construction accidents include:
- Lacerations
- Concussions
- Head and neck injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Burns
- Stress injuries
- Broken bones
- Loss of limbs
- Paralysis
- Disfigurement
If you have suffered these or other injuries in a construction accident caused by someone else’s carelessness, you may be eligible to receive compensation through a legal claim. Our construction accident attorneys at Rand Spear the Accident Lawyer can review your accident and help you file a claim. Contact us as soon as possible to discuss your construction accident and resulting injuries.
Damages You Can Recover After a Construction Accident
Depending on the severity of the injuries you suffered in a construction accident, you may be able to recover monetary compensation from the responsible parties. There are several types of damages you can potentially collect in a construction accident claim. You should consult with a construction accident lawyer to discuss the different types of damages available in New Jersey and Pennsylvania personal injury claims.
You may be eligible to collect economic and non-economic damages as a result of your construction accident. Economic damages can include medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. Non-economic damages can include loss of enjoyment of life, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma.
It is important to know that in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, you only have two years to file a personal injury claim. Therefore, you should consult with our construction accident attorneys at Rand Spear as soon as possible after your accident. We can review your injuries and determine what damages you may receive.
Contact a New Jersey and Pennsylvania Construction Accident Lawyer Today
If you have been injured in a construction accident in New Jersey or Pennsylvania, contact our experienced construction accident lawyers at Rand Spear the Accident Lawyer today. We can evaluate the strength of your personal injury claim at no cost to you. Because we will not collect a fee unless you win your case, there is no risk to you, and you should contact us as soon as possible to discuss getting justice after your construction accident.
