Construction Injuries

Construction work is one of the world’s most physically demanding and dangerous professions. With a constantly evolving work environment, construction workers are constantly exposed to potential hazards and risks that can lead to accidents and injuries. Construction site accidents can result in severe injuries that can permanently loss of income or even death.

If you have suffered an injury while working at a construction site, it is essential to seek legal help immediately. Viscosi Law is a firm that specializes in construction accidents and personal injury cases. Our experienced team of attorneys can help you navigate the legal system and get the compensation you deserve. Here are some statistics about construction accidents in the United States:

Every year, over 150,000 construction site accidents are reported.
The construction industry has one of the highest fatality rates in the United States.
The leading causes of construction site accidents include falls, electrocution, being struck by an object, and being caught in or between objects.
Construction workers have a higher risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders due to the physically demanding nature of their work.
Over 30% of construction site accidents are caused by human error, including negligence and failure to follow safety protocols.

Construction site accidents can be devastating for workers and their families. Injuries sustained on the job can lead to expensive medical bills, lost wages, and emotional trauma. Working with experienced attorneys who understand the complexities of construction accident cases is important to ensure you receive proper compensation for your injuries.

At Viscosi Law, we work tirelessly to ensure that our clients receive the maximum compensation they deserve for their injuries. Our attorneys have extensive experience handling construction accident cases and are dedicated to helping you get back on your feet after an accident. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that construction accidents can take, and we are here to help.

Types of Construction Injuries

Construction injuries can be severe and often lead to long-term consequences. Here are some of the most common construction injuries that can occur:

Falls From Heights

Falls from heights are among the most common and dangerous construction injuries. Workers can fall from scaffolding, ladders, rooftops, and other elevated areas, often resulting in serious injuries or death. These accidents can be caused by improper safety equipment, lack of training, poor maintenance, or negligence by the employer or other parties involved. It is crucial for construction workers to receive proper safety training and for employers to provide adequate safety measures to prevent falls from heights.

Struck-By Accidents

A struck-by accident in construction refers to an incident where a worker is hit by a moving or flying object, such as falling debris, equipment, tools, or vehicles. This type of accident is one of the leading causes of construction-related injuries and fatalities. Struck-by accidents can result in serious head, neck, and spinal injuries, broken bones, lacerations, and even death. These accidents can occur on any construction site, from small residential projects to large commercial developments. Proper safety measures and equipment, such as hard hats and safety nets, can help prevent struck-by accidents, but unfortunately, they still occur frequently.

Electrical Accidents

Electrical accidents in construction can occur when a worker comes into contact with electrical equipment or exposed wiring. These accidents can result in electric shocks, burns, and even fatalities. Factors contributing to electrical accidents include the failure to properly de-energize equipment, inadequate training, improper use of tools and equipment, and lack of appropriate personal protective equipment. Employers need to provide proper training and equipment to prevent electrical accidents in construction.

Equipment Accidents

Construction equipment accidents are common and can cause severe injuries or fatalities to workers. Heavy machineries such as cranes, bulldozers, forklifts, and backhoes can lead to accidents if not operated correctly or if workers are not adequately trained.

Equipment-related accidents can also occur due to improper maintenance, defective machinery or tools, or lack of safety guards or equipment. These accidents can cause crushing injuries, amputations, fractures, or even death. Construction companies must ensure that all equipment is adequately maintained and workers are trained on how to operate them safely.

Repetitive Motion Injuries

These injuries occur over time and can include conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, back pain, and joint pain resulting from repetitive motions.

Chemical Exposure

Chemical exposure is a severe risk of construction work, as many construction projects involve using hazardous substances. Construction workers may be exposed to these chemicals through inhalation, skin contact, or ingestion, and the consequences can be severe. Exposure to dangerous chemicals can cause various health problems, from skin rashes and respiratory problems to cancer and other serious illnesses.

The substances commonly used in construction include asbestos, lead, benzene, mercury, and many others. Workers exposed to hazardous chemicals on the job may be entitled to compensation for their injuries and illnesses, and Viscosi Law can help them navigate the legal process.

Heat Stress and Cold Stress

Working outside in extreme temperatures can lead to heat exhaustion, heat stroke, hypothermia, or frostbite.

Trench Collapse

Trench collapses are another common construction accident that can result in serious injuries or fatalities. Trenches are often dug to install pipes, wires, or other utilities, and workers may need to enter the trench to complete the work. However, if the trench is not adequately supported or shored up, it can collapse, burying workers.

Trench collapses can cause suffocation, crush injuries, and other serious harm. Employers need to follow proper safety protocols and provide workers with the necessary training and equipment to prevent trench collapses from occurring.

Respiratory Problems

Respiratory problems are a common health issue faced by workers in the construction industry due to exposure to hazardous substances such as dust, fumes, and chemicals. These substances can cause lung damage and other respiratory illnesses, including asthma, bronchitis, and lung cancer. Construction workers who perform tasks such as sanding, cutting, or grinding materials are particularly vulnerable to respiratory problems.

Proper respiratory protection equipment such as masks, respirators, and ventilation systems can help prevent respiratory illnesses in construction workers. Employers are also responsible for providing a safe working environment and ensuring that their workers have access to the necessary protective equipment.

Construction workers need to be aware of the potential risks associated with their job and take necessary safety precautions to prevent injury. In the event of an injury, it is crucial to seek medical attention and consult a qualified attorney who can help protect your rights and ensure you receive proper compensation for your injuries.

Possible Charges for Construction Injuries

Here are some types of legal claims that may arise from construction injuries:

Workers’ Compensation Claims

Workers’ compensation claims are filed by employees injured or become ill due to their work. Workers’ compensation claims are common in the construction industry due to the high risk of injury on job sites. These claims provide injured workers with benefits such as medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs. Workers’ compensation claims can be filed regardless of who was at fault for the accident, as they are a no-fault system designed to provide financial support to injured workers. Employers are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance, and workers injured on the job have the right to file a claim and receive benefits.

Third-Party Liability Claims

Third-party liability claims in construction refer to situations where an employee of one company is injured on a construction site due to another company’s or its employees’ negligence. In these cases, the injured worker may be able to file a lawsuit against the other company for damages. For example, if a worker is injured due to a faulty piece of equipment that was provided by a subcontractor, the injured worker may be able to sue the subcontractor for damages. These types of claims can help injured workers recover compensation beyond what they may be eligible to receive from workers’ compensation benefits.

OSHA Violations

OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) violations in construction refer to the non-compliance of construction companies or contractors with the health and safety standards set forth by OSHA. These violations can include:

Lack of fall protection equipment or improper use of fall protection equipment
Failure to provide proper training to workers on how to safely operate machinery and equipment
Failure to properly store or label hazardous materials
Lack of proper communication or signage regarding potential hazards on the worksite
Inadequate fire protection measures or failure to follow fire safety protocols
Unsafe working conditions, such as overexposure to noise or vibration, improper ventilation, or improper lighting
Failure to properly maintain equipment and machinery
Failure to follow proper electrical safety procedures
Failure to provide proper personal protective equipment (PPE) to workers
Failure to properly secure or barricade construction zones to protect workers and the public

OSHA violations can result in fines, penalties, or legal action against the construction company or contractor. OSHA regulations are in place to protect workers and ensure safe working conditions on construction sites.

Negligence Claims

Negligence claims in construction arise when an individual is injured due to the negligent actions of another party in the construction process. These claims typically arise due to a failure to adhere to safety regulations or a lack of proper safety precautions on the job site.

Negligence claims can also arise if the construction materials used were faulty or if there was a failure to maintain the job site safely and securely. In such cases, the injured party may be able to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. It is important to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney who can evaluate the case’s specifics and help determine if a negligence claim can be pursued.

Product Liability Claims

Product liability claims arise when a defective product causes injury or harm to a person. Manufacturers, distributors, and sellers can be liable for producing or selling faulty products. The following are some common types of product defects that can lead to product liability claims:

Design Defects: These occur when a product is inherently dangerous due to a design flaw. For example, a car that easily flips over because of its high center of gravity could have a design defect.
Manufacturing Defects: These occur when a product is made incorrectly, resulting in a defect that makes the product dangerous. For example, a batch of medicine contaminated during the manufacturing process could have a manufacturing defect.
Marketing Defects: These occur when a product is marketed or labeled incorrectly, leading to injury or harm. For example, if a cleaning product is labeled as safe for children to use, but it contains toxic chemicals, this could be a marketing defect.
Failure to Warn: This occurs when a product does not include adequate warnings or instructions for safe use. For example, if a power tool does not warn about the dangers of using it near water, it could fail to warn.

Premises Liability Claims

Premises liability claims refer to a legal concept where property owners or those in control of a property can be held responsible for any injuries or damages that occur on the property. This includes both commercial and residential properties. Property owners are legally obligated to maintain their properties reasonably safe and warn visitors of any potential hazards. Here is a list of possible premises liability claims and charges that can occur:

Slip and Fall Accidents: This occurs when a person slips, trips or falls on a wet, slippery or uneven surface, resulting in an injury.
Trip and Fall Accidents: This occurs when a person trips over a hidden or unexpected object, such as a pothole or an object that was left on the ground, resulting in an injury.
Inadequate Security: This occurs when a property owner fails to provide adequate security measures, resulting in an assault, robbery or other violent crime.
Defective Conditions: This occurs when a property owner fails to repair or remove a dangerous condition, such as a broken staircase or railing, resulting in an injury.
Dog Bites: This occurs when a dog attacks and injures a person while on the property.

The charges that can arise from these types of premises liability claims include:

Negligence: This is the failure of a property owner to take reasonable care in maintaining a safe environment for visitors.
Breach of Duty: This occurs when a property owner fails to fulfill their legal obligation to maintain a safe environment for visitors.
Failure to Warn: This occurs when a property owner fails to warn visitors of a known hazard on the property.
Strict Liability: This is the legal responsibility of a property owner for any injuries or damages that occur on the property, regardless of whether the property owner was negligent or not. This typically applies to dog bite cases.

If you have suffered an injury on someone else’s property, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages. It is essential to consult with an experienced premises liability attorney who can help you navigate the legal system and protect your rights. Viscosi Law has a team of experienced personal injury attorneys who can assist you with your premises liability claim. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Construction Injury Statistics

Here are some statistics on construction accidents and injuries in New York:

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), falls are the leading cause of death in the construction industry.
In 2019, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported 1,061 fatal work injuries in the construction industry in the United States, with New York having the 4th highest number of fatal injuries at 66.
In addition to fatalities, there were over 4,600 non-fatal injuries in the construction industry in New York in 2019, according to the New York State Department of Labor.
The most common non-fatal injuries in the construction industry include strains, sprains, cuts, lacerations, and fractures.
Workers in the construction industry are also at risk of developing chronic conditions such as hearing loss, respiratory illnesses, and musculoskeletal disorders due to the nature of their work.
The cost of workplace injuries and illnesses in the construction industry in the United States is estimated to be over $11 billion per year.
In New York, workers who are injured on the job may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, which can include payment for medical expenses, lost wages, and other expenses related to the injury.
Construction industry employers must provide a safe workplace for their employees and comply with all OSHA regulations to prevent accidents and injuries.

Viscosi Law and Construction Injuries

Viscosi Law is committed to legal representation for individuals who have suffered construction injuries. Our experienced team of attorneys can help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll construction accidents can have on individuals and their families.

That is why we are dedicated to advocating for our clients and holding negligent parties accountable. If you or a loved one has been injured in a construction accident, don’t hesitate to contact Viscosi Law for a consultation. We are here to help you every step of the way.