Are you dealing with an injury from construction work? The burden of such an injury can cause you and your loved ones a lot of stress, but you are not alone. Construction is one of the most dangerous industries in the private sector.
In 2017, the Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHA) found that out of 4,674 worker fatalities in the private industry, 971 were in construction, making up 20.7% of the deaths. Construction work also had about 195,600 nonfatal occupational injuries in 2018. Statistically, nearly all construction workers will have at least one work-related injury in their career.
Causes of Construction Injuries
It’s easy to understand why the construction business is so dangerous. Putting up large structures requires some risk. Even at the most safe worksites, safety issues can occur. Some of the common ways construction workers get hurt are:
- Falling from high positions: Ladders, beams or roofs are all easy targets of a fall injury if there aren’t personal fall protection systems in place.
- Repetitive motion: Moving the same parts of the body without enough breaks causes chronic pains or injury.
- Overexertion: Lifting too much weight too often or not using proper support can lead to strains or tears.
- Use of powerful equipment: Machines designed for construction projects use a lot of force to accomplish their designated tasks. Construction workers can be hurt if they are on the wrong side of that power.
- Falling objects: Due to the height of many construction projects, workers on different levels can knock objects from their level onto fellow employees below if there isn’t a net or tethered equipment.
- Dangerous chemicals on the worksite: Chemicals or pollutants in construction materials can cause disease or other chronic problems.
- Flying debris and particles: Debris and particles sprayed towards the face and skin can cause cuts or eyesight damage.
- Uneven work surfaces: A trip or slip down a rough work surface can cause minor or major injuries.
Common Injuries
All of these factors can lead to injuries to all parts of the body. A variety of injuries and illnesses can occur from construction work. Some of the most common ones are:
- Back Injury
- Head Injury
- Eye Injury
- Burns
- Knee Injury
- Heatstroke
- Crushing Injuries
- Hearing Loss or Damage
- Respiratory disease
- Muscle Strains
Construction Injuries and Workers’ Comp
Unfortunately, even the most conscientious and prepared construction workers end up injured on the job due to no fault of their own. When this happens, the construction worker should receive workers’ compensation for the time they are unable to work. Most states have an understood, no-fault system that covers the employee for a certain amount regardless of evidence.
While making a claim and getting a settlement may sound easy, dealing with the workers’ compensation insurance adjuster can cause difficulty. Adjusters will try to get you to settle at the lowest possible amount. Consulting with an experienced occupational illness and injury attorney is an excellent benefit to you because they can help you to navigate through the difficulties of getting fair compensation.
Are you dealing with construction workers’ compensation and don’t know what to do? Contact a legal expert at The Alberhasky Law Firm today to get the benefits you deserve.
About the Author
When it comes to workers’ compensation cases, Randy Alberhasky has over 25 years of experience. During his legal career he has personally tried over 200 workers’ compensation hearings and jury trials in courts throughout the State of Missouri. Many people who have suffered from a workplace injury and illness are unaware of the legal action they can take to receive the financial compensation that they’re entitled to. The Alberhasky Law Firm, P.C. is proud to help our clients receive the compensation they deserve.
