Due to the nature of the work carried out on them construction sites can be extremely dangerous places, and despite a wide number of safety measures and regulations construction accidents still happen on an all too frequent basis. In addition to the fact that these accidents do happen there\’s also the nature of the accidents themselves, with most construction site injuries being extremely serious due to the machinery and other large equipment involved. In many cases a construction accident can result in the lost of a limb, serious head or brain trauma, broken bones, spinal injuries, blindness and of course the wrongful death of a construction worker.
It\’s not always the construction workers who are caught up in these accidents however, and in many cases it can be a passing pedestrian, motorist or even the existing property owner themselves. In short a single construction accident can dramatically affect the quality of life of several people at once with almost no warning.
Construction-related accidents can include the following:
- Trench cave-ins
- Falls
- Falls from heights
- Struck by objects
- Struck by falling objects
- Vehicle collisions
- Exposure to hazardous chemicals
- Entrapment with equipment
- Crush injuries
- Electrocution
Even though the construction industry is more tightly regulated than it has been at any other time in history there are still far too many accidents happening on construction sites all over the country. Regardless of where the site is there will still be a person or company who can, and should, be held responsible for your accident. In most cases legal liability falls to the property owner, the contractor or the sub-contractor, because somebody must have been the direct cause of your accident.
So if you\’ve been the victim of a construction accident what steps should you take?
Seek Medical Attention
Obviously if you\’ve just been injured in any way your health is the priority so get professional medical assistance as soon as you can. Make sure that you keep copies of all medical documentation to show you\’ve been injured during your normal hours of work.
Investigation
The sooner you can have a thorough legal investigation of the site of the accident conducted the better, because this can prevent anyone trying to conceal evidence or liability on their part. The sooner your personal injury attorney can investigate the site and both preserve and document any evidence the better. An investigation taking place sooner rather than later is also important so that any potential witnesses can be interviewed.
Identify
All parties involved in the accident will need to be clearly identified as soon as possible, including any materials suppliers. You may also need to contact the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to notify them of the details and nature of the accident.
Make No Statements
Never, ever make any statements, on or off the record, in relation to the accident itself without having your attorney present. This includes being interviewed by your employer or a representative of any insurance company.
Statute of Limitations
Remember there is always a statute of limitations on any personal injury claim and this basically means that if you don\’t make your claim in a timely manner then you lose the right to do so.
There are thousands of people killed in construction accidents each year so if you\’ve been lucky enough to survive one then make sure you\’re adequately compensated for any injury you might have suffered.