Every worker’s goal is to make it through the day without a troubling incident. The vast majority of workers accomplish that goal, but unexpected accidents can still upend a person’s life. Case in point: KCTV5 recently reported about an incident on a construction site where a worker was found unresponsive in a sewer line due to low oxygen levels. It is a prime example of how potentially dangerous a construction site can be.
According to data collected by the Missouri Labor Department, there were 88,295 workplace injuries in 2023 and 87 fatalities on the job. Many of these incidents were related to the construction industry, which is consistently rated as one of the most dangerous jobs in the country. Construction injuries can happen to work crews or passersby. In either scenario, the victim has a right to pursue a remedy and seek reimbursement for their loss.
If you or a loved one has been the victim of a construction accident, you owe it to yourself to talk to the Thomas Law Offices. We have experienced attorneys with the skills needed to find a fair and fast resolution to these claims. If you have questions about a construction injury, we are standing by to provide the answers. Our Columbia construction accident lawyer is waiting to help.
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Types of Construction Accidents
No matter when you read this post, it is safe to assume that dozens of construction projects are happening in Columbia. Those projects can involve road crews repairing highways and bridges and construction teams building homes or renovating commercial properties. Every day, a construction job starts with a plan, but there are many moving parts to those plans as various workers navigate each other to complete their tasks. That kind of intense work environment sets up the potential for the following types of accidents.
Falls
Most construction workers wear durable work boots with treads designed to prevent falls. Unfortunately, those boots can’t prevent all falls. According to information collected by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 1 in 5 workplace deaths occurred in the construction industry in 2022. Of that number, 38% of those fatalities were caused by slips, trips, and falls. Those falls can include taking a tumble from a ladder, scaffolding, railing, or roof.
Electrocution
A construction project goes through phases. It starts with building the foundation. Then, the framing of the structure. After that, the plumbing and electric systems are laid in, and then the finishing. During the electrical phase, there will be a lot of exposed wires and cables that could lead to electrocution or shock accidents. Those same types of accidents can happen on renovation projects if the power isn’t shut off. There could also be defective wiring or improper maintenance that can trigger an electrical accident.
Machinery Mishaps
Depending on the job, a construction site can utilize cranes, forklifts, bulldozers, and excavators. Those all have to be controlled by certified operators, but even the most skilled operator can sometimes make a wrong maneuver or carry a load that is too big or improperly secured. There are also any number of power tools and other types of machinery that are part of construction operations. If they aren’t properly maintained or used correctly, they can cause severe injury.
Structural Collapses
There are engineering rules to follow when constructing a property. These rules require precision and the right materials. If there are flaws in the design, subpar materials, or poor-quality assembly, the structure can collapse before it is finished, endangering everyone working on the job site.
Falling Objects
Gravity is an “enemy” on a construction site because whatever tool or material is carried up can drop to the ground. This includes what is carried by hand and what is hoisted by cranes, ropes, and more. Those falling objects can strike workers and pedestrians, causing head trauma, fractures, and other severe injuries.
Any accident scenarios can result from a failure of safety protocols, lack of worker training, and improper supervision. The types of injuries that are sustained on a work site can be the following:
- Broken bones and fractures
- Shoulder, back, and neck injuries
- Repetitive motion injuries
- Lacerations, cuts, bruising
- Respiratory issues
- Traumatic brain injuries, concussions
- Spinal cord injuries
- Burns
- Amputations
How Your Columbia Construction Accident Lawyer Pursues a Claim
A construction accident can happen to an employee of the construction company or a third-party vendor, a passing motorist, or a pedestrian. There are different options to pursue compensation depending on who was hurt and how they were hurt. One of the first things you should do after this type of injury is to speak with a qualified Columbia construction accident lawyer.
In that consultation, you’ll explain what happened and discuss who you think should be held responsible for your injuries. You’ll also need to provide a preliminary amount of the damage you’ve incurred due to the accident. At that point, your attorney will provide information about how to seek a remedy. The following are the options:
Workers’ Compensation
If you work on the construction site, a worker’s compensation claim could cover your injuries and wage reimbursement. This is a required insurance policy that your employer must carry. It is regulated by the Missouri Department of Labor Division of Workers’ Compensation.
Filing a workers’ compensation claim does not mean you have to assign fault. In other words, if your direct actions caused the injury, you will still be reimbursed for your medical expenses and a portion of your lost wages while recovering. The attorneys at Thomas Law Offices can help you prepare your claim to reduce the risk of a denial. Those same attorneys can help you file an appeal if there is a denied claim.
If a claim is accepted and paid, the case will be closed, and you cannot sue your employer for additional damages. Workers’ compensation does provide reimbursement for cover pain and suffering losses.
Insurance Claim
If you were injured at a construction site but weren’t employed by the company that owns the site, you could file an insurance claim against that company’s carrier. This is no different than filing a claim if you were involved in a car accident. Your attorney will lead the negotiations with those insurance companies to ensure you receive the maximum compensation you are due.
Investigation
Your construction accident attorney will also deploy their staff and network of experts to investigate all aspects of the accident. That will include collecting witness statements, injury photos, surveillance footage, and accident reports. That documentation will help support your version of events.
Litigation
If there is resistance from the insurance company to pay fair compensation or the injury was caused by third-party vendors on the job site, you might need to take your claim to the next level, which would be to file a complaint in civil court. Your attorney will prepare a case to present to a jury when that happens. That includes getting you ready to testify.
Talk to Thomas Law Offices Today
Recovering from a construction accident takes time. It also helps to reduce your stress so you can focus on your treatment. Filing a workers’ compensation or insurance claim can add to the stress. The team at Thomas Law Offices is standing by to offer support and guidance. That will come in the form of detailed explanations about your options to seek a remedy. If we take on your case, we will keep you informed every step of the way. You’ll never feel like a nuisance and can ask as many questions as you want answered.
That support begins with a free case evaluation. Call to schedule your consultation with a Columbia construction accident lawyer today.
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