The construction industry is one of the most dangerous and deadliest fields for laborers. 10% of all construction workers are injured on-the-job each year. In fact, each construction worker has a 0.5% chance of dying due to a work-related accident. 20% of all workplace deaths occur on construction websites, and construction accidents are a leading killer of young adults in the United States. Around 15 workers die every day at a construction site. The majority of these deaths are caused by falls (37%), falling objects or debris (10%), and electrocution (9%). While construction workers receive training on how to use equipment, most construction accidents occur due to faulty equipment, poor supervision or the negligence of co-workers.
Each year, hundreds of thousands of construction workers are injured on-the-job. While many workers know the risks of the job, the construction companies are not absolved of responsibility for accidents that occur at work sites. If you worked at a construction site and sustained an injury following an accident, you may have legal recourse to seek compensation for your injuries. Construction companies are tasked with the duty to provide safe working environments for construction workers and can be liable for accidents that happen at the work site. During a free consultation, Kaiser Romanello can review your case, assess liability, counsel you on your options, and explain confusing legal concepts to you. To schedule an appointment, contact Kaiser Romanello for a free evaluation of your construction injury claims.
MAJOR CAUSES OF CONSTRUCTION INJURIES IN FLORIDA
Construction accidents are the most common form of workplace injury in Florida. As such, there are strict requirements and regulations promulgated by state and federal agencies such as the Occupational Safety and Hazard Administration (OSHA) that govern construction worksite safety and supervision. Despite these standards, hundreds of thousands of construction accidents happen annually. Common causes of construction injuries include:
- Vehicle and machinery collisions
- Hit and runs for roadside construction workers
- Faulty or defective equipment
- Lack of safety equipment
- Poor working conditions
- Lack of training
- Unstable worksites
- Slip and falls and scaffolding injuries
- Hazardous material spills
- Falling debris and equipment
- Electrocution
- Lead poisoning
- Getting stuck in or between equipment
- Negligence of another contractor in operating machinery
- Explosions, fires, and chemical reactions
- Lack of supervision
TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION ACCIDENT CLAIMS
There are multiple civil actions that you can take in pursuing compensation for your injuries. These include:
- Personal Injury: Personal injury claims are the most common cases initiated against construction companies for construction accidents. If the construction company was negligent in the supervision of the victim, his co-workers, the work site or the operation of equipment, the company can be liable for damages.
- Workers’ Compensation: If your employer provides workers’ compensation benefits through insurance, you may be able to obtain coverage for medical services and remuneration for injuries. In Florida, victims only need to prove that an injury occurred in order to collect benefits. However, often times, workers’ compensation insurance will not cover extensive damages or emotional/non-economic damages.
- Premises Liability: Construction companies owe a legal duty of care to employees. This duty of care requires the construction companies to keep the work sites free of dangerous conditions and defects. This includes providing adequate training and supervision, inspecting and maintaining work sites and equipment, providing safety equipment and safety protocol, repairing faulty equipment, providing adequate signage and warnings, and preventing contractors from working in dangerous conditions like thunderstorms.
- Wrongful Death: If a loved one was injured in a construction accident, you and other survivors may be able to recover compensation for your loss. Survivors are generally spouses, children, parents, and siblings. Survivors can recover lost financial support, medical expenses, funeral and burial expenses, emotional distress, and loss of companionship.
- Product Liability: Many accidents are caused by malfunctioning equipment. Manufacturers of construction tools, equipment, and machinery are required to produce safe products that function as intended.
OSHA REGULATIONS REGARDING CONSTRUCTION SITES
OSHA is a federal agency that is tasked with ensuring that employers maintain safe conditions at construction sites throughout the country, including Florida. OSHA conducts inspections, trains employers and employees, manages and reduces hazardous working conditions, and retaliates against employers who violate safety codes.
TYPES OF COMPENSATION FOR CONSTRUCTION ACCIDENTS
If you suffered injuries during a construction accident, you can seek compensation through the personal injury system for damages you sustained. These damages include:
- Medical bills
- Estimated future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of quality of life
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Attorneys’ fees and court costs
EXPERIENCED SOUTH FLORIDA CONSTRUCTION ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS CAN ASSIST YOU WITH PURSUING RECOVERY
When you are injured while working at a construction work site, your life grinds to a halt. You are forced to focus on endless doctors’ appointments, treatments, and surgeries. During this time period, you may be unable to return to work due to long-term or permanent disabilities, which will greatly affect your ability to provide for and support your family. Kaiser Romanello can assist you with pursuing compensation for your injuries so that you can focus on what is important – caring for your loved ones. To schedule a free consultation with our experienced construction accident attorneys, contact Kaiser Romanello today.
