Construction accidents are common, injuring thousands of construction workers each year across the nation. From falls to being struck by equipment, from electrocutions to trench collapses, injured workers typically face mounting medical expenses, lost wages, and a lengthy recovery. If you or a loved one has sustained any of the following common injuries from construction accidents, turn to J&Y Law Firm.
Our experienced construction accident lawyers will explore all your options for obtaining compensation. While workers’ compensation covers your medical expenses and lost wages, it does not account for pain and suffering and other intangible losses. This no-fault system also protects employers from liability because you generally cannot file a lawsuit to recover damages.
If your construction accident injury was the result of safety violations or third party negligence, however, it is possible to file a lawsuit against your employer or another negligent party to recover damages for the harm you have endured.
When you come to J&Y, you can rest assured we will fight for the maximum compensation you deserve. We offer free consultations and will not charge any attorneys’ fees until we recover for you. Contact us today so we can get started on your construction accident case.
The Four Most Common Injuries at Construction Accidents
Given the inherent dangers of construction sites, all types of injuries can occur, even with the best safety policies, procedures, and training in place. Some injuries occur more frequently than others, however, such as:
Traumatic Brain Injuries
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when the brain is injured or damaged by an external force.
There are two types of TBIs, closed and open. A closed TBI happens when the head strikes or is struck by another object, causing the brain to impact the skull, which commonly results in a concussion. An open TBI occurs when the brain is penetrated by an object, such as a projectile from a misfiring nail gun.
Although construction workers are often required to wear hard hats, brain injuries are typically caused by falls (from ladders, scaffolding, and other heights), defective equipment, explosions, and falling tools. While there are different degrees of TBIs, even a mild TBI can have lasting repercussions, which makes having the powerful representation J&Y provides essential.
Spinal Cord Injuries
A spinal cord injury is the result of a violent blow to the bundle of nerves connecting the brain to the rest of the body. Falls from elevated surfaces — scaffolds, roofs, beams — are a leading cause of spinal cord injuries at construction sites, while workers also sustain such injuries in struck-by accidents involving heavy equipment and machinery (e.g front-loaders, dump trucks, cranes). If the spinal cord is severed, cut, or compressed, injured workers can experience symptoms ranging from partial loss of movement to paralysis (e.g paraplegia, quadriplegia). Although promising new treatments are being developed, most spinal cord injuries are irreversible, resulting in lifelong disability.
Fractures/Crush Injuries
A variety of construction accidents — slips and falls, heavy equipment accidents, falling objects, trench collapses — can cause broken bones or crush injuries. Serious fractures typically require surgery, prolonged rest, and rehabilitation, however, some fractures never heal properly resulting in disability and disfigurement.
Crush injuries involve trauma to the bone, muscles, nerves, and tissues and pose a risk of infection for the injured worker, which can potentially result in shock and kidney failure. If you have suffered a serious fracture or crush injury at a construction site, the experienced personal injury attorneys at J&Y Law will fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
Burn Injuries
Construction workers are at a high risk of electrical, thermal, and chemical burns resulting from exposed wiring, open sources of flame, and volatile fumes. Depending on the degree, burn injuries can cause severe damage to the skin, subcutaneous tissue, nerve endings, fat muscle and bone. Severe burn injuries often require skin grafts and repeated surgeries and may even require amputation or result in death. When burn injuries at construction sites are the result of safety violations or third-party negligence, responsible parties must be held accountable.
Other Common Injuries Sustained From Construction Accidents in California
In addition to the four most common construction accident injuries, workers are also at a high risk of injuries such as:
- Back injuries resulting from heavy lifting and falls
- Cuts and lacerations caused by poorly-maintained tools, defective equipment, exposed sharp objects, broken glass and debris, unsecured machinery, and other hazards.
- Loss of limb as a result of crush injuries and heavy equipment accidents.
- Loss of senses, specifically eyesight and hearing, can occur at construction sites due to exposure to dangerous chemicals, flying debris, bright light from welding tools, and constant loud noise.
- Occupational illnesses caused by exposure to toxic and/or hazardous substances
- Stress injuries caused by repetitive motion (e.g bending, lifting, twisting) which can result in loss of function and other complications.
How J&Y Law Can Help With Your Construction Accident Injury
Ultimately, severe construction accident injuries may require extensive medical care, therapy, and rehabilitation. When injuries result in paralysis, victims often require lifelong care and assistance. Our experienced California construction accident lawyers are committed to helping you recover the full extent of your losses, inside or outside of the courtroom. Although construction accident claims can often be resolved through settlement negotiations, we are always prepared to go to trial. Above all, we will work tirelessly to help you obtain compensation that considers all your future medical and financial needs. Please contact our office today to discuss your case with one of our construction accident lawyers.