Construction Accidents

The construction industry accounts for over 6.5 million jobs across the nation on any given day. The fatal injury rate for the construction industry surpasses the national average for all other industries. While OSHA has implemented specific standards & best practices for the most common hazards on job sites, construction site accidents still occur.

Third Party Liability

If an individual has been injured on the job because of the negligence of a third party, that person may be eligible for compensation. Owners, architects, contractors & equipment manufacturers can all be held liable for insufficient safety measures. It is their responsibility to provide a suitable workplace where work can be completed in safe conditions and where construction workers are not at risk for accident and injury. When a safe workplace is not provided, workers are at risk of personal injury or even death, as a result of a intentional, reckless or negligent actions.

Hazards on Construction Sites

  • Scaffolding - About 2.3 M workers frequently work on scaffolds & it is estimated that there are approximately 4,500 injuries and 50 fatalities each year.
  • Falls - Falls account for the majority of fatalities in the construction industry. Unstable work surfaces, misuse or failure to use fall protection & human error are usually involved.
  • Excavations & Trenching - The structure of trenches when excavating is very important. Trench collapses cause dozens of fatalities & hundreds of injuries each year.
  • Ladders - It is estimated that there are 24,882 injuries and as many as 36 fatalities per year due to falls on stairways and ladders used in construction.
  • Head protection - Seems easy enough to wear a hard hat, right? Unfortunately workers still endure head injuries because of improper use or simply not wearing a hard hat at all.
  • Hazard communication - Failure to recognize hazards associated with chemicals often cause chemical burns, respiratory problems, fires & explosions.
  • Electrical - Defective wiring methods, design & protection standards are all facets that contribute to electrical burns or injuries due to contact with live electrical lines.
  • Cranes - Significant & serious injuries can occur if cranes are not inspected before use and/or if they are not used properly. Workers can be struck by overhead loads or caught within a crane's swing radius.
  • Forklifts - Each year, about 100 people are killed and about 95,000 people are injured while operating powered industrial trucks. Forklift turnover accounts for a significant number of these fatalities.

(Statistics from OSHA)

Construction Injury Compensation

When a construction worker or contractor is seriously injured on the job, the possibility of not being able to return to work and provide for their family is a scary proposition. Our attorneys are well versed in premises liability as well as construction litigation cases and can help workers recover damages suffered.

If you've suffered a construction injury or been involved in a construction site accident, you may be entitled to compensation for:

  • Medical expenses – hospital, surgical and ambulance bills
  • Rehabilitation costs – physical therapy and future medical care
  • Diminished earning capacity – compensation for future earnings lost due to the injury
  • Lost income – payment for wages lost
  • Pain & suffering

Construction Accident Lawyer

Following a construction site accident or construction injury, complex issues such as applicable building codes, insurance policies and workers compensation often arise. You need a legal team that has the experience & resources to navigate the specifics of the case. Pope McGlamry’s construction accident lawyers are well versed in Georgia’s building codes and have extensive experience untangling the complexities of insurance policies and indemnification clauses.

If you’ve been injured on a construction site, contact us to discuss your situation or submit your case online.

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