Common Construction Accidents and the Basics of a Workers Comp Claim

Construction workers perform essential duties for our society but in doing so, they put themselves at risk of serious injuries every day they go to work. Construction sites are inherently hazardous, as they might involve many parties operating heavy machinery, unstable structures, working from high places, working in road zones near traffic, and more. 

While you might work diligently to do a good job as a construction worker, you might also have your career path disrupted in an instant due to a worksite accident. You might need costly medical treatment, and your injuries might keep you from working for some time – or even for the rest of your life. 

Anyone who suffered a construction site injury should discuss their best options with a Virginia workers’ compensation attorney today. 

Top Construction Risks

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), there are some construction risks that more commonly lead to severe accidents than others. These include the following. 

Falls – Many construction workers conduct their tasks on roofs, ladders, scaffolding, cranes, and other high places. Even with proper safety precautions, workers can fall from heights, which often leads to catastrophic or fatal injuries. Even with a hard hat, a falling worker can suffer a life-altering brain or spinal injury. 

Electrical accidents – Construction sites have many electrical risks, including unfinished electrical systems, ungrounded and live wires, electrical tools, and more. Electrical accidents can lead to severe burns, cardiac problems, or death. 

Falling objects – While people work from heights on construction sites, there is always the risk they will drop something or knock something off a ledge, and it can hit someone below. Scaffolding can also collapse, raining materials and debris down on workers on the ground. Getting hit by falling objects is a serious accident that often results in brain injuries, fractures, and other injuries. 

Equipment accidents – Whenever someone uses power tools or heavy machinery, there is a risk something can go very wrong. Defects or misuse can result in severe equipment accidents, which might lead to amputations, crush injuries, and other catastrophic injuries. 

Workers’ Compensation Coverage of Construction Injuries

When a worker suffers injuries on the job, they should be covered by their employer’s workers’ compensation insurance. This is true whether negligence caused the accident or not. Injured workers should not hesitate to seek legal assistance in filing their claims to ensure they receive the full benefits they deserve under the law. 

Benefits should cover:

• All medical expenses for injury-related treatment
• Partial lost wages if an injury keeps a worker away from the job for a short period
• Disability benefits if the worker cannot return to their job for a long time due to their injuries

Seek Help from a Virginia Workers’ Compensation Attorney Today

At Hampton Injury Law PLC, we fight for the financial support that you need following a workplace injury. You can focus on medical treatment while we handle the claim process. Contact us for your free case evaluation today.