Construction accidents can be costly, not only in terms of property damage but also in terms of personal injury and even death. When these accidents happen, it’s important to know who is liable and how to protect yourself. Keep reading to learn more about construction accidents and liability.
Workers’ Compensation and Construction Injuries
Workers’ compensation is a system of insurance that provides benefits to employees who are injured or become ill as a result of their job. Benefits can include medical expenses, income replacement, and death benefits. Workers’ compensation is typically mandatory in most jurisdictions, meaning employers must provide coverage for their employees. In the context of construction accidents, workers’ compensation can provide benefits to employees who are injured on the job, such as construction workers. These injuries can occur in a variety of ways, such as when a worker falls from a ladder or scaffold, when they are hit by debris or tools, or when they suffer an electrical shock. Workers’ compensation is often one of the first sources of recovery for an injured construction worker. This is because workers’ compensation is available regardless of fault. This means that the worker does not have to prove that the employer was negligent in order to receive benefits. Instead, the worker only needs to show that they were injured while performing their job duties.
While workers’ compensation provides some important benefits to injured construction workers, it also has some limitations. For example, workers’ compensation does not cover pain and suffering damages. Additionally, workers’ compensation may not be available if the injury was caused by someone other than the employer or another employee acting within the scope of their employment. Thankfully, a Chicago construction accident lawyer can help with that. If you have been injured in a construction site accident, you may be wondering what you can do to get the compensation you deserve. A construction accident lawyer can help you file a claim and negotiate with the insurance company. They can also help you file a lawsuit if necessary. A construction accident lawyer will review your case and help you determine the best course of action. They will also help you gather evidence to win you financial compensation for pain and suffering, as well as other damages that workers’ compensation benefits don’t cover.
Protecting Yourself From Injuries at Construction Sites
There are many things that you can do to protect yourself from becoming injured in a construction accident. First, make sure that you are aware of the hazards present on the job site and take the necessary precautions to avoid them. Always wear the appropriate safety gear, including hard hats, goggles, and gloves. Be aware of your surroundings and watch out for falling debris or other hazardous conditions. If you feel unsafe or see something that looks dangerous, report it to your supervisor immediately. Finally, never rush through your work and take the time to properly secure each step before moving on to the next one.
Most Common Injuries From Construction Accidents
Construction accidents are most commonly caused by falls, being struck by an object, or getting trapped in between objects. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that there were 308 fatal construction accidents in 2020. Out of these fatalities, falls were the leading cause at 96 deaths. Other common injuries suffered in construction accidents include: lacerations, broken bones, eye injuries, and head injuries. Employers have a duty to provide a safe workplace for their employees. If they fail to do so and an employee is injured as a result, the employer can be held liable for the employee’s damages. This includes medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. In order to prove liability, the injured party must show that the employer breached their duty of care and that this breach was the proximate cause of their injury.
Overall, construction accidents are a serious problem. They can cause serious injuries and even death. In addition, construction accidents can lead to liability for the company or individual responsible for the accident. This liability can be financial, in the form of damages awarded to the victim, or criminal, in the form of fines or imprisonment.
