If you work in construction, you know there are certain aspects of your job that could pose a risk to your personal safety. Hazards on all types of Washington construction sites could lead to serious injuries that may leave you unable to work and support your family. After an accident on a job site, you may be unsure of how to move forward, cover your medical expenses and begin to put the pieces of your life back together after this traumatic event.
Construction injuries are often the result of preventable factors and hazards that site managers could easily address or manage, such as the use of unsafe tools. It may be possible that your injuries are the result of the negligent or reckless actions of a third party. After an accident on a construction site, you may benefit from an explanation of the legal options available to you, which may include a third-party civil claim.
Common construction injuries
Unfortunately, construction accidents are often preventable with appropriate safety training, the provision of safety equipment, properly functioning tools and a prioritization of the well-being of workers. The four most common hazards that result in physical injuries on a job site include the following:
- Many injuries happen because of heavy machinery or equipment striking a worker. This can also occur in accidents involving a moving vehicle, falling equipment or an impact with a stationary object.
- Falls are a common problem on many job sites. Lack of proper safety restraints, unsafe ladders or improperly assembled scaffolding can all lead to accidents that can result in serious harm.
- Serious injuries can occur when a worker becomes caught in between two objects or between a stationary object and a moving object, like a vehicle or heavy machinery.
- Electrocution is a common hazard that can lead to injuries due to factors that may include unsafe power tools, improperly insulated electrical wire and other hazards.
An assessment of what happened to you can reveal the specific factors that played a role in your construction site accident. It is possible that a third party is accountable for the incident that left you injured. You don’t want to leave any money on the table that may be available to you, which is why you will find it beneficial to pursue an understanding of your legal options as soon as possible after your accident.