How Often Do Construction Workers Die
How Often Do Construction Workers Die
The construction industry is a dangerous field. Each year, about 1,000 construction workers die due to work-related causes. According to data from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), in 2018, 1,008 construction workers died while performing tasks within the scope of their job.
Additionally, falls cause the highest number of deaths in the construction industry; they encompass one-third of all deaths in the field, as stated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Examples of Common Construction Accidents
Construction, while a necessary industry, is an inherently dangerous one. Accidents resulting in injuries are very common. There are many ways construction workers can be injured––and there are four main types of accidents that cause serious injuries and even death. According to OSHA, these accidents are known as “the Fatal Four.” These types of incidents include:
1. Fall Accidents
Accidents involving falls are among the most deadly incidents in construction. Construction often requires work at high elevations. Many different situations result in falls, and oftentimes, they are due to a worker misjudging their surroundings or stepping unknowingly into a location that is not protected. Falls from great heights often result in death.
2. Being Struck by an Object
Accidents that involve getting struck by an object are often sudden and very forceful. These accidents can cause serious injuries and deaths on construction sites. Many of these accidents are due to the improper use of machinery and equipment, and also a lack of training in some instances.
3. Being Caught-In/Between Objects
These accidents occur when workers are caught between two dangerous objects, two pieces of heavy equipment, or are pinned between heavy equipment and another unmovable object. Caught-in/ between types of accidents may involve cave-ins, machinery rollovers, collapses, or getting caught in a machine’s moving parts. These accidents are particularly dangerous because they can involve body parts getting crushed, compressed, or severed.
4. Electrocution
Electrocution accidents can be dangerous and cause construction worker deaths. These accidents occur when a person or a piece of equipment comes into contact with a live electrical source, such as a power line. Often, the affected person is unaware of the situation, as the source of electricity may have come from overhead or underground power lines.
In addition to these four main types of accidents that are responsible for the majority of construction accidents, construction workers can lose their lives in a wide array of other incidents.
Among these are:
- Scaffolding or ladder accidents
- Falling object accidents
- Trip or slip and fall accidents
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Power tool and heavy machinery accidents
If you were injured or lost a loved one because of an accident on a construction site, you should consider working with a lawyer to obtain a recovery for the damages you have suffered including pain and suffering, the cost of your medical bills, lost income and benefits, and other associated losses.
For a free legal consultation, call (212) 732-2929
How Having a Lawyer Will Help Your Case
If you are unsure whether or not to hire an attorney, it may help to know that having a lawyer will provide a variety of benefits for your case.
Here are some of the services that the lawyers at Dansker & Aspromonte Associates LLP will provide:
- Your lawyer will examine the specifics of your accident to build a case highlighting your losses, expenses, and pain and suffering.
- A lawyer will fight for your rights and advocate on your behalf as they pursue compensation. At times, insurance companies may aim to settle a case for less than it is worth, hoping to save money in the process. Your attorney will work to ensure that your settlement fairly compensates you for the damages that you have suffered.
- An attorney will provide legal counsel throughout the progression of your case. They will prepare you for depositions and court proceedings in order to maximize the strength of your case and achieve the best results possible.
- In many situations, your lawyer will save you time and stress by handling the details of your case. They will manage all of the necessary legal paperwork and filings, as well as, communications with the insurance adjusters, insurance personnel, defense lawyers, and other parties.
In most situations, if the accident occurred at work, workers’ compensation will cover many of the costs related to the accident. However, often you can still file a personal injury claim to obtain compensation for your pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life and economic losses that you have incurred. In the event that you lost a loved one due to a construction accident, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim.
Contact the Team of Dansker & Aspromonte Associates LLP
If you were injured or lost a loved one in a construction site incident, let a construction accident lawyer in the Bronx help. Contact Dansker & Aspromonte Associates LLP to learn more about your legal options. Our injury law firm can determine how to proceed and get started building a strong case. The sooner you act, the faster we can secure your settlement.
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