Workers at construction sites receive a large number of protections, yet they still experience accidents and injuries for a multitude of reasons. Even though construction sites are naturally more unsafe than other workplaces, workers shouldn’t have to worry about injuries and medical costs. Many times, construction injuries are a source of great stress for workers and their families, as the bills are costly and the recovery is difficult. With this in mind, almost anything is possible, but some injuries are more common on construction sites than others.
With the Jones Legal Team, workers in California can rest easy after their construction accident. We know exactly how to handle these cases, and how to get our clients fair compensation. We refuse to back down in the face of adversity, and we’ll fight for injured workers no matter what. Life is unpredictable, but your attorney doesn’t have to be. In order to work with experienced and passionate representation, you need the Jones Legal Team. To schedule your free initial consultation with our California workers’ compensation attorney team, call 951-742-7231 today.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Construction Injuries in California?
With the expansion of California communities like Riverside, construction sites are not an uncommon occurrence. Because these places are so risky, injuries happen all the time. Below, we list some of the most common causes of construction injuries in California.
- Slips, trips, and falls
- Collapses of trenches or scaffolding
- Electrocution
- Injuries due to lack of safety gear
- Repetitive motion injuries
- Falling objects
- Dangerous tools and machinery
- Chemical exposure
- Transportation accidents
What Should You Do When Construction Injuries Occur?
The steps people take after sustaining construction injuries could be the difference between life and wrongful death. Sometimes, accidents and injuries are unavoidable. However, it is important to know how to proceed after sustaining these injuries. Below, we outline the steps to take if you are injured at a construction site as a worker.
- Seek medical attention. The most important thing to remember is that your health and safety comes first. Check for injuries, and report to a doctor for an examination.
- Notify your superior. In a timely manner, you should tell your superior about the incident. Usually, workers do this by submitting a detailed incident report.
- Gather witness information. If other people were present at the time of your accident, be sure to take down their information. If your case goes to court, you’ll want as much supporting evidence for yourself as possible.
- Hire a lawyer. Construction injuries often have catastrophic results. For this reason, it is important to hire an experienced California workers’ compensation lawyer. A seasoned attorney will make sure that you get the compensation you deserve.
- File a claim. After your injury, you might need financial help for your medical bills. Filing for workers’ compensation helps with this.
- Report to OSHA. In extreme cases of construction injuries, such as those which involve death or hospitalization of multiple people, you must report to OSHA. This report must go through no longer than 8 hours after the incident occurred.
- Appeal your claim. Sometimes, employers and insurance companies don’t want to admit fault or pay for a claim. However, you can appeal these denied claims, and have your attorney help you fight for compensation.
What Types of Construction Injuries Are Common?
Due to the dangerous nature of construction work, certain types of injuries are more common than in other fields. In many cases, construction injuries are also more severe than injuries from other professions. Below, we list some of the most common injuries that construction workers suffer.
- Cuts and lacerations
- Broken bones
- Repetitive motion injuries
- Crushed body parts
- Spinal cord injuries
- Back injuries
- Neck injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Chemical burns
- Paralysis
- Exposure to toxic substances
- Amputated limbs
- Catastrophic injuries
Who Can Be Held Liable for Construction Injuries in California?
When construction injuries occur, someone is responsible for them. Many different parties exist at these sites and are responsible for their upkeep. Basically, liability potentially lies with multiple parties at once. Below, we list which parties are potentially liable for injuries that occur at the site.
- No-fault liability: Sometimes, accidents happen. As a result, California employers must have no-fault workers’ compensation insurance. In cases where nobody is at fault for an accident, workers still receive coverage for their injuries.
- Negligence claims: Even though no-fault insurance is a great start for covering a worker’s medical bills from the accident. However, it does not always cover everything. In cases where someone is to blame for the accident, it is possible to file negligence claims in order to recover more damages. Potentially negligent parties include employers, contractors, subcontractors, as well as manufacturers.
- Personal injury claims: In cases where non-workers sustain injuries from construction accidents, they may file a personal injury claim. Additionally, innocent passers-by sometimes suffer injuries from falling objects or other sources, and they can file fault-based claims.
What Damages Can I Include in My Workers’ Compensation Claim?
Serious injuries come with serious bills. In order for injured workers to get on with their lives, they need medical treatment, time off, and maybe even physical therapy. Obviously, all of this costs money. For that reason, workers’ compensation claims typically seek as much monetary assistance as possible for victims, as it makes their lives easier in the long run. Next, we list some commonly sought-after damages for construction injury claims.
- Current and future medical bills
- Current and future lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
- Permanent disability benefits
- Medications and physical therapy costs
Have You Suffered Construction Injuries in California?
California is a growing, bustling state. Because of this, construction sites pop up everywhere to accommodate the growth. However, these are dangerous locations, for both workers and other civilians. If you or a loved one suffered construction injuries while on the job, you need the California workers’ compensation law firm, Jones Legal. We can help fight for your rights, secure just compensation, and take the weight of your case off your shoulders. With our professional legal representation, you can rest assured that we won’t stop fighting until your case is completely settled. To arrange your free initial consultation, please call our office at 951-742-7213 today.