Typical construction sites are composed of multiple companies – one for each different aspect of the build. If not properly contained, construction sites can be very dangerous not only to the people working on the site but also to people visiting the site or walking by. Some of these hazards include power tools, heavy equipment, ladders and lifts, wires and boxes not properly contained, scaffolding, debris from the site, and even objects falling.
Anyone working within the construction field, as with any other field, must conform to the current federal and state laws regarding workplace safety. The main agency that deals with this topic is the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The Occupational Safety and Health Act in 1970 is one of the areas that OSHA enforces.
Accidents while on construction sites can result in an particularly severe injury, and can be the cause of variant permanent disabilities, loss of a limbs, partial or complete blindness, traumatic head injuries, broken or fractured bones, amputations, and even wrongful death. Medical treatment can be extremely expensive, as well as loss of wages due to the disability or injury. While workers’ compensation can pay a portion of the medical expenses and lost earnings, but worker’s compensation will not sufficiently make up for a worker’s losses and disabilities stemming from a catastrophic accident.
When there are accidents on construction sites, a variety of people or companies that could be liable. Liability could fall with the owners of the new construction, the contractors and/or subcontractors, equipment manufacturer (if the equipment was found to be faulty), and even the engineers and electricians.
When trying to determine liability it is important to have a good understanding of the various federal, state, and OSHA laws and regulations that must be followed on construction sites.
An investigation should be started immediately after being injured on or near a construction site. The site should be quarantined from the public to preserve the integrity of the evidence. It is imperative to have the site investigated before anything can be moved or changed by other workers or the weather. At times, it has even been necessary to obtain court orders to preserve the evidence. In addition, it is important to get statements from any possible witnesses and identify all the contractors, subcontractors, and even the material suppliers. Right after contacting an attorney, it would be in the best interest of the case to contact OSHA to initiate an investigation along with the authorities.
While the above is important to establish your case, the most important thing to do is seek immediate medical attention. Make sure that all potential injuries related to the accident are looked at.
The attorneys at Injury Help Finder have represented a variety of different people who had been injured on or due to construction sites. Some of our clients have included innocent bystanders, and even the workers themselves. If you are a worker on the site and was injured, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits.
Regardless of the injury you have experienced, we will be able to assist you in your case to ensure that you get the benefits you are entitled to. At Injury Help Finder, we represent a variety of different injury cases and understand the impact that it can have on families and the victim. We strive to ensure our clients receive every possible benefit that they are entitled to.
Injury Help Finder has a long history of winning varying large amount in settlements for our clients, regardless of the type of injury they have sustained. Contact Injury Help Finder today for a free consultation at our toll free number 1-800-393-9529.