One of the most dangerous industries in the United States is construction. Due to the inherent nature of a construction worker’s job, they may face serious risks daily. In addition to being required to use heavy machinery, construction workers may also work in risky areas or at substantial heights.
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), one out of every five job-related deaths in 2018 came from the construction industry. Some typical types of injuries in the construction industry include falling from heights, trenches collapsing, scaffolding collapsing, electrocutions, repetitive motion injuries, and failing to wear or use protective gear.
Understanding the Typical Types of Injuries in the Construction Industry
While there are many injuries a construction worker may sustain, some may occur more often than others. If workers find themselves a victim of one of these accidents, some typical types of injuries in the construction industry include:
- Ankle or knee injuries
- Back, neck, or shoulder injuries
- Broken or fractured bones
- Bruises or contusions
- Cuts, lacerations, or punctures
- Electrocution or other kinds of burns
- Eye injuries
- Head injuries or trauma
- Spinal cord injuries
- Sprains, strains, or tears
Additional construction-related injuries include soreness or pain, overexertion, construction vehicle accident injuries, contact with falling objects, and slips, trips, and falls.
Statistics About the Typical Types of Injuries in the Construction Industry
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicates there were over 199,000 nonfatal injuries and illnesses reported in 2018. This makes up a chunk of the nearly three million total cases reported in all private industries that year, which included typical types of injuries such as:
- Sprains, strains, and tears: 308,630 cases.
- Soreness or pain: 159,600 cases.
- Bruises or contusions: 79,250 cases.
- Cuts, lacerations, or punctures: 92,840 cases.
- Fractures: 79,470 cases.
A Lawyer May Be Able to Help You Recover Compensation
It is not uncommon to have questions if you are the victim of a construction-related injury. If you find that you are a victim of one of the typical types of injuries in the construction industry, a lawyer may be able to help with your claim. Some forms of legal representation that may help victims include:
- Determining if they should file a claim for workers’ compensation, third-party liability, or both
- If the bills are not paid, working with the workers’ compensation insurer
- Handling all disputes regarding medical coverage, and if the insurer forces workers to return to job sites too soon
- Gathering evidence proving you may be eligible for compensation
- Appealing a denial for a workers’ compensation claim
- If there is a dispute over benefits, helping negotiate a settlement
- Filing third-party lawsuits against a negligent third party or negotiate a settlement
Time Limits for Construction Accidents
The statute of limitations for construction accidents may vary by state. For instance, the state of New York’s statute of limitations for typical types of injuries in the construction industry fall under two different statutes. If construction workers are the victim of negligence, then that statute of limitations is three years from the date of the incident under New York’s Civil Practice Law & Rules (CVP) §214.
The statute of limitations changes if there is a wrongful death. According to New York’s Estates, Powers & Trusts (EPT) §5-4.1, the victim’s personal representative from their estate may be able to file an action within two years.
Possible Recoverable Damages for a Construction Accident
Recoverable damages may be economic and non-economic damages. If you suffer from any of the typical types of injuries in the construction industry, you may be entitled to receive economic damages including:
- Loss of income, including past, current, and future
- Medical expenses, including future costs for care or treatment
- Benefits for surviving family members in wrongful death cases
When victims attempt to recover economic damages, estimates may also tie to the costs the plaintiff experiences from the accident. Non-economic damages have elements that are more challenging to define, but may include:
- Emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD
- Impaired quality of life
- Loss of opportunity
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disfigurement or scarring
Call a Construction Industry Lawyer
Experiencing one of the typical types of injuries in the construction industry may result in an individual not being able to return to work. The team from Morelli Law Firm understands the possible limitations of these types of injuries. We may be able to help you receive the compensation you may be entitled to. Contact Morelli Law Firm at (212) 751-9800 to discuss your case through a free initial consultation.