Buildings can impose a great number of risks both in operation and construction. If you are a construction worker, you are well aware of how prevalent accidents and injuries are on the job. However, you may not know how to file a personal injury claim after an accident.
In a personal injury lawsuit involving a construction site, the type and degree of injury are important factors to consider. It is critical to know what types of injuries and accidents are common on construction sites and what to do if you’re hurt. Details on the common types of injuries in construction accidents are discussed below.
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1. Burn Injuries
Workers at a construction site are in danger of electrical, chemical, and thermal burns due to exposure to volatile chemicals, open heat and flames, and exposed wirings. In some cases, burns can be so severe that they may lead to amputation of the burnt part. Depending on the degree of the burn the worker may also face many surgeries to put skin grafts, increased risk of infection, scarring, long-term nerve damage, and a lengthy recovery period.
2. Bone Fractures or Broken Bones
Construction workers are frequently required to execute jobs from considerable heights. They are also surrounded by dangerous and heavy machinery, imposing a number of risks to their safety. Accidents such as falling, getting crushed between objects, and collapsing trenches cause fractures. While some fractures may be minor and require a short time to heal, some can be fatal as they may lead to long-term injuries and, in some cases, death.
3. Brain or Head Injuries
A traumatic brain injury is one of the most devastating injuries in constructing sites. This type of injury can lead to paralysis, brain damage, or even death. Brain and head injuries are common in unsafe construction sites, so companies should provide the proper safety equipment to their workers to prevent such injuries.
Sometimes, brain and head injuries can occur even with the right protective wear. For instance, when a person falls from a height or a piece of heavy equipment falls on your head, the gear may not protect you, and you may end up sustaining an injury.
4. Spinal Cord Injuries
The spinal cord plays a very important role in the body as it connects the brain to the rest of the body. If the spinal cord is injured, the transmission of signals is interrupted. In case the injury is fatal, the ability of a person to move their arms and legs is altered, making them paralyzed. Victims of traumatic spinal injuries require lifelong care, which can be very expensive.
In construction accidents, the injured worker frequently sustains injuries that prevent them from going back to work for weeks, months, or even years. If the injury is a result of an accident due to another person’s negligence, then you are entitled to seek compensation for medical care. If this happens to you or someone you love, hire a construction accident lawyer who is close to your location.