Construction Site Accidents In DC

Anyone who has worked on a construction site knows how dangerous they can be. Accidents at construction sites are some of the most common workplace accidents. In some cases, construction site accidents may involve close calls where the worker walks away with only a minor injury. Unfortunately, thousands of workers are seriously injured or killed in construction site accidents. After a construction site accident, the injured victim may be able to seek compensation for their injuries.

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) over 4,800 workers were killed in workplace accidents in 2014. One in five deaths occurred in construction sites. The leading causes of death in construction site accidents are known as the “Fatal Four.” These are the accidents that involve falls, electrocution, struck by an object, or caught in between crushing objects. Eliminating these four types of accidents would save more than 500 people every year.

Tens of thousands of people suffer a serious injury in construction site accidents. The most common cause of injury in the workplace were sprains and strains. These may not sound too serious but a serious sprain can take a construction worker off the job for days or weeks. Other common construction site accidents involve broken bones, head trauma, eye injuries, puncture wounds, lacerations, neck or back injury, and respiratory problems.

Many construction site accidents are preventable. Unfortunately, companies and managers may not make worker safety their top priority. Instead, many companies are focused on speed and profit, which can lead to hazardous workplace conditions. OSHA inspects many workplaces; however, there are only about 2,200 inspectors responsible for the workplaces of more than 130 million people at 8 million worksites.

Some of the most commonly cited safety violations include lack of fall protection, scaffolding violations, lack of respiratory protection, lack of proper electrical controls, and improper use of industrial trucks. When these safety violations result in an injury or death, the employer may be responsible for the damage caused, including paying for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.

Workers’ Compensation in D.C.

Washington D.C.’s Workers’ Compensation Program handles worker claims for injured private-sector employees. After a job-related injury, the worker is supposed to report the injury to their employer and provide notice in writing to the Office of Workers’ Compensation within 30 days. The worker is supposed to have their medical treatment covered for the related injury, and receive benefits if they are unable to work.

Unfortunately, not all employers comply with workplace injury laws. Some employers may try to deny the employee’s workers’ compensation benefits by claiming the injury did not occur in the workplace, the employee caused their own injury, or the employee is exaggerating the injury. The employer’s insurance company may also try and deny the worker’s claim. This can be extremely troubling for an injured employee who was injured because of their employers’ negligence. Dealing with a serious injury is hard enough without having to fight to get coverage for the injury.

Disputes between workers and employers are generally handled through mediation. However, many workers continue to experience problems with their insurance coverage or benefits payments after an injury. If you have been injured in a workplace injury, you may want to talk to an experienced injury attorney. They will advise you of your rights and make sure you get the compensation you deserve.

Legal Claims After a Construction Site Accident

Many workplace injuries proceed through the workers’ compensation system. However, other individuals may be injured in a construction site that is not employed by the construction company. This includes independent contractors, delivery drivers, inspectors, and other individuals who may visit a construction site. In these cases, the injured victim may be able to file a legal claim to compensate them for their injuries. This includes compensation for medical bills, lost wages, lost earning capacity, pain, and suffering. Talk to your attorney about your accident and how you can seek compensation for your injuries.

DC Construction Site Injury Attorneys

If you were injured in a construction site accident, you should talk to an experienced D.C. personal injury attorney about getting compensation for your lost wages, medical bills, and pain and suffering. If a loved one was killed in a construction accident, a wrongful death claim may provide a way to make sure a similar accident does not happen in the future. Your personal injury attorney will help guide you through the claims process and advise you of your options. You should not have to suffer due to someone else’s negligence. Do not hesitate to call Gilman & Bedigian today for a free consultation.