Personal Injury Lawyer
Doing your job should never put you at risk for injury. However, some professions lend themselves to more accidents than others. Construction workers find themselves amid heavy equipment, tools and other hazards daily. These construction sites prove a danger, especially if proper safety standards are not met throughout. When a construction worker gets hurt, the results can range from a scratch to death. Here are some of the most common injuries workers in these conditions may sustain.
Head Injuries
A knock to the head can do more than leave a mark or lead to a headache. In some instances, these wind up being the most deadly injury. If the brain is bruised and bleeds, it may lead to permanent damage. Any impact to the head must be examined by a doctor immediately. On a construction site, the risk of getting hit from falling debris is higher. Wearing the proper safety equipment, such as a hardhat, may help prevent severe brain trauma.
Burn Injuries
Workers in a construction zone often deal with high temperatures between materials and tools. Burn injuries happen fairly regularly. Electrocution is another manner by which a worker may get burned. Tools and water don’t mix, so keeping the work site free of debris and watching live wires can prevent accidents.
Back Injuries
Construction is a labor-intensive profession. The constant climbing, twisting, and bending may lead to back problems. Sometimes workers ignore the pains believing it merely a minor strain. However, damage to the muscles of the back may compromise the support structure for the spinal cord. When the spinal cord or column is damaged, paralysis or death may result. Use the proper safety braces and measures to reduce back injuries.
Next Steps
When a worker is injured through the course of their regular job duties, they may be able to file a workers’ compensation claim against their employer. In construction site accidents, a knowledgeable attorney will be able to navigate the formal process and help recover money to pay for medical treatment. If the employer is found to be negligent, meaning management knew there was a risk of injury but did not rectify it, then a personal injury claim may obtain the hurt employee more financial assistance.
The most important thing to remember is a work injury is something to take seriously. Those that occur on construction sites can mean a change of lifestyle for the worker and their family. A lawyer, like a personal injury lawyer from Hickey & Turim, can help you navigate the process.