Construction accidents are amongst the most dangerous and deadly in the United States. There are many different branches under the construction umbrella, some of which are more dangerous than others. Unfortunately, construction accidents kill and injure thousands every single year in America. The construction industry is hazardous, and when construction sites do not follow proper safety protocols, it can lead to devastating accidents.
Over the last several years, the U.S. has experienced an increase in construction accidents that lead to injury or death, with 2018 seeing a rise of about 4 percent, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Within the industry, more reported deaths emerged in the heavy and civil engineering segment and buildings constriction. Furthermore, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports that one out of every five worker deaths links back to the construction industry [1].
If these numbers surprise you, you aren’t alone. However, others know all-too-well how dangerous the construction industry is and have personally been affected by these accidents. At Shamieh Law, we understand how difficult it is to find yourself in the middle of a Texas construction accident.
Whether you suffered an injury on the job because of another person’s negligence or misconduct, or if you a lost a loved one in a construction site accident, we can help. The Dallas construction accident lawyers at Shamieh Law understand what you are going through and will do everything we can to fight for your rights. It is not enough to know that the construction industry is dangerous and can lead to tragedy.
Common Construction Worker Injuries
The construction industry is one of the largest in the United States, with nearly 700,000 companies employing more than seven million workers. Some of the most common injuries experienced by construction workers include:
- Burns
- Scarring
- Electrocutions
- Head injuries from falls or falling objects
- Brain injury
- Eye injuries
- Broken bones
- Neck, shoulder, and back injuries
- Knee and ankle injuries
- Stress injuries from constant lifting
- Overexertion injuries
- Heatstroke
- Spinal cord injuries
- Exposure to toxic chemicals
The nature of your injuries will depend on a host of factors, including the type of job site you were working on and whether or not safety procedures were followed. To learn more about common Dallas construction site injuries, please contact Shamieh Law today.
Top Causes of Construction Deaths
There are many different segments within the industry, some of which are inherently more dangerous than others. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states that approximately 1,000 construction workers [2] are killed in work-related incidents every year. According to OSHA, the following are the most common causes of construction accidents and deaths:
- Falls (33.5%)
- Being struck by an object (11.1%)
- Electrocutions (8.5%)
- Caught between objects (5.5%)
You can also attribute other injuries and deaths to the following:
- Lack of protection for workers
- Lack of protection for people on the ground
- Tripping hazards on job sites
- Missing protections on power tools
- Unsafe equipment
- Slip and falls
- Scaffolding accidents
- Machinery accidents
- Power tool accidents
Of all industries and jobs, electrical powerline installers have the highest rate of fatality. All construction workers must be alert and take the necessary actions to protect themselves and others when working on job sites. If you were injured and the accident could’ve been prevented, contact Shamieh Law today to schedule a consultation.
Steps to Take Following a Construction Site Accident
If you suffered an injury in a construction accident in Texas, please take the following steps into consideration:
- Report the accident immediately. Unfortunately, many construction accidents go unreported for numerous reasons. By reporting the incident to your supervisor, foreman, or whoever is in charge will help protect your rights and may help prevent others from getting injured.
- Seek medical attention. Regardless of how serious you believe your injuries to be, one of the first things you should do following a construction accident is get medical attention. Often, injuries do not show up right away, or a construction company will deny the accident happened. Having a trail that shows you were seen by a doctor immediately following the accident will protect you and help your case, should it go to court.
- Collect information from witnesses. If anyone witnessed the accident that led to your injuries, make sure to get their names and contact information. You should also take pictures and write down details about the incident to ensure it remains clear in your memory.
- Do your due diligence. By taking the time to learn about workers’ compensation laws and rights in Texas, you will be in a better position to take on those responsible for your injuries. These laws can be complicated and often intimidate injured parties, but we encourage you to learn about your options before proceeding.
- Talk to a lawyer. Texas is one of the worst states in the nation for construction accidents. If you suffered an injury or lost a loved one, please contact Shamieh Law today to discuss your case and what you can do moving forward.
Contact a Construction Accident Attorney
No one ever expects to be in an accident of any kind, especially when on the job. As we’ve discussed today, construction accidents happen at an alarming rate and are often preventable. You deserve justice, and we are here to help.
These types of accidents account for nearly 50 percent of all fatal work injuries and should be handled by a team that understands what you are going through. To learn more about workers’ compensation in Texas or discuss your case with a knowledgeable Dallas workplace accident lawyer, give us a call today and schedule a free consultation.