Do you or someone you love work in the construction industry? While working in construction can be extremely rewarding and profitable, it can also be dangerous. Construction workers have one of the most dangerous jobs in the United States and are at risk of serious injury while working. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) estimates that one in five worker deaths in 2017 occurred due to construction site accidents. In a single year, construction-related accidents accounted for the highest number of work fatalities. If you or a loved one suffered injuries at a construction site, you should talk to a Maryland personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Below is some helpful information about common construction site injuries and workers’ compensation.
Four Most Common (and Dangerous) Construction Injuries
Construction site injuries are so common that OSHA keeps a list of the Fatal Four construction accidents that are the most dangerous to workers. Below are the four types of construction-related accidents that are most likely to kill or seriously injure construction workers. The Fatal Four include:
- Falls – Construction workers risk being seriously injured in falls from great heights. Construction work often requires employees to work high off the ground on cranes and ladders, and this puts them at risk of falling and suffering injuries.
- Falling objects striking workers – Workers are at risk of being hit by equipment and other objects that fall from above workspaces. Equipment or tools that are dropped by other people, or that are not properly secured, can fall and strike construction workers. This can cause serious injuries including concussions, broken bones, and other bodily harm.
- Electrocutions – Construction sites often have exposed electrical wiring and workers are at risk of electrical injuries or electrocution if the electrical equipment if the crew does not properly handle or protect the equipment. Electrocution can cause serious injury or death to construction workers.
- Injuries sustained when a worker gets caught in or in between construction equipment – Construction workers often operate or work near heavy machinery in the course of their job. This includes all incidents where a worker is caught inside, crushed, or hit by equipment or a falling structure. Even the most experienced workers still run the risk of suffering injuries due to construction equipment.
Workers’ Compensation Benefits
Maryland law often entitles construction workers injured on the job to worker’s compensation benefits. Construction site injuries can be serious and life-changing, and injured workers may be able to receive important financial benefits. To qualify for worker’s compensation in Maryland, you must have suffered an accidental injury during the “course of employment.” If you sustained injuries while working on a construction site, it is important that you contact a Maryland personal injury attorney immediately to determine if you are eligible for benefits.
Speak to a Personal Injury Attorney Today
After an injury, while working on a construction site, do not wait to contact a personal injury attorney. Call Alpert Schreyer Injury Accident Lawyers, today at 301-381-2655 to schedule a free case evaluation or contact us online.