Common Catastrophic Injuries on Michigan Construction Sites
Despite the fact that the federal government regulates health and safety standards on construction sites, accidents resulting in serious injuries are still a regular occurrence. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the construction industry accounts for around 20 percent of work-related fatalities, or around 1,000 per year. A larger number of construction workers suffer catastrophic injuries that they must cope with for the rest of their lives.
Life-Altering Construction Injuries
The various hazards on construction sites in Michigan and throughout the U.S. expose workers to the risk of a variety of catastrophic injuries, including:
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Spinal cord injuries - The most common causes of construction-related spinal cord injuries are falls from ladders, scaffolding, and other elevated areas, as well as accidents involving motor vehicles or heavy equipment. These injuries can cause a loss of sensation and mobility.
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Traumatic brain injuries - In addition to falls and equipment accidents, falling objects are another common hazard that can cause concussions and other forms of brain trauma, which can impair the brain’s ability to regulate the body’s physical and cognitive functions.
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Amputations - Accidents involving tools, machinery, equipment, and vehicles can sever a worker's fingers, hands, legs, and other extremities, which may permanently impair a person’s mobility and work abilities.
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Eye injuries - Exposure to sharp objects, dangerous chemicals, or blinding lights can impair a worker’s vision and may cause the total loss of an eye.
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Burn injuries - Fires, electrocutions, and chemicals can cause severe burns that may result in chronic pain and permanent scarring.
Compensation for Construction Accidents
Injured construction workers can often receive some compensation through workers’ compensation benefits, but in the case of a catastrophic injury, these benefits are unlikely to cover the full extent of the victim’s damages. Injured workers should consider hiring an attorney to help them determine whether their injuries were caused by the negligence of a third party, like a contractor or a subcontractor, the property owner, or a driver near the worksite.
With evidence of third-party negligence, an injury victim can file a claim pursuing compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering related to physical discomfort, mental anguish, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment. If the worker eventually succumbs to their injuries, surviving family members can continue with a wrongful death claim and recover additional damages for grief and funeral expenses.
Contact a Grand Rapids, MI Construction Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one has suffered severe, life-altering injuries on a construction site, Attorney John D. Tallman can help you understand your options for recovering full compensation. Contact our office today to schedule a free consultation with our Grand Rapids catastrophic injury lawyer by calling 616-361-8850.
Sources:
https://www.osha.gov/data/commonstats
https://www.ehstoday.com/construction/article/21916634/construction-accidents-the-risks-the-facts-and-the-repercussions-infographic
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