Construction work is physically demanding and dangerous. Hazardous and treacherous conditions come with the jobs. Safety codes and procedures are routinely overlooked. Even a sprain or a broken bone can be devastating for a construction worker, who may no longer be able to do his or her job, even after healing.
If you or a loved one has been injured, there is no time to lose. It is imperative that the investigative process start immediately before evidence disappears, memories fade, and witnesses slip away. We empower you with our investigation, hard work, and legal skills, so you can make the right decision what to do: Settle or go to trial.
What Are the Main Causes of Construction Accidents?
Every year in the U.S., approximately 72,000 construction workers are injured on the job. According to the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), 99 construction workers are killed every week while working. In 2016, a total of 991 construction workers died as a result of their work-related accident injuries.
OSHA reports that there are four main causes of construction accidents. In fact, it refers to these as the “fatal four.” The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) says that if the fatal four could be eliminated, more than 600 lives could be saved every year.
In 2016, the Fatal Four were responsible for 991 deaths. The four main causes of construction worker accidents, in the order of their occurrence, are:
- Falls. This includes all types of falls. For example, falls off of ladders, off of scaffolding, into elevator shafts, off of roofs, or even falls into ditches or trenches.
- Struck by an object. This often occurs when a piece of equipment swings an object and hits a worker, or objects from higher levels of the project slip and fall and hit the worker below.
- Electrocution. Workers are electrocuted when power cords are frayed, drug through water, improperly grounded, or simply faulty.
- Caught-in-between accidents. This covers deaths from workers being caught in or compressed by equipment or objects, or being compressed under the weight of construction materials or dirt.
Nearly all construction workers will have at least one work-related injury during their career.
Experienced Representation for Injured Construction Workers
We have a long track record of successfully helping victims injured in construction accidents. We have also represented families of victims who have died in construction accidents. We will work with you directly and manage every detail of your case. You get our personal attention. You get our expertise in the intricacies of third party construction accident law. Our ultimate goal: full compensation for you and your family.
We have represented clients in the following types of construction workplace accidents:
- Construction Site Fires
- Fall accidents
- Faulty equipment: cranes, safety devices, nail guns, man-lifts, hydraulic lifts, etc.
- Scaffolding accidents
- Refinery explosions
- Pipeline explosions
- Hazardous workplace conditions
- Ceiling collapses
- Forklift accidents
- Failure to provide safety protection
- Electrocution Accidents
- Fires
- Falling objects
- Injuries from lifting and repetitive motions
- Iron Worker Injuries
Let Us Help You
If you have been injured in a construction accident and wish to speak to an attorney, please call us at 925-938-2000 or use our contact form. Get your free legal consultation today with the Appel Law Firm LLP. Our Walnut Creek office is conveniently located near the Walnut Creek BART station.
