For construction workers, safety on the job is the highest priority. Contractors, subcontractors, and workers work tirelessly to implement safety protocols, maintain equipment, and reduce risks to minimize hazards on the job site. Despite these precautions, however, nothing can fully protect workers or bystanders from the unpredictable and potentially catastrophic consequences of defective construction equipment. Equipment malfunctions, faulty safety mechanisms, or poorly maintained machinery can lead to severe accidents that result in life-changing injuries or fatalities.
These incidents can occur at any time, whether due to a crane malfunction, a forklift failure, or a design flaw in a piece of equipment. When construction equipment fails, the consequences can be devastating, affecting not just the workers operating the machinery but others on the site as well. Common injuries include broken bones, paralysis, burns, or amputations, which can have long-lasting physical, emotional, and financial effects.
If you’ve been injured in a Bowling Green construction accident, it’s crucial to understand your legal rights. While workers’ compensation covers many workplace injuries, it may not fully address the extent of your losses or the negligence of third parties, such as the manufacturer or maintenance provider of the defective equipment. Our Bowling Green construction lawyers investigate the cause of your accident, and fight for the compensation you deserve to cover medical bills, lost wages, and more.
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Construction Accident Statistics
Working in construction exposes workers to a wide variety of dangerous and potentially life-threatening conditions. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 1,000 construction-related fatalities occur each year, making up 21% of all worker deaths in the United States. These statistics highlight the significant risks construction workers face daily.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports that there are approximately 169,200 recorded injuries in the construction industry annually. Alarmingly, 40% of these injuries lead to workers needing to take time off from their jobs. Injuries can range from minor to severe, with some resulting in long-term disability.
The National Safety Council estimates that the average number of days workers are absent due to construction-related injuries is 11. These figures emphasize the importance of safety measures, proper training, and protective equipment to prevent injuries and ensure the well-being of construction workers on the job.
Types of Construction Zone Accidents
In a profession like construction, where the risk of severe and violent accidents is high, workers can suffer catastrophic injuries or even death from various incidents. Some of the most common and dangerous causes of construction accidents include:
Falls from roofs: One of the most frequent and hazardous accidents in the construction industry. Workers can fall from heights due to inadequate safety measures, such as missing guardrails, improper use of harnesses, or equipment failure. These falls often result in serious injuries, including broken bones, head trauma, or fatalities, especially when proper safety protocols are not followed.
Crane and heavy equipment accidents: Cranes, forklifts, and other heavy machinery pose significant risks. If it is not operated properly or if the equipment malfunctions, they can cause crushing injuries or fatalities. Accidents involving these machines can be catastrophic, as their weight and power can lead to life-threatening injuries or death.
Scaffolding collapses: When scaffolding is improperly assembled or its support fail, it can cause workers to fall from significant heights. These falls can lead to fractures, spinal cord injuries, or traumatic brain injuries, often resulting in long-term disability or death.
Structural cave-ins: Life-threatening accidents, particularly in trenches or excavation sites. Workers exposed to unstable soil or structures are at risk of being trapped under tons of debris, leading to severe injuries or fatalities. Proper safety measures, such as shoring or trench boxes, are essential to prevent such tragedies.
Electrocution: A risk for construction workers who come into contact with exposed wires, faulty electrical systems, or improperly grounded equipment. Electric shocks can cause severe burns, cardiac arrest, or fatalities. Adequate training and safety precautions are crucial to mitigate the risk of electrocution.
Fires and explosions: Common dangers on construction sites, especially when handling flammable materials or working with faulty electrical systems. Sparks or electrical issues can ignite fires or cause explosions, resulting in severe burns, smoke inhalation, or fatalities.
Compressed and natural gas explosions: Gas leaks from underground pipes or cables can trigger catastrophic explosions, leading to widespread damage, severe burns, and potentially fatal injuries.
Welding accidents: Present their own set of hazards. Workers involved in welding tasks face risks such as burns from hot metal, eye injuries from sparks, and other severe injuries. Improper protective gear, faulty equipment, or unsafe conditions can increase the danger of these accidents, leading to long-term health issues for the workers involved.
Common Injuries in Bowling Green Construction Accidents
As a result, construction workers often suffer severe and life-altering injuries, including:
Third-degree burns: These can occur from fires, explosions, or electrical accidents on the job site. The intensity of these burns can cause permanent damage to the skin, tissue, and even bones, requiring extensive treatment and long-term recovery.
Paralysis: Paralysis is caused by spinal cord damage, which can occur due to falls, equipment accidents, or structural collapses. Such injuries often lead to permanent disability, drastically changing the worker’s life and their ability to perform everyday tasks.
Degloving injuries: These occur when skin and tissue are torn from the body due to accidents involving machinery or equipment. The severity of these injuries often requires multiple surgeries, skin grafts, and lengthy rehabilitation.
Brain injuries: Often resulting from falls, blows to the head, or being struck by falling objects, brain injuries can range from concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries. These injuries can affect cognitive function and long-term health.
Amputations of limbs: These injuries can occur due to crushing accidents or incidents involving heavy equipment. The loss of a limb is not only physically devastating but also requires costly rehabilitation, as well as the long-term use of prosthetics.
Severe fractures: Typically resulting from falls or being struck by heavy machinery, these fractures can require extensive surgeries and long recovery periods, sometimes leading to permanent impairment.
In addition to these physical injuries, construction workers who engage in demolition work on older buildings face the added risk of exposure to toxic substances, such as asbestos. This exposure can lead to life-threatening illnesses, including mesothelioma or other respiratory conditions, which may take years to manifest but can severely impact a worker’s health and quality of life.
What to do after a Bowling Green Construction Accident
After being injured in a construction work accident, it is essential to take the proper steps to ensure your safety and protect your legal rights. Since your injury occurred while you were on the job, you are likely entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. However, to secure full compensation for your losses, it’s important to follow these steps:
Seek Medical Care – First and foremost, visit the emergency room or urgent care so a qualified medical professional can thoroughly assess and treat your injuries. Even if the injury seems minor, a doctor should perform a full examination, as some injuries may not be immediately noticeable or may worsen over time. Be sure to follow your doctor’s treatment plan, including attending all appointments with medical professionals such as doctors and physical therapists.
Document the Incident – Record everything you remember about the accident. Include details of what happened before, during, and after the incident, even the smallest of details, as these can be crucial in strengthening the viability of your claim.
Talk to Possible Witnesses – If possible, gather the contact information of anyone who witnessed the accident and ask them to provide a summary of what they saw.
Report the Injury – It’s essential to report the accident as soon as possible. Notify your supervisor in writing, and make sure to document the name and position of the person you notified, as well as the date the report was submitted.
Obtain Medical Records and Documentation – Keep all records related to your injuries, including medical diagnoses, treatments, prescriptions, and expenses. Take photographs of your injuries at the outset and continue taking pictures as your recovery progresses.
Contact a Bowling Green Construction Accident Lawyer – To ensure you have a strong workers’ compensation or personal injury claim, consult with an experienced Bowling Green construction accident attorney. We will review the details of your accident and determine the best course of action to help you obtain the full compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Damages Available from Bowling Green Construction Accident Injury Cases
Suffering injuries on or near a construction site can have devastating and long-lasting effects on both you and your family—physically, emotionally, and financially. While workers’ compensation may provide some financial relief, you could be entitled to additional compensation, especially if a third party’s negligence caused the accident. In such cases, you might be eligible for some or all of the following damage:
Medical care not covered by workers’ compensation benefits: While workers’ compensation may cover the majority of your medical expenses, it might not cover all treatment costs, particularly for specialized care, long-term rehabilitation, or treatment that falls outside the scope of workers’ compensation. You may be entitled to compensation for any medical bills not covered by workers’ comp.
Rehabilitation, occupational, and physical therapy: Many construction injuries require extensive therapy for recovery. This can include physical therapy to regain mobility, occupational therapy to help you return to work, or specialized rehabilitation for neurological or cognitive recovery. These services can be costly, and additional compensation may help cover the expenses that workers’ compensation doesn’t fully address.
Assistive care for daily living needs: Serious injuries might leave you unable to care for yourself, requiring help with everyday activities like bathing, dressing, or eating. If you need home healthcare or assistance with personal tasks, you may be entitled to compensation for the cost of hiring a caregiver.
Home and vehicle modifications to accommodate your injuries: Injuries that result in mobility impairments may require modifications to your home or vehicle, such as ramps, widened doorways, or accessible bathrooms. These modifications can be costly, and compensation for these expenses can help improve your quality of life and ensure your living and transportation arrangements are adapted to your new needs.
Psychological care for trauma related to the accident: Accidents on construction sites can lead to significant psychological effects, including anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Therapy or counseling to help you manage the emotional aftermath of the accident may not be covered by workers’ compensation, but you may be eligible for compensation to address your mental health needs.
Emotional trauma resulting from the incident: Beyond psychological care, emotional distress caused by the accident and its aftermath can be considered a part of your overall suffering. This can include stress, anxiety, and depression related to a major injury, loss of work, or changes to your daily life. Compensation can help you cope with this emotional toll.
Pain and suffering endured due to your injuries: Physical pain is often a significant part of the recovery process after a construction accident. Beyond just medical expenses, you may be entitled to compensation for the chronic pain, discomfort, and lasting physical limitations that result from the injury.
Disfigurement caused by the accident: In severe accidents, workers may suffer permanent scarring or disfigurement that alters their physical appearance. This can be emotionally distressing and can impact your self-esteem and social interactions. Compensation for disfigurement recognizes the significant impact this has on your life.
Disability compensation for the inability to work: If your injuries prevent you from returning to work or pursuing a similar career, you may be entitled to disability compensation. This could help you make up for lost wages and adjust to a new career path, ensuring you can still support yourself and your family.
Wrongful death damages if your loved one passed away due to the injuries: If a construction accident tragically leads to the death of a loved one, surviving family members may be entitled to wrongful death compensation. This can cover funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and the emotional distress of losing a loved one due to a preventable accident.
In Ohio, it’s critical to act within the time limits for filing claims. An injured worker has one yearto file a workers’ compensation claim and two years to file a third-party personal injury lawsuit. Consulting with an experienced attorney is essential to ensure you understand your legal rights and receive the compensation necessary to cover your full range of damages.
Charles E. Boyk Delivers in Bowling Green Construction Accidents!
Worker Using Table Saw loses Fingers from Lack of Safety Guard
Our client was required to use a table saw, but the employer had removed the safety guards. While using a push stick to feed the wood through the saw, several fingers of our client’s dominant right hand were amputated. This resulted in a long period of physical therapy and a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder.
We retained a table saw expert, conducted an extensive investigation, and filed a safety standards violation claim under workers’ compensation, along with a lawsuit against the employer. During the litigation, we uncovered evidence that the employer had prior knowledge of similar injuries.
Through private mediation, we successfully settled both the workers’ compensation claim and the lawsuit for a large, confidential amount. Our client was able to receive retraining and transition into a new, less dangerous job.
$600,000 Settlement for Crane Operator Construction Accident
Our client, a construction laborer, was working at a grain silo when he was lifted in a bosun chair with a harness and suspended from a crane by the crane operator. Unfortunately, there was no spotter, and the crane operator lost sight of our client. As a result, our client’s left leg became entangled, leading to serious injuries. These injuries included tears in his hips and required several back surgeries over a four-year period.
We conducted a thorough safety investigation, hiring multiple construction and crane operator experts. We filed a lawsuit, took numerous depositions, and successfully settled the case at a private mediation just before trial. Additionally, we helped our client secure workers’ compensation benefits, which we later settled. Our client was retrained and found a new job that was less physically demanding and paid a higher wage.
High Confidential Settlement for Crane Operator Crushing Client’s Foot
Our client was assisting with crane operations within the scope of his employment when the crane operator, without receiving an “all clear” from the spotter, lowered the crane onto our client’s foot. Initially, the crushing injury resulted in the amputation of two toes. Unfortunately, a severe infection developed, leading to gangrene, and the remaining toes had to be amputated as well. Our client endured a long recovery and rehabilitation, ultimately having to stop working as a construction worker.
Although our client was from another state, we were brought into the case by a Texas law firm as local co-counsel in Federal Court in Ohio. We retained numerous experts, completed paper discovery and depositions, and ultimately resolved the case through mediation just before trial.
Reach Out Today for a Free Consultation
If you’ve been injured in a construction injury, it’s crucial to have a skilled personal injury attorney handling your case and secure the compensation you deserve. At Boyk Law, our experienced Bowling Green construction injury lawyers are dedicated to guiding you through this difficult period. We understand the complexities involved in construction injury cases and will work relentlessly to ensure you obtain the compensation and justice you’re entitled to.
Contact us today for a free case evaluation and find out how we can help you achieve the justice and financial recovery you need. Let us leverage our expertise to support you every step of the way.
