Each year thousands of construction site workers are injured on the jobsite. Although many federal and state regulations are in place to prevent construction site accidents, these injuries are still commonplace in Florida and the rest of the United States. Occupational safety and health is a huge factor in the construction industry, and disregarding safety can lead to serious injuries. The deadline to file a workers’ compensation claim is within 30 days of the accident.
There are numerous hazards on construction sites. Uneven surfaces, slippery surfaces, falling tools, unforgiving concrete floors. These can all contribute to serious injuries for workers. Many construction workers can receive catastrophic injuries if they’ve not received proper training with heavy machinery. Machinery accidents have been known to cause severe injuries on the job and can be life-altering for employees.
You need to seek the legal guidance of a work injury lawyer as early as possible after a workplace injury. Filing a claim can be a complex legal process, and you may overlook details pertinent to your case if you proceed without legal representation. As such, you should contact a lawyer within two weeks of the incident.
Our firm is made up of experienced lawyers ready to fight for you. Our knowledgeable workers’ compensation lawyers can help you recover medical expenses, lost wages, and funds for future medical treatments due to construction site accidents. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more about your rights and how to file your workers’ compensation claim for construction site accidents.
Common Causes of Construction Site Accidents
There are many hazards in the construction industry, and accidents can occur for many reasons. From crane operators moving concrete slabs to power tools being used near flammable materials, numerous risks can cause serious incidents. The top four types of construction site accidents are falls, struck-bys, caught-in-betweens, and electrocutions.
Because of these hazards, OSHA standards are in place regarding permits, personal protective equipment, regular inspections, and job safety programs to prevent construction site accidents. Failure to follow proper safety procedures and protocols, negligence, and product malfunctions can lead to serious and even life-threatening accidents.
Some of the leading causes of construction site accidents include:
- Poor safety precautions
- Insufficient training
- Falling objects
- Welding accidents
- Crane accidents
- Hoist accidents
- Collapsed structures
- Harness accidents
- Improper use of equipment
- Slip and fall accidents
- Mechanical hazards
- Exposure to chemicals
- Fires and explosions
- Compressed gas
- Scaffolding accidents
- Falls from great heights
Additionally, cell phone tower accidents have been on the rise in recent years. Fatalities from cell phone tower accidents have also risen as well. This may be due to improper safety standards, poor use of safety equipment, and unsafe conditions.
Steps for Construction Workers After a Job-Related Injury
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Your health and safety come first. Whether it’s calling emergency services or visiting a healthcare provider, document the treatment and diagnosis to establish a clear record of your injuries.
Report the Injury to Your Employer
Notify your supervisor or employer about the injury as soon as possible. Provide specific details about how, when, and where the injury occurred. Most states have a limited timeframe for reporting workplace injuries, so act quickly to protect your claim.
Document the Scene of the Accident
Take photos or videos of the accident site, machinery involved, hazardous conditions, and any visible injuries. Record witness names and contact information for additional support in your case.
File a Workers’ Compensation Claim
Initiate the workers’ compensation claim process through your employer. Include all necessary documentation, such as medical reports and accident details.
Consult with a Personal Injury Attorney
Reach out to an experienced personal injury attorney who specializes in construction-related accidents. They can evaluate such cases, help determine whether third-party liability exists, and guide you through the complexities of both workers’ compensation and personal injury claims.
Avoid Speaking with Insurance Adjusters Without Legal Counsel
Insurance companies often aim to minimize payouts. An attorney can communicate with adjusters for you to ensure your rights are protected and you receive fair compensation.
Follow Your Doctor’s Recommendations
Adhere strictly to your prescribed treatment plan. Gaps in medical care can be used against you in claims, suggesting that your injuries are not as severe as claimed.
Track All Expenses and Losses
Maintain a detailed record of medical bills, lost wages, transportation costs for medical visits, and any other financial impacts related to your injury. This documentation is critical for calculating the full extent of your damages.
Avoid Posting About Your Injury Online
Social media activity can be scrutinized by opposing parties. Refrain from sharing details about your injury or recovery to prevent misinterpretation.
Consider All Legal Options
Depending on the circumstances of your accident, you may be entitled to more than workers’ compensation. A personal injury attorney can help identify if a third-party general contractor, equipment manufacturer, or another entity shares liability for your injuries.
By following these steps and securing strong legal representation, construction workers can maximize their chances of obtaining the compensation they deserve while focusing on recovery.
Preventing On-the-Job Accidents for Construction Workers
Construction sites are inherently risky, but many accidents can be avoided by following proper safety protocols and being vigilant. Here are some key strategies to help construction workers stay safe on the job:
Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Always wear the appropriate safety gear, including hard hats, gloves, safety goggles, steel-toed boots, and high-visibility clothing. Proper PPE is often the first line of defense against injuries.
Follow Safety Training and Guidelines
Participate in all mandatory safety training programs provided by your employer. Familiarize yourself with OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) guidelines specific to construction sites and ensure you adhere to them.
Inspect Tools and Equipment Regularly
Check tools, machinery, and equipment before each use to ensure they are in good working condition. Report and avoid using damaged or faulty equipment.
Maintain a Clean and Organized Worksite
Keep work areas free of clutter, debris, and unnecessary materials. Proper organization reduces the risk of tripping, falling, or equipment mishandling.
Use Fall Protection Systems
Falls are a leading cause of construction injuries. Always use harnesses, guardrails, and safety nets when working at heights, and ensure ladders and scaffolds are stable and securely anchored.
Communicate Clearly with Team Members
Effective communication is critical on a busy construction site. Use hand signals, radios, or other means to coordinate movements and ensure everyone is aware of potential hazards.
Be Aware of Surroundings
Stay alert to moving machinery, falling objects, and other workers’ activities. Awareness of your surroundings can help you avoid accidents caused by sudden changes in the environment.
Follow the Proper Lifting Techniques
To avoid back injuries, lift heavy objects correctly by bending at the knees, not the waist, and using your legs to bear the weight. Use mechanical aids or ask for assistance with particularly heavy loads.
Avoid Fatigue and Stay Hydrated
Exhaustion and dehydration can lead to mistakes and reduced awareness. Take scheduled breaks, drink plenty of water, and prioritize rest.
Report Hazards Immediately
If you notice unsafe conditions, report them to your supervisor or site manager immediately. Proactive hazard management can prevent accidents from occurring.
By adopting these preventive measures, construction workers can significantly reduce the risk of injuries, ensuring a safer and more productive work environment for everyone involved.
Construction Site Accidents FAQs
I work in Florida on a construction site and a pole landed on my leg, breaking it. I have other injuries as well. Am I eligible for Workers’ Compensation?
If you have been injured on a Florida construction site because a pole landed on your leg, then you are likely eligible for workers’ compensation. The benefits offered through workers’ compensation will help to provide for medical expenses, prescriptions, therapy, and even surgery to help you get back to your normal baseline of health. In many instances, it will also provide you with lost wages if you are unable to return to work because of your injuries or during any necessary treatments that you must undergo.
If you broke your leg at work and need help from workers’ compensation benefits, it is important to contact a licensed and experienced lawyer. Workers’ comp doesn’t always want to pay out claims, so to protect your rights, contact Work Injury Rights today for your construction site accidents.
I was working in Florida on a construction site and was hit by a loose wire. I fell and have felt strange ever since – am I eligible for Workers’ Comp?
Workers’ compensation was created to prevent workers from going into financial devastation because of injuries sustained at work. If you were hit by a loose wire at work and now you don’t feel right, you may be entitled to compensation. If you reported this accident when it took place, you’re going to have an easier time. If you didn’t report the accident, it may be a little more difficult to seek compensation.
In either situation, it is best to work with a lawyer from Work Injury Rights. Workers’ compensation tends to fight in some situations, and being hit by a loose wire may be one of those tricky situations. You will have an uphill battle, but it is a possible fight with our help. Call us at 954-388-8616 today!
What different types of construction site accidents do you cover?
Workers’ compensation covers a large majority of construction site accidents and injuries. Most accidents are related to broken bones or back pain. However, there are many different types of injuries and accidents depending on the job site.
Some of the injuries covered include (but are not limited to):
- Personal injury (broken bones, back injuries, head injuries, electrocution, and more)
- Heavy machinery injuries
- Workplace negligence
- Product liability
- Wrongful death
If you have been injured on a construction site, we can help you receive the workers’ compensation benefits you deserve! Simply contact us today by filling out the form or by giving us a call, so we can get started on your claim.
My husband had a limb amputated on a construction site but isn’t getting offered enough money for us to get by. What can we do now?
An amputation is one of the most serious construction site accidents that someone can face, and workers’ compensation often doesn’t give enough money to help people move on with their lives. If you haven’t already signed anything, refrain from doing so until you talk with a lawyer. If you have, you still may have a pathway to compensation. Often, workers’ comp will only try to pay for medical costs related to the injury, even though they should offer much more. Call Work Injury Rights today, and tell us about your situation. We will fight for you to get the compensation you deserve.
How can we prevent accidents involving heavy equipment on a construction site?
In general, construction sites have managers and overseers who follow the strict safety protocols for Florida construction sites. There are many rules and regulations that worksites need to follow and if they do not, they should be reported as soon as possible. All heavy equipment should be properly inspected, licensed, and insured. Also, everyone who operates that equipment should have adequate training on safety.
Wearing the proper clothing, always following best practices, and ensuring that everyone on a site is safe can help to prevent any problems with heavy equipment. If you or a loved one was injured because of unsafe protocols on a Florida construction site, call Work Injury Rights at 954-388-8616 today!
Construction Workers Should Reach Out to Work Injury Rights
If you are a construction worker who has been injured from job-related activities, you will need a workers’ compensation lawyer to walk you through the legal process. If you are offered a settlement, do not accept it until you have consulted with a work injury lawyer. The settlement may not be in your best interests, particularly if you have extensive injuries or financial losses to recoup.
Workers who have been injured on the job may be entitled to multiple sources of compensation. This depends on the events that lead to the injury. Unfortunately, some construction site accident lawyers may overlook important details, which can leave you with less than Florida law would have awarded. The good news is that our lawyers are experienced in the nuances of construction site accidents and workers’ compensation claims.
These are just a few of the many reasons to hire an expert workers’ compensation lawyer with a proven track record. At Work Injury Rights, we can help you obtain the maximum amount of benefits available. We have over 45 years of combined experience fighting for workers’ rights. Contact us today for a free consultation by calling 954-388-8616 or by filling out a contact form.
