- Workers' Compensation
People who work in the construction industry are at a much higher risk of getting injured than other workers. OSHA recognizes this fact. This is why there are special rules when it comes to worker safety. Our Lakeland workers comp attorneys have helped hundreds of workers file claims after construction and demolition accidents.
If you’ve suffered an injury in a construction accident, there’s a good chance you’ll be entitled to workers compensation benefits.
What Exactly Is the OSHA Fatal Four?
When it comes to construction or demolition accidents, there are four categories of very severe injuries. OSHA refers to these categories as the Fatal Four. The reason they call them this is because many of these injuries can result in serious bodily injury or even death.
The OSHA Fatal Four include the following:
- Falls
- Struck-By accidents
- Caught in-between accidents
- Electrocution
If you’ve worked in the construction industry for a few years, then you probably know people who’ve suffered these types of injuries.
OSHA Has Declared Certain Construction Injuries as More Dangerous Than Others
Because of the nature of the work they do, OSHA has long considered construction work as one of the most dangerous professions. Every day a demolition worker leaves the house could be their last.
If an employee suffers any of the fatal four injuries, they will more than likely need to apply for workers compensation. Many of them will hire a Lakeland workers comp attorney to help them do this.
The Fatal Four Account for More Than 60% of All Construction Injuries
According to OSHA, the fatal four account for more than 60% of all construction and demolition accidents. Of course, there are other accidents that can cause serious injuries.
For example, if you’re forced to work with loud equipment, there’s a chance you’ll suffer hearing loss. The same is true when it comes to your vision. If you are a welder or have to deal with sharp objects, it could cause a serious eye injury.
Our Workers Comp Lawyers in Lakeland Handle Many Construction Accident Cases
Aside from motor vehicle accidents, construction accidents are the most fatal of all work-related accidents. Our workers comp lawyers in Lakeland meet with construction workers all the time.
It can be very difficult for a construction worker to handle their own workers’ compensation claim. There are usually several companies involved in a construction project.
For example, there is a managing firm and then there could be half a dozen subcontractors. It can be difficult, even for a Lakeland workers comp attorney, to determine which company should be held accountable.
Construction Work Involves a Lot of Demolition Work
When a construction company starts a new project, there is often demolition involved. For example, if a client buys a plot of land, there is a good chance there are existing structures on the property.
Construction workers need to clear these structures so the company can break ground on the new project. Workers may be forced to engage in demolition work for weeks or even months before the new house is constructed.
During this time, construction workers are at the highest risk of injury.
Demolition Workers Can Get Caught or Trapped in Rubble
If you spend a lot of your time working on demolition sites, then you know how dangerous it can be. There are stories on the news every day about a construction worker getting trapped or buried while doing demolition.
If this happens to you, you will need to file for workers compensation benefits immediately. You will be in no shape to work for quite some time.
Demolition and Construction Workers Suffer Dangerous Falls
Construction workers often have to work from great heights. If they suffer a fall, they are at risk of suffering a host of injuries, including:
- Broken bones
- Back and neck injuries
- Traumatic brain injury
- Spinal cord injuries
- Cuts and lacerations
Any one of these can take months to recover from. It’s important that your Lakeland accident attorney be aware of your “fatal four” work accident. This will enable them to make sure your claim is handled properly from the start.
Workers Get Hit By Heavy Equipment and Falling Debris
Whether you’re working on a demolition site or a regular construction site, you likely work with heavy equipment. Even if you use this equipment properly, there is still the chance you can get injured.
Many of the clients our workers’ comp lawyers in Lakeland represent were injured by heavy equipment. Or they were hit in the head by falling debris or rubble. These types of accidents often cause life-changing injuries.
Some of the more common injuries associated with debris and heavy equipment include:
- Concussion
- Traumatic brain injury
- Paralysis
- Loss of limbs or amputation
- Spinal cord injuries
It all depends on the type of item that strikes you.
Construction Workers Risk Getting Electrocuted
Depending on the exact nature of your work, there’s always the chance you could get electrocuted. Even if you aren’t an electrician, that doesn’t mean you won’t get injured in this way.
Some of the cases our Lakeland workers comp attorneys have handled involved clients who were electrocuted during demolition. They come across a lot of foreign objects such as old power lines and gas lines. It’s nearly impossible to avoid them.
How Can Your Lakeland Workers Comp Attorney Help?
You may be wondering how a workers comp lawyer in Lakeland can help you. While you’re at the hospital focusing on your medical care, your Lakeland workers comp attorney will get started on your claim.
Once your claim is filed, your workers comp lawyer in Lakeland will work hard to negotiate a settlement on your behalf.
Reach Out to an Experienced Lakeland Workers Comp Attorney Today
If you work in construction, then you’re always at risk of getting hurt on the job. Aside from the oil and gas industry, construction is one of the most dangerous industries. In fact, it is so risky, OSHA has created an entirely separate category of construction accidents – the “Fatal Four.”
If you suffer this type of injury, it’s a good idea to contact our Florida workers comp lawyers immediately. When you call our office, we’ll help you schedule your free, initial consultation. Take the opportunity to tell us your story and find out if you have a valid claim.
Your employer will have a team of lawyers on their side. You need to have an experienced Lakeland workers comp lawyer in your corner too.
