If you or someone you know has sustained injuries in a construction accident, it’s good to know your options so you can seek compensation. An employer must ensure workers operate in a safe environment; failure to do so can be considered tort negligence.
Construction accidents result in some of the most consequential lawsuits. Visit websites of reputable law firms, such as JMLawyer.com, or instance, for help with matters regarding construction accident suits.
Construction jobs are inherently risky, with employees exposed to various dangers daily. Sadly, disasters can occur, resulting in significant injuries or even fatalities.
Indeed, construction-related accidents are among the most common causes of workplace injuries and deaths in America. If you or a loved one has suffered harm in a construction accident, you must understand how different construction accidents can result in the most consequential lawsuits.
Negligence of the Employer
Employers must keep workplaces safe for all employees. However, some employers may cut corners to save money or meet deadlines, leading to hazardous working conditions.
For example, employers may fail to provide workers with proper safety gear, such as goggles, helmets, or harnesses. They may also fail to provide adequate training on safety protocols or correct and safe use of equipment.
In other cases, some employers may even intentionally disregard safety guidelines to reduce operational expenses.
If you suffer work-related harm due to an employer’s negligent actions, you can take the matter to court and seek compensation. The lawsuit may result in compensation for lost wages, medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Equipment Failure
People who work in construction jobs depend on many different pieces of equipment to execute tasks. However, this comes with the risk of injuries in case of equipment failure. For example, if a crane breaks down and drops a heavy load, anyone on the load’s path may suffer severe injuries or even fatalities.
In other cases, injuries may result from collapsing scaffolding. In cases involving injuries or even fatalities due to neglected equipment, one can bring a lawsuit against the employer for failing to ensure a safe work environment.
Falls
Falls are one of the most common types of construction accidents, and they can be deadly. Falls can occur from elevated heights, such as rooftops, scaffolding, or ground level, due to slips and fall. If a worker falls from a rooftop due to a lack of guardrails or harnesses, the employer may be liable for their injuries if they fail to provide proper safety equipment or training.
Similarly, if a worker slips and falls on a wet surface, the employer may be liable if they fail to provide proper non-slip footwear or clean up the hazard promptly.
Electrical Accidents
Electrical accidents can occur when workers perform their job. These accidents can cause serious injuries, including burns, electrocution, and even death. If an electrical accident is caused by the negligence of an employer or equipment manufacturer, they may be held liable for the damages.
For example, if a worker suffers an electrical shock while using a faulty power tool, the manufacturer may be liable for the worker’s injuries.
Similarly, if an employer fails to train their workers on electrical safety protocols or doesn’t maintain electrical equipment properly, they may be liable for any resulting accidents.
Toxic Exposure
Construction workers may be exposed to toxins and chemicals, including lead, asbestos, and silica dust. Toxic chemicals can be harmful when inhaled or swallowed. Skin exposure can result in rashes and burns. Toxic substances can damage the lungs if inhaled.
Contact with toxic chemicals can also result in cancer, neurological and brain harm, embryo malformations, or disfigurement. If a worker suffers health problems due to toxic exposure, they may be able to bring a third-party lawsuit against the employer as long as they can prove employer negligence.
Concluding Thoughts
In conclusion, construction accidents can result in severe injuries or even fatalities, leading to some of the most serious lawsuits. Employers must ensure that their employees operate in a safe environment. Failure to do so may lead to accidents leaving workers with serious injuries or even death.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a construction accident, don’t be afraid to pursue relevant construction accident claims. Contact a qualified construction accident lawyer to protect your legal rights.