Construction work is essential in our society, important to our economy, and often dangerous for construction workers. A March 2018 report issued by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health Occupational Health Surveillance Program indicated from 2012-2016, more Massachusetts construction workers were killed due to on-the-job accidents than workers in any other industry.
Many other construction professionals survived work-related accidents but were left with serious injuries. It is critical to contact a construction accident injury lawyer to protect your rights in Massachusetts.
Common Construction Accidents and Injuries
Construction workers including roofers, electricians, masons, carpenters, cement workers, plumbers, general contractors, and others may be hurt in work-related accidents such as:
- Falls from heights. Scaffolding, ladders, cranes, roofs, and other height-specific work can result in catastrophic injuries. Safe equipment and personal safety devices help minimize the risks.
- Slip and falls. Slippery and/or uneven surfaces, clutter, and unsecured flooring are slip and fall hazards. A fall, even on a flat surface, can result in a painful injury.
- Confined space accidents. Some construction work must be done in closed spaces such as trenches. A cave-in, or exposure to dangerous chemicals in unventilated areas can turn into an emergency that quickly results in fatalities.
- Lifting, loading, and unloading accidents. Construction accidents aren't always dramatic. Sometimes the simple actions of unloading or loading materials or lifting heavy goods can result in serious injury.
- Electrical accidents. As electrical wires are installed or fixed on a construction site, electricians and other workers may be at risk.
- Chemical exposure accidents. Different chemicals for various building applications can be toxic or result in dangerous burns.
- Tool accidents. Defective tools, negligent users, or simple bad luck can result in severe injuries.
- Motor vehicle accidents. With all the materials, equipment, and different stages of development, there are many obstacles for drivers on a job site. Also, a worker carrying a heavy load or wearing ear and eye protection might not have the ability to avoid a tragic vehicle accident.
These incidents may be caused by lack of training, violation of government safety regulations, negligence, or genuinely be accidents. Resulting injuries include, but aren't limited to:
- Broken bones
- Back, neck, and shoulder conditions
- Eye damage
- Burns or electrocution
- Hip, knee, and ankle problems
- Amputations
- Concussions or traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord damage
- Death
Call a Construction Accident Injury Lawyer
Construction injury cases are often complex. In Massachusetts, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation, or you might have to file a personal injury lawsuit for your injuries. The compensation that you may recover in a workers’ comp claim is different from your potential damages in a third-party personal injury lawsuit.
A workers’ compensation claim may pay for your medical expenses and a percentage of your lost income. However, you won't be able to recover damages for pain and suffering.
If you have a personal injury claim against someone other than your employer, however, then you may be able to file a lawsuit and recover damages for your physical pain, emotional suffering, lost income, medical expenses, and other damages. Getting a Massachusetts construction accident injury lawyer is vital to protecting your rights.
The facts of your case and the cause of your accident determine whether you have a workers’ compensation claim or a personal injury case. The experienced legal team at Spada Law Group will pursue all available sources of compensation for you. Our offices are conveniently located in Chelsea and Salem. We're pleased to provide you with a free consultation if you’ve been hurt or if your loved one died in a construction accident. Please fill out the contact form on this page, or call us today to learn more.
