Common Causes of Construction Site Injuries in Seattle

Construction sites are dangerous places where accidents and injuries can happen in the blink of an eye. The causes of construction site injuries vary, but certain types of accidents are more common than others. The following are some of the more common causes of construction site injuries that personal injury attorneys come across.

Scaffolding Accidents

Workers who use scaffolds are in danger of falling from heights, getting struck by falling objects, or getting electrocuted if the scaffold comes into contact with power lines. Scaffolding accidents can result in serious injuries, such as broken bones, spinal cord injuries, and traumatic brain injuries. 

Aerial Work Platform Accidents

Aerial work platforms, such as cherry pickers and scissor lifts, are used to lift workers to high places. Workers who operate aerial work platforms are at increased risk of falling from heights, being electrocuted, or getting crushed by the platform. 

Burns and Explosions

Burns and explosions can result in serious injuries, such as burns, traumatic brain injuries, hearing loss, and vision loss. Construction workers who work with hot machinery and/or chemicals are the ones most likely to become a victim of this type of construction site injury, as well as workers who operate near gas or electrical lines.

Common Construction Site Injuries

Construction site injuries are often serious and life-altering. Some of the most common injuries include traumatic brain injuries (TBI), spinal cord injuries, burn injuries, hearing loss, and vision loss.

TBI – Traumatic Brain Injuries

Traumatic brain injuries occur when a sudden blow to the head causes damage to the brain. Symptoms of TBI can range from mild to severe and may include headaches, dizziness, confusion, and memory loss.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries occur when there is damage to the spinal cord that may result in loss of sensation or mobility. Symptoms of a spinal cord injury include loss of sensation, loss of mobility, and partial or full paralysis.

Burn Injuries

Burn injuries can occur when the skin is exposed to heat, chemicals, electricity, or radiation. Symptoms of burn injuries may include redness, blistering, vision loss, and scarring.

Hearing Loss

Hearing loss is a common occupational hazard for construction workers who are exposed to loud noises, such as jackhammers and heavy machinery, daily. Symptoms include difficulty hearing or chronic ringing in the ears.

Vision Loss

Vision loss is another common occupational hazard for construction workers who are exposed to dust, airborne shards of glass or wood, chemicals, and other hazardous materials.

What are the Causes of These Accidents and Injuries?

The causes of construction site accidents and injuries are varied, but they often result from the failure on the part of the employer or operator to follow proper safety procedures. Common causes of accidents and injuries on construction sites include:

• Lack of proper training – Workers should be properly trained to use machinery, operate vehicles, and work at heights if relevant.
• Improper use of equipment – Workers must operate equipment, such as scaffolds, ladders, and aerial work platforms, in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Inadequate safety measures – Employers must provide workers with proper safety equipment, such as hard hats, safety glasses, and gloves, and ensure that they are always used.
• Poor communication – Employers must ensure that workers communicate effectively to prevent accidents and injuries.
• Impaired operation – Workers should not arrive for work while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

What to do After Construction Site Accidents?

If you are injured in a construction site accident, the first thing you should do is seek medical attention. Even if you don’t think that your injuries are severe enough to warrant medical attention, it’s important to get a professional medical evaluation to determine the extent of your injuries. You should also report the accident to your employer as soon as possible. In some cases, you may need to file a workers’ compensation claim to receive benefits for your medical expenses and lost wages.

Compensation for Injuries

If you are injured in a construction site accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may be able to receive compensation for:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Disability
• Disfigurement

To receive compensation, you may need to file a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible parties, such as your employer, a contractor, or a manufacturer of faulty equipment. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you understand your legal options and guide you through the process of filing a lawsuit.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a construction site accident, the attorneys at Craig Swapp can help. Our experienced personal injury attorneys have helped countless clients recover compensation for their injuries and losses. We understand the challenges that injured workers face, and we are committed to helping you to get the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can help you with your construction site injuries.