Though injuries can occur on the job in almost any work environment, injuries are particularly common in certain industries. For example, the construction industry is largely considered to be one of the most dangerous types of jobs in the United States. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA),1 more than 20 percent of all fatal on the job injuries occur on construction sites. For this reason, many workers’ compensation claims arise from injuries sustained on the job by construction workers.
“Fatal four” and other common accidents
OSHA refers to the four most common deadly accidents on construction sites as the “fatal four.” These types of accidents cause approximately half of all serious accidents on construction sites and are as follows:
- Falls from heights, such as ladders or scaffolding
- Being struck by an object, vehicle, or materials
- Electrocutions
- Getting caught in between two objects, including buildings, structures, vehicles, or materials
In addition to these four types of incidents, construction accidents can commonly include trench or ground collapses, motor vehicle accidents, equipment or tool malfunctions, falling objects, among others.
Common injuries in construction workers’ compensation claims
Construction workers often sustain serious injuries on the job that require extensive medical treatment, including the following:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries2
- Broken bones
- Burns
- Dismemberment
- Dislocations
- Contusions or impact injuries
Even if a worker survives an on the job accident, they likely face long-term medical treatment and the inability to return to work for some time.
If you have been injured, call a Charleston workers’ compensation attorney for help
Whether you work on a construction site, for a manufacturing company, or in an office building, you have the right to workers’ compensation benefits if you qualify. Too many workers find themselves receiving inadequate benefits for their serious injuries or facing a complete denial of benefits when they should qualify. The experienced South Carolina workers’ compensation attorneys at the Law Firm of Walter Hundley understand the many challenges construction workers and other injured employees face during their recovery. We are not just any Charleston law firm, we help you fight for your compensation. Please call our office at 843-723-1995 or 866-723-1995 for a free consultation today.
References:
1https://www.osha.gov/oshstats/commonstats.html
2https://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/tbi/tbi.htm
