Construction sites can pose hazards to employees where injuries and death occur on a regular basis, unless the prime or general contractor makes safety its number one priority. Unfortunately, we routinely see safety hazards on job sites that could have been avoided, had proper safety measures been implemented. The construction field is consistently reported as one of the most dangerous of occupations. In New Jersey, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that in 2008 there were 92 fatal occupational injuries.
Data from the National Traumatic Occupational Fatalities (NTOF) Surveillance System show that falls from elevations were the fourth leading cause of workplace death from 1980 through 1994. The 8,102 deaths due to falls from elevations accounted for 10 percent of all occupational fatalities during this period and an average of 540 deaths per year.
Some common accidents that occur at construction sites include the following:
- Roof-related falls and accidents
- Crane and scaffolding accidents
- Electrical accidents
- Run-over by operating equipment
- Lifting equipment failure
- Falls from ladders
- Electric shock
- Trench collapses
- Fires and explosions
- Hit by highway vehicle
- Compressed gases accidents
- Welding accidents
- Slip, trip, and fall on debris, materials, or other substance
OSHA and other issues
Injuries that occur at construction sites involve many types of laws and regulations. A skilled New Jersey construction accident lawyer understands how to examine the relevant laws that apply and knows the interplay among them. Building code and safety codes, such as those embodied in Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations, exist to protect workers. Violations of OSHA can result in costly penalties to site owners including stiff fines and possible incarceration.
A construction accident victim may be eligible for benefits under workers’ compensation. However, workers’ compensation limits recovery to lost earnings and medical expenses. A victim of a construction accident may be able to recover other damages, such as compensation for pain and suffering.
By filing a claim against other parties such as the owner of the property, or other persons or companies whose negligence may have caused your personal injury, a victim may recover significant injury-related damages. If you need an experienced personal injury attorney, contact our firm today.
The law firm of Mattleman, Weinroth & Miller, P.C., is composed of experienced attorneys throughout the states of New Jersey and Delaware. Please contact the office for a free initial consultation and get any questions answered regarding your specific case.