Injuries to construction workers on the job are the most common injuries for any worker in the United States. While those in construction only make up only 4% of the job market, they contribute to 21% of deaths on the job. Though there have been plenty of efforts to reduce the number of injuries in the past years, most people get hurt because of an unsafe work environment. If you or a loved one has been injured or killed on the job, you may be entitled to compensation. Here is what you need to know about construction worker injuries and why seeking the help of an experienced attorney is your best option for getting reimbursed for medical bills or lost wages.

If you were injured outside of work in the Long Beach area, we handle all types of injury compensation cases across California. Check out our personal injury page to learn more.

Most Common Construction Injuries & How to Avoid Them

There are plenty of opportunities to get injured at a construction site because of heavy machinery, large objects, and loud noises. However, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) refers to the most common causes of injuries and death as the “Fatal Four.” These include:

  • Falls that can be split into two categories. Falls from the same level include tripping on objects and slipping on unclearly marked wet floors. Falls from heights include anything from a ladder, the roof of a house, or from a scaffolding several stories in the air. Such accidents can be avoided by following safety precautions and using appropriate equipment, such as a harness.
  • Getting struck by an object can involve anything from getting run over by a forklift to getting hit by a hammer that fell off a ladder. Avoid this category of injuries by wearing proper safety gear, such as gloves, hardhats, or a bright vest so you are more visible to your coworkers.
  • Electrocution can cause serious damage to your nerves, muscular contractions, and cardiac arrest. Refrain from electrocution by wearing protective gear, de-energizing your equipment, and using lockout and tag procedures.
  • Caught-In/Between is a category of injuries that can mean a body part getting pulled into a piece of machinery, a vehicle pressing your body up against another object, or a large object collapsing on top of you. Avoid this type of injury by standing a respectable distance away from swinging equipment, keeping hands and arms away from moving parts, and staying fully aware of your surroundings.

What if You Were Injured by a Faulty Product or Equipment?

Not all construction injuries can be the fault of the victim or the company they work for. Sometimes, tools, vehicles, or other pieces of equipment on the job don’t work the way they are supposed to, and can seriously injure the person using it as a result. If this sounds like your situation and you live in Los Angeles or Orange Counties, let us know, and we can start working on your case as soon as possible.

Why Hire an Attorney for My Workers’ Compensation Case?

After you or a loved one has been seriously hurt at work, you should put your focus and attention on healing so you can get back to earning your living. The last thing on your to-do list should be worrying about how you are going to pay your bills while you are out of a job. Whether you have been temporarily injured from a broken arm or permanently injured because of a loss of mobility, Pratt Law Corporation will work hard to pursue just compensation for your pain and suffering. Our top priority is to make sure that your voice is heard and your case isn’t overlooked by the justice system. Don’t stress about what will come tomorrow, this week, or this year; we will be fighting by your side, every step of the way.

If you’re worried about insurance being able to cover your bills, let us deal with the complicated processes and paperwork. Based in Long Beach, California, we have helped clients all over Southern California, from San Bernardino and Riverside to Ventura and Santa Barbara. Call our office today at (562) 498-4600 or contact us to get started on your road to recovery.

If you’re still unsure about taking that first step, check out our workers’ compensation page to learn more about our services.