The Dangers of Working in Construction
Local 10 News recently reported that a construction worker has been killed by a driver traveling in a closed lane on MacArthur Causeway in a late night collision. The unidentified worker was fatally struck when the driver traveled westbound into the construction lane which was closed to traffic. No information has been released on the condition of the driver who struck the construction worker, but authorities have asserted that the driver also rear-ended another vehicle during the incident, resulting in additional injuries to that driver.
How Dangerous Can Working in Construction Be?
Anyone who works in construction is likely aware that the tragic incident outlined above is only one example of the multitude of risks that come with working in this industry. Unfortunately, despite the best efforts of the average construction worker to follow the rules and comply with regulations, accidents sometimes happen anyway.
Regarding the specific workplace risks faced by construction workers, research indicates that during one fifteen year period over 27,000 workers lost their lives in work zone crashes like the one outlined above. However, statistics indicate that overall, falls account for nearly half of all construction worker deaths. Construction workers also face other risks such as:
- Improper training
- Negligence of a coworker or third party
- Injuries from chemical exposure
- Lack of fall protection or fall arrest equipment
- Collapse of scaffolds, steel columns, or decks
- Falling objects, tools and materials
- Exposure to live electrical currents
What Benefits Are Injured Construction Workers Entitled to?
The law here in Florida generally entitles injured workers to compensation for injuries incurred while working and that means you can probably file a claim for workers’ insurance benefits if you incurred an injury while you were working onsite as a construction worker. However, the fact that a worker is entitled to these benefits does not mean that obtaining them is straightforward. Many legitimate workers’ compensation claims that are made each year are denied. Therefore, you will likely need the help of an experienced attorney to get the workers’ compensation benefits you are entitled to.
What Do I Do if I am Injured in a Construction Workplace Accident?
- Get emergency medical attention if needed.
- Contact your manager as soon as possible and ensure that the incident is documented.
- Write down the information of anyone who is a witness at the time the accident occurs.
- As soon as is feasible after the accident, contact an experienced workers’ compensation attorney to help you with your claim.
Let Us Help You Build the Best Workers’ Compensation Claim.
Being injured in a construction-related workplace accident can have devastating implications. If you or a loved one has been injured in Florida and is in need of a workers’ compensation attorney, you can count on the Miami workers’ compensation attorneys at Payer & Associates to be by your side. Contact us today to begin building a plan to secure the workers’ compensation benefits you are entitled to.
Resources:
safetyandhealthmagazine.com/articles/16646-percent-of-construction-worker-deaths-involve-falls-new-database-shows
local10.com/news/local/2020/03/17/construction-worker-killed-by-driver-traveling-in-closed-lane-on-macarthur-causeway/
