Working on a construction site in the trades in and around Phoenix is a dangerous job. More accidents occur in the construction industry than any other occupation. According to the Occupational Health and Safety Administration, in its 2016 fiscal year, 62.4 percent of all construction accident fatalities consisted of four types of accidents. Those accounted for about 19 deaths a day. Here is how most of them were caused.
Falls
Falls from heights are the leading cause of serious injuries and deaths on construction sites. These falls might be from a roof, scaffolding, ladders or even slip-and-falls or trip-and-falls. They consisted of 38.8 percent of all fatalities. Proper fall protection like harnesses and nets should be used when working at heights.
Struck by an Object
Tools, equipment and debris also fall from heights. Being struck by an object is one of the main reasons why head protection is required on construction sites. These accidents consist of nearly 10 percent of all construction accident injuries and fatalities.
Electrocution
Exposed electrical wires are in third place on the list. Severe shock can send a worker tumbling or falling. Any tradesman on the job site can suffer a severe shock or be fatally electrocuted. Electrocutions comprised 8.6 percent of all construction fatalities.
Getting Caught in Between
Becoming pinned or crushed between two objects like a vehicle and heavy equipment accounted for 7.2 percent of all construction accident injuries and fatalities in 2016.
Compensation
Most Arizona construction workers believe that if they’re injured on the job, workers’ compensation benefits are their sole and exclusive remedy. That’s not necessarily true. Additional compensation beyond restrictive workers’ compensation benefits might be available. What that means is that you might be able to file an actual personal injury lawsuit at the same time that you are receiving workers’ compensation benefits. You’ll want to arrange for a free consultation and case evaluation with us to learn what your legal options are after being injured in a construction accident in or around Phoenix.
We want to hear how you were injured on that construction site. Then, we will be in a position to answer your questions. After that, we can discuss whether more than one source of compensation might be available to you. Contact our professional accident attorneys in Phoenix AZ right away to arrange for that free consultation and case evaluation. Since we take personal injury cases on a contingent fee basis, no legal fees are even due unless we obtain a settlement or verdict for you.