Construction Accidents

The construction work industry offers a great number of jobs for workers in Northern California and across the United States every year, but the nature of the job means that workers face many dangers every day. Often, these hazards are serious enough to cause fatal injuries during an accident. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the construction industry saw 780 work fatalities in 2010, and while this number is down from 2009, it is still the highest number of fatal work injuries in any U.S. industry.

But what accidents account for so many wrongful death accidents in construction?

Fall accidents are a common fatal accident in construction due to the heights that many workers must be at during tasks such as roofing and the creation of various structures. Additionally, falling objects and debris are very deadly and can even kill workers who are wearing hardhats.

Harmful substance exposure also commonly leads to work accident fatalities due to the toxic substances and chemicals that are often used in different work. If the work sites are not properly ventilated, workers can quickly succumb to the fumes of chemicals, and toxic buildup over time can also cause fatalities. Electrocutions are also a common fatal hazard, with exposed wiring and other electrical work commonly resulting in workers receiving enough of a shock to stop their heart or suffer serious injuries that lead to a death.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a construction work accident, the San Jose construction injury lawyers at Van Der Walde & Associates can help you find proper workers’ compensation for your injuries and losses. For more information, call us today at (408) 474-0005.

While all worksites feature possible hazards, it is widely viewed that construction sites and related workplaces feature the greatest number of hazards and a much higher possibility for catastrophic and fatal injuries. Due to the presence of heavy machinery, and precarious situations that employees must work in, construction workers can be injured in a number of ways.

As such, it is important to be aware of the hazards present in construction sites and the injuries that may result, which can include:

• Fall Accidents: Construction workers are often called to work at great heights that are often not completely stable. Falls can result in devastating injuries or death if from high enough.
• Structure Collapse: Although construction crews are obligated to build structures safely and responsibly, mistakes may still happen. When these are great enough, entire structures may collapse, injuring anyone nearby.
• Falling Debris: With employees working on multiple levels at once, mistakes may cause tools and various debris to fall onto workers below, likely causing injuries.
• Crane Accidents: Cranes are large, heavy pieces of equipment that move many heavy items. If the items being lifted or the crane itself falls, anyone underneath can easily suffer fatal injuries.
• Chemical Exposure: Many sites work with chemical or other hazardous materials that can cause illness in those exposed without proper safety equipment.
• Vehicle Accidents: Truck, forklifts, and other construction vehicles cross construction sites throughout the day. If improperly controlled or malfunctioning, those in it or around it can suffer injuries as a consequence.
• Tool Malfunction Accidents: Construction workers depend on their tools for reliable service and proper function. However, when these tools suffer disrepair or some form of malfunction, they can cause catastrophic injuries to unsuspecting workers.

Construction workers understand the risks of their work, but the injuries they suffer can still be eligible for injury compensation. If you have been injured in such an accident, contact the Santa Cruz construction accident lawyers at Van Der Walde & Associates at (877) 862-6288.