Construction workers face many risks on the job. In fact, one out of every five work-related fatalities in the private sector happens in construction.
One of the biggest risks facing construction workers is being crushed against or by an object. Being caught in or between objects (equipment, structures, etc.) and being struck by objects constitute two of the four leading causes of construction worker death in the U.S., which the Occupational Safety & Health Administration calls the “Fatal Four.” (The other two top causes are falls and electrocutions.)
How Crush Injuries Happen on Construction Sites
Construction workers often do their jobs with or near heavy machinery. Construction workers can be crushed between rolling, sliding, or shifting objects, such as semi-trailers and a dock wall or between a truck frame and a hydraulic bed. Crush injuries can also occur due to trench cave-ins, wall collapses, and scaffolding collapses.
Construction companies should ensure that all sites are safe, all workers are trained, and all equipment is properly maintained and inspected for safety. When construction companies fail to do what’s legally required of them, they open themselves up to legal liability for workplace injuries.
Can a Crushing Accident Victim Take Legal Action After Suffering an Injury?
In most cases, an injured worker will have legal options available after suffering a serious injury on the job. However, those options depend on several factors, including whether their employer carries workers’ compensation insurance and who was responsible for the injury.
Many construction workers aren’t covered by workers’ compensation insurance. To get compensation, these workers might be able to file a third-party liability claim against the at-fault party. In some cases, a worker might be able to file a claim against a construction company, a property owner, or a product manufacturer if their negligence contributed to the accident that caused the injury.
It’s always best to consult an experienced construction worker injury lawyer to determine the best path for compensation. Every case is unique, but a skilled attorney can help you understand your available options.
After a Fatal Crush Injury, Family Members Also Have Rights
When a crush injury is fatal, family members can file a wrongful death claim to get compensation for the loss of their loved one. Whether through workers’ comp benefits or wrongful death claims, surviving family members can seek much-needed compensation for the many costs they face from the loss of their loved one, including medical bills, funeral expenses, and lost household income.
Though no amount of money will ever make things right for family members, wrongful death claims can help give families the financial support they need to avoid economic catastrophe after their loss.
If You Need Help, Contact Fieger Law
At Fieger Law, we stand up for the rights of injured construction workers and their families. If you’re considering taking legal action after a crush injury on a construction site, you can meet with our Detroit construction accident lawyers for a free, no-obligation case review.
It’s important not to delay any longer than necessary to begin exploring your legal options. The sooner your attorney can get to work on your behalf, the faster your claim will be resolved.
Let us help you explore your legal options. Contact our team anytime to schedule your free consultation.
