The Most Common Construction Accident Injuries

By Matthew Dotzler
Partner

Last Updated: August 26, 2024

Construction sites in the Central New York area are inherently dangerous. From falls and being struck by equipment to electrocutions and trench collapses, workers injured in construction site accidents face mounting medical expenses, lost wages, and a lengthy recovery. 

Fortunately, the law provides various legal protections to help injured workers seek proper compensation for their harm. Let’s explore the top construction injuries, their causes, and how to protect your rights after a construction accident.

The Most Common Construction Injuries

Some of the most common injuries sustained on construction sites include:

Workers’ compensation law covers construction site injuries. Workers injured in a construction site accident are entitled to medical coverage, partial wage replacement, and temporary or permanent disability benefits. 

However, injured construction workers often experience pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other losses not covered by workers’ compensation. If you or a loved one has suffered a construction accident injury, it takes an experienced injury attorney to protect your rights and future. 

The Leading Causes of Injuries at Construction Sites

Construction accident injuries are frequently severe, with the “fatal four” identified by OSHA being the most common and hazardous incidents:

  • Falls—Workers may fall from ladders, scaffolding, and roofs, often resulting in severe injuries or death.
  • Struck by Objects—Falling tools, debris, or machinery can strike workers, causing significant injuries that may necessitate extensive medical treatment.
  • Electrocutions—Contact with live electrical wires or faulty equipment can result in severe burns, cardiac arrest, or fatal injuries.
  • Caught-In/Between—This category includes incidents where workers are caught in or compressed by equipment or collapsing structures, leading to critical injuries or fatalities.

Understanding these common construction accident injuries helps take preventative measures and ensure proper legal action if an accident occurs. If you or a loved one has suffered a construction accident injury, the experienced team at CDH Law is here to help you secure the compensation you deserve.

What is a Third-Party Claim?

A third-party claim is a legal action taken by workers injured in a construction site accident against a party other than their employer. This can include subcontractors, equipment manufacturers, or property owners whose negligence may have contributed to the injury. Unlike workers’ compensation, which only covers medical expenses and lost wages, a third-party claim can seek additional damages such as pain and suffering.

A third-party claim offers construction workers a way to pursue full compensation for their injuries. This claim can address losses not covered under workers’ compensation, providing a more comprehensive remedy. Consulting with an experienced attorney is crucial to navigating the complexities of a third-party claim and ensuring that all liable parties are held accountable.

Contact Our Central New York Construction Accident Attorneys

If you have been injured on a construction site, understanding your rights to compensation can be critical to helping you get back on your feet. You may be able to pursue compensation through a third-party lawsuit. The team at CDH Law is here to help. Contact us today.

About the Author
Matthew is a founding partner of Carden Dotzler Hammond, PLLC, and also serves as Town Justice for the Town of Camillus, New York.  He concentrates his practice on criminal defense, DWI defense and traffic defense, along with a specialized focus in defending white collar and drug offenses. Before entering private practice, Matthew served as an Assistant District Attorney in the Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office for seven years. If you have any questions regarding this article, you can contact Matthew here.