Construction is the second most dangerous industry in California. Due to the risks associated with construction jobs and areas, it is not surprising that construction accidents in Los Angeles are on the rise. Construction accidents can be life-changing and can even be fatal.
If you or someone you loved suffered a construction accident, your first instinct is to call a Workers’ Compensation Attorney. This is because the system is complicated, and they make it difficult for a reason. Billions of dollars are given each year to those injured on the job. That includes you. Our workers’ compensation attorneys at JML Law, a Professional Corporation, are here to ensure that you will receive just Compensation for the injuries you sustained from a workplace injury.
California is a state that requires all businesses to have workers’ compensation insurance. So if your job tells you that workers’ compensation is not an option, then there is a problem, and our workers’ compensation attorneys are here and willing to resolve it for you.
Construction Accident Statistics
The construction industry is inherently dangerous because of the equipment used and the locations of sites. A recent California Division of Occupational Safety and Health study reported that construction accidents were the second leading cause of death for California workers.
In the latest reporting year, the Occupational Fatalities Annual Report found 12.2 deaths per 100,000 construction workers. Not all construction accidents are fatal. The California Department of Industrial Relations recently reported that there were over 29,000 nonfatal construction accidents/injuries in a year.
Common Causes Of Construction Accidents
Those who work in construction are prone to accidents every day. Proper safety precautions are necessary for the job, but we all know that accidents aren’t planned, hence the name accident. Workers don’t plan on getting hurt, just like employers don’t plan on losing a valuable worker. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, four main accidents occur on construction sites:
- Falling: whether working on a roof or for a skyscraper, any fall can result in hitting your head or back. Depending on the severity of your fall, you can be out of the job for weeks or months. Any head, neck, or back trauma can result in short- or long-term disability.
- Being Electrocuted: Working with exposed wires can be very dangerous as it can result in you getting electrocuted, which can result in getting burned, seizures, confusion, difficulty breathing, or losing consciousness. This, in turn, can cause further complications, which would result in your losing the ability to work.
- Caught between objects: As torturous as this sounds, it is possible and can injure your head, back, core, or legs. This, in turn, could mean that you are out of work to heal from the injuries. You could also suffer from mental issues like claustrophobia, depending on the situation.
- Being struck by an object: wearing a hard hat is just one way to prevent serious injuries, but even being struck on the head wearing a helmet doesn’t prevent neck injuries from the force of the object hitting your head.
It is always important to follow OSHA guidelines for safety when working on a construction site. Not all accidents can be avoided, but if you use the proper precautions and communications, accidents can be avoided.
Avoiding Construction Accidents
Construction is a dangerous occupation, but there are ways to avoid injury on the job site. Most fatalities can be prevented. A few strategies and guidelines for preventing workplace injuries and fatalities include:
- Increasing safety precautions and regulatory oversight.
- Encouraging employers to continuously identify, evaluate, and minimize dangerous conditions.
- Provide high-visibility apparel to all workers in highway construction zones.
- Provide protective equipment.
- Proper ladders and safe lifting techniques.
OSHA has various training materials and compliance guidelines that should be followed on all construction worksites.
Not all accidents can be prevented. However, following the safety procedures and avoiding shortcuts is always important. Construction accidents can cause serious and fatal injuries that can change a person’s life.
Compensation For Construction Accidents
Employees injured on the job may be entitled to workers’ Compensation. The Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) in California oversees the administration of worker’s compensation claims.
Receiving benefits through worker’s Compensation gives injured workers financial assistance for:
- Medical treatment is needed to recover from a work-related injury or illness.
- Replace wages lost while recovering (generally, only partial wages).
- Helping an injured employee return to work.
Workers’ compensation benefits will never include Compensation for pain and suffering or punitive damages. To receive Compensation for pain and suffering or punitive damages, you must file a lawsuit against the responsible party.
Contacting A Los Angeles Construction Accident Attorney
If you have been injured in a construction accident, contact a Los Angeles construction accident attorney as soon as possible. Every case is unique and needs to be evaluated by an experienced lawyer.
Our workers’ comp attorneys at JML Law, APLC, have dealt with various injuries. We have also had the unfortunate duty of dealing with those who have died due to the construction accident. Workers’ Compensation is a system in place to protect your employer and help you.
Let our workers’ comp attorneys help you get the help you need. An accident doesn’t just affect you but all those who you support. The quicker you start the filing process, the faster you will receive the benefits. Call 818-610-8800 or click here to start a conversation with our professionals today.
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Every case is unique and needs to be evaluated by our experienced lawyers. If you have been injured in a Los Angeles construction accident,
