What type of accident is most likely to happen on a construction site? Slip and fall accidents are the most likely accident to happen on a construction site.
Many of these accidents are preventable, and a Las Vegas construction accident lawyer can help you recover damages that you are owed due to these injuries.
Slip and Fall Injuries on Construction Sites
Slip and fall injuries can be devastating. They can range from temporary cuts and bruises to permanent disabilities that alter life completely. Common injuries seen after a slip and fall accident at a construction site can include the following:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI): A TBI can lead to cognitive complications, memory loss, and severe headaches. Severe TBIs can result in permanent brain damage, requiring extensive rehabilitation and potentially preventing a return to construction.
- Spinal cord damage: Falls from a height of 3ft or greater can cause disc herniation, fractures of the vertebrae, or direct trauma to the spinal cord itself. Even minor slips can damage the spinal cord and the surrounding soft tissue. These injuries can impact your mobility and overall quality of life, requiring extensive medical treatment and long-term care.
- Broken bones and fractures: Broken bones and fractures are among the most common injuries suffered in construction accidents. Complications from a fracture can range from chronic pain to limited mobility, potentially leading to long-term or even permanent disability. Infection is among the most serious complications of a fracture.
If you are involved in a slip and fall accident on a construction site, it is important to seek medical guidance as soon as possible. What may seem like a minor bump or bruise can have long-term effects and needs proper medical evaluation.
Why Slip and Fall Construction Accidents are So Common, and So Deadly
According to OSHA, slip and falls are part of the Construction Focus Four. Along with being the most likely construction-related accident, they are considered to be the most dangerous type of accident, being responsible for roughly 15% of all construction-related deaths.
Construction sites are danger zones. Workers are often required to stand on possibly unstable footing, sometimes at great heights. Even without being high up, a slip could result in falling onto a sharp object or causing other heavy objects to tumble. If someone is not completely focused and aware at all times, results can be catastrophic.
Regulations for construction zones are strict, but they are not always adhered to properly. Whether it be management asking employees to act recklessly or a worker who is not following protocols on their own, failure to abide by these regulations can cause injuries to those around.
Who Is Responsible for Construction Falls
After a slip and fall construction accident, liability should be established to help build and strengthen your case.
There can oftentimes be more than one liable party, making the situation even more complex. Speaking to an experienced Las Vegas slip and fall lawyer can help you determine who is responsible.
Management and Employees
As with construction companies, contractors and subcontractors are supposed to adhere to OSHA standards. However, they tend to be less stringent, as they don’t have the same checks that a larger organization would have. This can lead to unsafe practices that result in injuries to others working in the same areas.
Property Owners
Property owners are expected to create and maintain a reasonably safe environment. For a construction site, this can mean fixing issues or clearly communicating unsafe areas to workers if it is their job to resolve the problem.
Failure to have and document these conversations can leave the property owner liable for slip and fall or other injuries on their property.
Equipment Manufacturers
If a slip and fall accident was caused by an equipment malfunction, such as a defective ladder, unsound scaffolding, or faulty machinery, the manufacturing company can be held liable.
Knowing who is liable and being able to prove it is important when building your case. On a construction site, slips and falls are the most likely accident to happen, so if someone else is the cause of your injury, they should be held responsible for the damage suffered as a result.
What to Do if You Are Injured
Construction-related slip and fall accidents are likely, so there are several steps that should be followed to secure safety. In addition, adequate steps must be taken to prevent any mistakes when building your case:
- Ensure that you and anyone else are out of immediate danger
- Follow all OSHA protocols and directions from the safety team to make sure all equipment is handled appropriately and is not a threat
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible
- Document everything possible with photos, videos, and written statements
- Get contact information for all potential witnesses
- Contact a Las Vegas personal injury lawyer
The number one priority after any sort of accident is preventing any additional injuries. Since slip and falls are the most likely accident on a construction site, all protocols should be verified with your safety team, along with any other proper agencies, to avoid making the situation worse or hurting your case.
H&P Law Knows How to Fight for You
Construction sites are hazardous areas, and slip and fall accidents are the most likely construction injury for a multitude of reasons. They are, however, often preventable. You should not have to suffer potentially life-altering injuries due to someone else’s negligence.
If you were involved in a slip and fall accident on a construction site, H&P Law is here to help you understand your rights, build your case, and represent you so that you are able to recover the highest amount of damages allowed. Schedule your free, no-obligation consultation today to see how you can get back to living your life.
