Construction work poses a wide range of serious risks to workers every day. The greatest of those risks are classified by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) as the “Fatal Four.” These four types of construction site accidents represent the leading causes of death in the industry.
At Willcox, Buyck & Williams, P.A., we advocate for the rights of construction workers and their families when serious accidents result in life-altering consequences. Read on to learn about the Fatal Four and how a skilled attorney can help you recover the compensation you deserve when you or a loved one is exposed to grave danger on the jobsite.
Understanding the Fatal Four Construction Accidents
The Fatal Four account for over 65 percent of all workplace deaths in construction. Understanding these dangers can help workers recognize hazards and potentially avoid serious accidents or worse. Working with a South Carolina attorney who’s familiar with the Fatal Four can also help families seek accountability when tragedy strikes. The Fatal Four include:
Falls
When a worker falls from a higher level to a lower level, the consequences can be devastating. In fact, falls cause more construction deaths than any other type of accident. Workers may fall off ladders, scaffolding, roofs, or through unfinished floors. To prevent these tragedies, it’s essential to use personal fall arrest equipment when working at height. Supervisors must ensure that all floor openings are covered and secured, and that the covers are clearly labeled.
When a contractor or property owner fails to provide the necessary training, equipment, and supervision to prevent fall injuries, they may face liability in a personal injury claim. We can investigate the incident to uncover any negligence and then fight to hold the at-fault party accountable.
Struck by Objects
Workers face constant danger from moving machinery, falling debris, unsecured materials, and heavy tools. Severe fractures, internal injuries, spinal cord damage, and Traumatic Brain Injuries commonly result from these accidents when they’re not fatal. Workers should always wear high-visibility clothes and avoid positioning themselves between fixed and moving objects.
We can uncover unsafe conditions and careless actions that may have contributed to your struck-by accident, and then fight to recover the compensation you deserve.
Electrocution
Accidents involving electricity can turn an ordinary day on the job into a tragedy in the blink of an eye. Exposed wires or faulty equipment are not always obvious, and they can easily cause fatal injuries. Workers must have a thorough understanding of the risks that electricity poses on the job site before beginning work.
We examine whether employers followed safety protocols, maintained equipment, promptly addressed known hazards, and ensured proper training. If they failed to do these things, we fight to secure justice for victims and their families.
Caught-In/Between Accidents
Trenches and heavy machinery create deadly hazards where workers can get trapped or crushed without proper safety measures and training protocols. These accidents frequently result in fatalities, and survivors often face severe, debilitating injuries like amputations, severe fractures, head trauma, and spinal cord damage.
Our team works with medical and financial experts to assess the long-term impact of your injuries on your daily life and finances, and then we fight for maximum compensation on your behalf.
How a Skilled Personal Injury Attorney Can Help
Construction accident claims involve complicated liability considerations and other unique challenges that can make pursuing your case independently exceedingly difficult. Working with an experienced attorney can reduce stress and offer a distinct strategic advantage. Your attorney can help by:
- Reviewing Your Case for Free – You can sit down with your attorney free of charge to discuss your case and determine your best options for recovering compensation and holding the negligent party accountable.
- Identifying All Liable Parties – These cases may involve multiple liable parties. Your attorney will investigate each of them to determine who may bear responsibility and maximize your potential payout.
- Gathering Evidence – Construction accidents often involve OSHA reports, maintenance records, and surveillance footage that prove challenging to obtain without a seasoned attorney working on your case.
- Calculating Compensation – If you attempt to assess the value of your claim independently, you can easily leave money on the table. A skilled attorney knows how to calculate the full compensation you deserve and then fight for every last dollar.
- Dealing with Insurers – Insurance companies know how to twist your words to harm your claim and reduce your payout. Your attorney can protect your rights by handling all communications with them.
- Negotiating and Litigating – When it comes time to negotiate for a fair settlement, your attorney will advocate aggressively for your best interests. If insurers still won’t make a reasonable offer, your attorney will file a lawsuit and take the claim to court.
Compensation Available in Construction Accidents
Compensation can cover both the financial losses and the personal impact caused by the accident and your injuries. Your attorney will likely seek the following on your behalf:
- Medical Expenses – Ambulance services, ER visits, surgeries, doctor’s appointments, medications, medical devices, physical therapy, rehabilitation, and future medical costs.
- Lost Wages – Hourly wages or salary, commissions and tips, missed raises or promotions, paid time off, medical benefits, and future lost wages.
- Pain and Suffering – Compensation for the physical pain and mental anguish caused by the accident and your injuries.
- Emotional Distress – Compensation for emotional damage caused by the accident, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD symptoms.
- Wrongful Death – Funeral and burial expenses, final medical bills, loss of financial support, loss of companionship and guidance, and loss of care and household services.
Contact a South Carolina Construction Accident Attorney Today
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a construction accident, the team at Willcox, Buyck & Williams, P.A., can help. We offer compassionate support and tenacious representation as you seek the justice and financial stability you deserve. Contact us today for your free consultation.