Serving South Carolina
Struck-by accidents are among the most common construction accidents in South Carolina and throughout the country. Rolling, falling, flying, and swinging objects seriously danger construction workers and innocent bystanders. In struck-by accidents, a person can become seriously injured or killed by the impact of the object that strikes them.
The consequences of being injured in a construction accident can be devastating for the victim and his or her family. If you or your loved one have become injured in a construction accident, you deserve full and fair compensation. Willcox, Buyck & Williams, P.A. can help you determine whether you have a valid personal injury claim for your medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Struck-by Accidents Are Some of the Most Dangerous Construction Accidents
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), struck-by accidents are considered one of the “fatal four” types of construction accidents. In addition to struck-by accidents, falls, electrocutions, and caught-between accidents cause the most deaths.
Common Injuries Caused by Struck-by Construction Accidents
Struck-by accidents can cause severe injuries, often leaving victims with financial damages for which they’re not prepared. One minute, a construction worker is busy doing his or her job, and the next, a huge load of heavy materials swings at them and Strikes them. The force of the flying or falling object can wreak havoc on the victim’s body.
For example, when a worker is struck by an object following from great heights, the object can hit the worker’s head, causing internal bleeding and swelling. The victim may suffer a traumatic brain injury (TBI), rendering him or her disabled and requiring a lifetime of medical care. Other injuries commonly caused by struck-by accidents include the following:
- Soft tissue damage
- Anxiety and depression
- Bone fractures
- Herniated or bulging discs
- Spinal cord injuries resulting in partial or total paralysis
- Loss of limb
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Abrasions and contusions
- Internal organ damage
- Death
Struck-by a Falling Object
“Struck-by accidents” cover many construction accidents, making them challenging to identify and distinguish from other types of accidents. A struck-by accident occurs when an object forcibly impacts a worker, causing an injury. One of the most common types of struck-by accidents involves a falling object colliding with the victim.
Falling objects, including collapsing building material, can suffocate or crush a victim. Generally, these types of accidents happen when the item that falls has not been safely secured. Fly Away tools, loose cargo, and objects being used on scaffolding can cause devastating injuries when they strike victims. Falling objects usually strike victims on the head or neck, making these accidents particularly dangerous.
Struck-by a Flying Object
Victims can become injured when struck by a flying object propelled across space. A projectile object may be shot out of a power tool, such as a nail out of a nail gun. In other cases, victims are injured by compressed air or material that has been separated from equipment.
Struck-by a Swinging Object
Construction workers can be struck by a swinging object, such as a swinging load mechanically lifted by heavy machinery. For example, a crane operator may negligently maneuver the crane, causing a heavy load to swing into a construction worker or pedestrian. In other cases, heavy loads can begin to twist or swing suddenly, making them difficult to control. High winds can contribute to struck-by accidents involving swinging objects. Most of these types of accidents involve cranes.
Struck-by Rolling Heavy Machinery
Failing to use a parking brake when operating heavy machinery or Vehicles can cause devastating accidents. These types of accidents happen when machinery or motor vehicles roll towards construction workers or bystanders, colliding with them and causing crush injuries. The operator may fail to see the construction worker or pedestrian and back into him or her. In other cases, a vehicle or piece of heavy machinery could begin rolling towards someone without an operator inside,
Proving Liability in a Construction Accident
Most accidents on construction sites are preventable and caused by negligence or recklessness. Being struck by an object on a job site can happen in seconds. Once an object is in motion, preventing victims from becoming injured is nearly impossible. The best way to prevent these types of accidents is for employers and employees to take safety precautions seriously.
Workers and pedestrians can suffer the consequences when employers fail to enforce safety protocols. If you’ve been injured in a construction accident, an attorney can help determine which party or parties are financially responsible or liable for your damages. Several parties could be liable for your injuries, including the property owner, the construction company’s owner, the job site’s foreman, and negligent third parties.
The Importance of Working with a Skilled Attorney
Employees injured on the job can file a worker’s compensation claim to receive compensation for their medical expenses and a portion of their lost income. However, accepting workers’ compensation benefits requires the injured worker to refrain from pursuing a lawsuit against his or her employer.
Suppose you’ve been injured in a construction accident while on the job. Speaking to an attorney before pursuing workers’ compensation benefits is important. Taking legal action against your employer may be the most strategic option to recover the full compensation you deserve, especially if you’ve become seriously injured and will incur significant medical expenses. Willcox, Buyck & Williams, P.A will use our legal experience and knowledge of South Carolina laws to hold the negligent party accountable for your injuries.
Contact an Experienced Struck-by Accident Attorney in South Carolina
You may be eligible for compensation if you or a loved one has been injured in a struck-by construction site accident. The South Carolina personal injury attorneys at Willcox, Buyck & Williams, P.A. are prepared to evaluate your case, answer any questions, and help you pursue the full compensation you need and deserve. Don’t hesitate to contact Willcox, Buyck & Williams, P.A. to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation evaluation and learn more about your legal rights.
From law offices in Florence and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Willcox, Buyck & Williams, P.A. serves Myrtle Beach, Surfside Beach, Garden City, the Grand Strand, and other communities throughout Florence County, Marion County, Horry County, Darlington County, and Georgetown County.