Alexandria Construction Accident Lawyer

Common Causes of Injury Incidents Occurring on Northern Virginia Construction Sites

At any given time, there could be dozens of workers on a construction site, and not all of them work on the same task. The crews that put up the framing and roof are not the same as the team that is doing the electrical wiring. That means a construction worker has to watch out for any potential hazard that his specific job might create in addition to all the hazards potentially created by the other crews.

Identifying how the accident occurred is a critical part of any injury claim. Here are some of the common causes of construction accidents. Which one applies to your incident?

Slip and Fall Accidents

A large number of injuries that occur on a construction site are slips and falls. These accidents can happen from slippery floors or debris causing falls. Construction workers climb ladders and scaffolding to complete their tasks. If that ladder or scaffolding isn’t properly secured, it could lead to a falling accident.

Incidents Involving Machinery

Construction sites involve power tools and heavy machinery. The equipment needs to be properly maintained to prevent injury, and it also needs to be operated by certified workers. This includes cranes, forklifts, scissor lifts, band saws, and nail guns, to name a few.

Electrical and Fire Hazards

A building is deemed finished after it passes a final inspection. During the construction process, exposed wiring and unfinished electrical systems could lead to electrocution accidents. Various solvents and other hazardous materials can trigger a fire if they aren’t properly maintained.

Trench Collapses

During deep excavation work, the trenches need to be properly shored up, or they might collapse, leading to injuries. Trenches can also cause accidents if there are no warning cones or other markings.

Struck by Falling Objects Incidents

Whether the construction site involves building a two-story home or putting up a multi-floor skyscraper, objects are likely to fall. Any tool or piece of construction material that slips through a worker’s hands. When that happens, that object can instantly become a lethal projectile. Those falling objects can injure workers, pedestrians, or motorists passing by the site.

Injuries That Happen On or Near Building Projects in VA

A construction site injury can be painful and sometimes life-altering. The immediate aftermath could mean missing work, which contributes to your stress. How much you should be compensated for depends on your injury’s severity. That compensation should also cover how the injury has impacted your ability to return to work. The following are some of the types of injuries associated with construction accidents.

• Lacerations requiring stitches
• Fractures and sprains
• Head or brain injuries
• Spinal cord damage
• Cuts and lacerations
• Burns

Damages an Alexandria Construction Accident Lawyer Can Help You Seek

If you cut yourself slicing a bagel or sprain your ankle when jogging, your personal health insurance should cover the medical expenses. When you get injured on the job, you will have options to pursue to reimburse you for those out-of-pocket expenses.

The following are damages you can see with help from your Alexandria construction accident lawyer:

Medical Expenses

Your medical expenses will cover immediate care for your injury. If needed, that could mean emergency room treatment, surgery, or a hospital stay. It will also cover medical supplies such as crutches or slings. Additionally, you can ask for expenses that will cover your expenses for future and ongoing care, such as physical therapy that might be prescribed by your doctor.

Lost Wages

On any job, a worker has a limited number of personal sick days. Those should not be used for a worksite accident. Instead, you are entitled to be compensated for the time that your injury keeps you away from work. If your injury keeps you from returning to work or forces you into another job at a significantly lower wage, you should also be compensated for that.

Pain and Suffering

The pain you experience because of your injury can impact your daily life. It can make sleeping a challenge, as well as other mobility challenges. All of that diminishes your quality of life. In other words, if it weren’t for the injury, you would be able to do all the things you did before the accident. These would be considered the pain and suffering damages.

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages are often associated with instances of gross negligence. That would be an amount that is meant to punish the liable party. A construction accident could be attributable to a company that failed to properly maintain equipment or the work site.