One of the most common types of injuries affecting construction workers is back injuries. Once a back injury is sustained, it can be difficult, and sometimes impossible, for a construction worker to return to work. Mounting medical expenses and lost wages can leave injured construction workers uncertain of their futures.
For those who have been injured in construction accidents as a result of another party’s negligence, a personal injury lawsuit may provide a means of recourse. At Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton, our attorneys represent clients affected by construction accidents and back injuries in and around Salt Lake City, UT. If you have been injured in a construction accident, we welcome you to contact our legal team to learn more about your legal options.
Common Causes of Back Injuries on Construction Sites
Construction workers face hazards every day on the job. Proper training, sufficient safety gear and safety protocols are just a few ways to reduce the risk of hazards at construction sites. When proper precautions are not taken or are not provided by employers, construction workers are at greater risk of back injuries.
Some common causes of back injuries on construction sites include:
- Falling from elevated structures: Construction workers frequently work on scaffolding, ladders, and other elevated platforms. Without proper fall prevention, such as guardrails and control line systems, workers may fall and injure their backs.
- Falling into holes or trenches: It’s not uncommon to find trenches or holes on construction sites. Without proper warning signs or coverings, a construction worker may easily fall into a trench or hole and suffer a back injury.
- Heavy lifting: Construction workers often need to carry heavy equipment or materials while working. Such frequent heavy lifting can cause the muscles supporting the spine to strain or tear, or damage the joints and discs of the back.
- Accidents with heavy equipment: Heavy equipment, such as cranes, forklifts, and backhoes, are common on a construction site. Operating heavy equipment can become dangerous in the event of an accident and lead to back injuries.
- Overuse and repetitive motion: Working on a construction site often requires long hours of repetitive motion, such as bending over, lifting heavy loads, and the daily use of power tools, all of which can wear down the structures of the back and cause injury.
Common Types of Back Injuries
There are many different type of back injuries that can occur as a result of a construction site accident. Some common types of back injuries may include:
- Herniated discs
- Crushed vertebrae
- Muscle injuries
- Tendon injuries
- Paralysis
- Degenerative discs
- Spinal fractures
- Torn ligaments
Seeking Compensation for a Work-related Back Injury
In many cases, those who have suffered a back injury as a result of a construction accident or from repetitive motion while on the job may qualify for payment through workers’ compensation. However, workers’ compensation may not adequately compensate an injured party for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
When a back injury was sustained due to another person’s negligence, like an employer failing to provide adequate training or proper safety precautions, it may be possible to recover damages through a personal injury case. A personal injury attorney can help.
Contact Our Construction Accident Attorneys
If you have been injured in a construction accident, the attorneys of Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton are ready to review the details of your case to help you get the compensation you deserve. Contact our law firm today to schedule a consultation.