Working in construction can be dangerous. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), construction is one of the deadliest and most dangerous industries to work in. Of the 4,693 worker fatalities recorded in 2016, 991 were in construction. That’s 22.1 percent of all deaths. This is why construction accidents that lead to catastrophic injury or fatalities should be looked over by skilled attorneys like the team at Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton.
Even when construction accidents don’t cause fatalities, they can still result in debilitating harm. The team at our Provo, UT law office would like to consider how construction accidents can cause to bone fractures. We’ll then note what legal options injured workers and their loved ones can consider.
Types of Bone Fractures
Bone fractures come in different forms. The most common kinds that people experience are as follows:
- Stable Fracture – This is when a bone is broken, but the ends of the bone remain generally in their proper position.
- Open/Compound Fracture – This serious kind of fracture occurs when the bone is severely out of position, with the bone fragment visible through the skin. In some cases, the bone even protrudes through the skin.
- Transverse Fracture – This is when the bone is broken along a straight, horizontal fracture line.
- Oblique Fracture – This is when the bone is broken along an angled fracture line.
- Comminuted Fracture – This is when the bone is fragmented into three or more pieces.
OSHA’s Fatal Four
Given the many dangers at construction sites, OSHA has listed a so-called “Fatal Four,” referring to the leading causes of injury and death in the construction industry. These four kinds of accidents are as follows:
- Falls
- Struck by object
- Electrocutions
- Caught-in or crushed between objects
You’ll note that three of the fatal four can also result in broken bones, along with many other injuries.
Recovering from Broken Bones
Recovering from a bone fracture can take weeks or even months. Stable fractures will heal faster and require less invasive treatment than compound fractures. Surgery may be necessary to set the fractured bone properly and to repair any damaged tissues related to the fracture. Physical therapy and other long-term rehabilitation treatment could be required as part of a person’s recovery.
Will Fractures Impact Future Wellness and Work?
Just because the bone has healed doesn’t mean you’re back to business as usual. Bone fractures can have serious long-term impact on the way you move, your ability to accomplish certain tasks at home and on the job, and your general mobility. This is particularly true of fractures to the vertebrae, the hands, the hips, and the knees.
How Worker’s Compensation Works
Following an on-the-job injury, many construction workers apply for worker’s compensation benefits. These benefits help cover living expenses, medical care related to an accident/injury, and even rehabilitation and training for new careers in the case of disability. If you are denied your benefits or need help with the application process, our lawyers are here to assist you.
When Should I Consider an Injury or Negligence Lawsuit?
While worker’s compensation benefits are helpful, sometimes it’s more ideal to seek legal action against the negligent party that caused the accident. This is important when there were dangerous conditions at the work site that contributed to the accident and fracture. Determining which option is better requires years of legal experience and a knowledge of the law.
Our attorneys can advise you on the ideal option to consider following an on-the-job injury. Sometimes it may be better to forego worker’s compensation and seek damages from a negligent employer or reckless third-party. We’ll help you weigh those options carefully.
Contact Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton
For more information about your legal rights and options after a serious injury, be sure to contact our team of injury accident lawyers. The attorneys of Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton are here to help. You can reach our Provo office by phone at (801) 753-1616.