What Are the Most Dangerous Types of Construction Accidents?
Construction sites come with several hazardous risks, so employers have the responsibility of providing a safe work environment for their employees. One in five workplace fatalities take place in a construction site, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). OSHA has identified the most dangerous accidents that can result in the death of a construction worker, known as the “fatal four.” Learn more about the fatal four in today’s blog. What Are the Fatal Four Accidents? According to OSHA, the following accidents account for approximately 65 percent of all injuries and deaths in the construction industry: Number One: Falls: Falls are the most common cause of death in construction sites. Number Two: Struck by an object: This type of accident generally occurs when a worker doesn’t follow safety protocols. Number Three: Electrocutions: Electrocutions can cause severe injuries, resulting in months or years of rehabilitation. Number Four: Caught in or between: This type of accident usually involves a piece of equipment or a falling structure that strikes or crushes a worker. We recommend both employers and employees to abide by the following protection guidelines. Best Practices for Fall Safety To keep employees safe from falls, employers should do the following: Offer mandatory job hazard and safety training via video Select adequate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and provide it to employees for free Cover floor holes where workers might accidentally fall Install toe boards and guard rails around elevated platforms and other walking paths Install guard rails around all machinery that a worker might bump into Incorporate lines, nets, harnesses, railings, and additional fall protection that’s appropriate for the job Make sure floors are always clean Best Practices for Struck-By-Object Safety Here’s how employees can remain safe when it comes to struck-by-object safety: Provide training to vehicle operators in clear, concise language Maintain a workplace where employees never find themselves between moving or fixed objects Provide PPE, such as high-visibility gloves and attire, for those working with heavy equipment Best Practices for Electrocution Safety Companies can do the following to keep their workers safe from electrocution: Provide proper electrical safety classes that focus on lockout/tag-out procedures Select adequate PPE, such as insulated gloves, and give it to employees at no cost Remember to power down electrical tools, machinery, and other dangerous electrical equipment when not in use Identify and label all electrical hazards Best Practices to Prevent Caught-In Object Accidents Make sure to implement the following guidelines to keep workers safe from caught-in object accidents: Maintain full awareness of moving equipment Never wear jewelry, loose clothing, or let your hair down around machinery Secure machinery to prevent it from falling Never transport unstable loads Reinforce trenches to avoid collapse Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton is Here for You Every employer owes their employees a duty of care to ensure they stay safe on the job. If you’re a construction worker who was recently hurt at work, you may be eligible for compensation. The job site injury attorneys at Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton can hold your negligent employer accountable so that you can receive damages while you recover. We have offices in Utah County and West Jordan. Schedule your free case evaluation today.
Liability in Construction Sites
Construction is an inherently dangerous industry. Workers are expected to perform strenuous physical labor, sometimes at great heights or carrying heavy machinery. Non-worker bystanders and other pedestrians run the risk of injury by falling debris and other dangers. The number of situations that can go awry is infinite. Each year, there are more reported work-related injuries in construction than in other industries. Although the construction industry comes with several risks, this does not mean that it’s impossible to be safe while on site. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), which is a division of the Department of Labor, provides safety standards that every employer in the country must follow. Construction Worker Injuries OSHA has dubbed four categories of construction worker injuries “the fatal four” because they constitute approximately 60% of all construction worker deaths. The four injuries are falls, electrocutions, “struck by an object,” and “caught-in-between.” A worker does not necessarily need to suffer an injury on the job to be able to file a lawsuit. Minor injuries may entitle a worker to compensation for injuries. The most crucial factor that will influence a worker’s potential recovery in a lawsuit is whether workers’ compensation rules apply. Workers’ Compensation All 50 states have a form of workers’ compensation in place. Under these rules, when an employee is injured on the job, the employee is entitled to compensation for their injuries—even if the employer did not act negligently. While workers’ compensation should be taken into serious consideration when you’re injured, you’ll only recover a small amount of money through a workers’ compensation case than you would recover in a standard injury lawsuit. Workers’ compensation rules are more of a compromise, and it’s a no-fault system. Non-Worker Injuries It’s not only workers who run the risk of being injured in construction sites, but it’s also people who are just walking by that can be injured. Falling debris can hit pedestrians. Unmarked roadway construction often leads to collisions. An innocent child can unknowingly wander into a construction site and become injured. General contractors typically have a duty to at least warn the public of dangerous construction conditions. In certain situations, contractors should go above and beyond, such as making their working conditions safer. Depending on your state, if a contractor fails to take the proper safety precautions, the contractor will be held liable for any injury resulting from the failure. However, liability is not automatic in other states, but the injured person can use the failure as evidence to prove that the contractor should be liable for injuries. Personal Injury Lawsuit Workers’ compensation laws do not apply to every lawsuit brought by an injured worker. Laws vary by state, but generally, workers’ compensation rules only apply between a worker and his or her direct employer. For example, if an employee of a subcontractor is injured on the job, and the worker sues the subcontractor, then workers’ compensation will apply. On the other hand, if the worker needs to sue the manufacturer of the faulty equipment, then workers’ compensation will not be sufficient. Personal injury law is complex, and you deserve the appropriate amount of compensation. Do not settle for workers’ compensation if you feel that justice hasn’t been served. Contact Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton today to work with experienced personal injury attorneys.
How To Take on Big Companies In An Injury Claim
An injury claim can be intimidating to file, but it might feel even more complicated to file against big businesses. It can feel like the odds are stacked against you because large businesses have deep pockets and multiple lawyers readily available to defend their every move. Every part of your claim will be picked apart by the company to avoid giving you an adequate payout. While it is a complex process, there is hope for you. Companies are not above the law and they must be held accountable when they wrong people. You as a customer have every right to feel safe when entering a business. It is the responsibility of the business to provide a safe environment for visitors. There are three main factors that are considered when you are filing a lawsuit against a business. The first factor is looking into the duty of care owed to you by the business. The second factor that is investigated is a breach of said duty of care. The third factor is proving the harm that was caused by that breach of duty of care. If you can prove all three components, then you have a chance of prevailing in your case against the big company. Compile Your Records Keep track of every record that can serve as evidence. This includes every photograph related to the incident, documents, and medical exams. Ensure that all your proof is dated. Big businesses will try weakening your case by questioning the validity of your testimony during court proceedings. Create a journal exclusively to log facts as they occur to prevent the company’s strategy from working. You might not be able to pull out your journal during the official proceedings, but you can review the facts of your case prior to entering the court. It is essential that all your proof is dated so that the company doesn’t try to take advantage of any gaps present in your timeline. Know Your Value Big companies will try dragging out these proceedings on purpose to empty out your wallet. They will do anything in their power to tire you out and get you to drop the case. If these strategies don’t work on you, then companies attempt to lowball you during the initial negotiations for a settlement. The big business will push for a settlement that is cheaper than the amount of money you might be entitled to if you win the case. Although this is a guaranteed paycheck, companies use this tactic to end court proceedings earlier to avoid future hassles. A seasoned lawyer will help you research the full compensation you deserve. This battle will be drawn out because big businesses want to scare you; they know that you don’t have the extensive resources that they do. Frustration is inevitable, but you need to understand that these settlements aren’t reached overnight. Keep your demands specific so the case goes more smoothly for you. The more demands you make, the more room there is for big businesses to sabotage you. The entire process of filing a lawsuit against a big business might sound overwhelming, but it can be achieved with an experienced personal injury attorney. Contact Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton today so that our lawyers can help you reach the settlement you deserve.
Repetitive Strain Injuries and Work
The National Safety Council estimates that an American worker is injured on the job every seven seconds. While not all of these injuries are serious or require medical attention, that’s a staggering number nonetheless. This is why the Provo, UT attorneys at Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton take worker’s compensation and occupational injury cases so seriously. The National Safety Council estimates that 34 percent of work injuries are caused by overexertion, which includes repetitive strain injuries (RSIs). Let’s take a moment to discuss these kinds of injuries and how they impact the lives of workers. About Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs) Also known as occupational overuse syndrome, overuse injuries, and cumulative trauma, repetitive strain injuries refer to conditions that negatively impact the body as a result of repeated wear and tear. The stress on joints and muscle groups can eventually lead to problems with grip strength, mobility, and sensation/use of a certain part of the body. Examples of Repetitive Strain Injuries Some common examples of repetitive strain injuries include: Carpal tunnel syndrome Tennis elbow Trigger finger Bursitis Tendonitis Lower back pain In each of these cases, the gradual damage done to the joints, tendons, or bones in a given part of the body lead to problems using that body part optimally. If you have carpal tunnel syndrome, for instance, you may suffer from pain in the wrists and hands or numbness and tingling along the wrist. Signs and Symptoms of RSIs While repetitive strain injuries can vary based on severity and location, they all have a few common signs and symptoms. Be sure to note the following if your job places a great deal of stress on certain parts of your body more than others: Pain Throbbing Tenderness Numbness Tingling Loss in strength Changes in flexibility Reduced range of motion Diminished coordination Workers at Risk for Repetitive Strain Injuries Certain workers tend to be more at risk for repetitive strain injuries than others. The duties of various jobs can make joint and nerve issues far more likely. Some of these at-risk occupations include: Athletes Construction workers Mechanics Plumbers Assembly line workers Store clerks Nurses Delivery workers Firefighters Agricultural workers Meat processing workers Musicians What to Do If You Notice Signs of an RSI If you notice the first signs of a repetitive strain injury, it’s crucial that you visit your doctor as soon as possible. Discuss the nature of your symptoms with your doctor, when they started to show up, and what your job duties entail. Your doctor will be able to offer advice on how to modify your activities to reduce strain on your body, as well as braces or other devices that can help minimize symptoms. Whatever you do, do not ignore the problem. Allowing a repetitive strain injury to go untreated for a long period of time can make the problem much harder to treat down the road. Applying for Worker’s Compensation Sometimes your repetitive strain injury may entitle you to worker’s compensation benefits. Be sure to check with your employer. If you are denied worker’s compensation benefits despite a legitimate injury, our legal team can potentially help you. We can also discuss issues and conditions at your workplace and if actions by your employer might have contributed to the severity of your injury. Learn More About Work Injury Cases For more information about your legal options if you have been denied worker’s compensation benefits, be sure to contact our team of work injury lawyers. The attorneys of Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton are here to help. You can reach our Provo office by calling (801) 753-1616.
Legal Guidance For Painful Workplace Burn Injuries
Many workplace burn injuries, resulting from electrocution or other hazards, require serious medical treatment that can only be provided by a physician. The cost of care needed for a burn injury treatment plan can quickly escalate, overwhelming the victim with financial burden. If you have suffered from workplace burn injuries, let an attorney who focuses on personal and workplace injuries help you pursue full compensation. Provo, UT, attorneys at Flickinger, Sutterfield, and Boulton fight for victims’ rights. We have experience helping victims recover from the physical, emotional, and financial damage done after an accident. Common Questions about Workplace Burn Injuries Burns range from mild to severe, depending on how many layers of tissue are damaged. For many at-home burns from cooking or health and beauty appliances, a cold ice pack or layer of aloe vera gel or other ointment can do the trick. But for more serious burns, especially those that happen while at work, it is beneficial to know what to do: What do I do immediately after a burn on the job? The first step to take after being hurt at work is to secure the area and make sure no further hazards are present. Report the burn to a supervisor right away, and seek immediate medical care. Who has to pay the medical bills for a workplace burn injury? Businesses and companies that fail to abide by safety rules and regulations are responsible for the costs of care when workers are hurt on the jobsite. This may come in the form of a civil suit, or by bringing a workers compensation claim. What type of evidence is necessary to prove a workplace burn injury? Pictures of the accident scene, medical notes and diagnosis, treatment plans, eyewitness testimony, and company safety logs are all good pieces of evidence for workplace burns. The more severe the burn, the more likely you are to have a larger volume of evidence about how the accident happened, how it could have been prevented, and the extent of medical care and treatment needed. How is my claim evaluated for financial recovery? Every case is different, with a different set of damages. Typically, victims are allowed to seek reimbursement for time off work, medical expenses, loss of earning capacity, and other costs. Evaluation of your claim for an appropriate amount of compensation can depend on the type of case you file, with a civil action having a different set of guidelines than those found in a workers’ compensation setting. How to Recover from a Workplace Burn Injury If you have been in an accident at work and been burned, you should take steps to hold your employer responsible. Handing your case over to an experienced personal injury and workers’ compensation attorney allows you to focus on recovery, while your case is prosecuted. Our approach is one on one with you, as we aggressively pursue the full amount of compensation you need to make a full recovery. You are entitled to repayment of any lost wages, medical expenses, the cost of future medical needs or therapy, pain and suffering, and all out-of-pocket expenses associated with the accident. Help with a Workplace Burn Injury If you have been burned at work, we can help you demand fair reimbursement. Call us to learn more or contact us online.
Crush Injuries From Construction Accidents Can Be Deadly
Injuries at a workplace can be quite serious. For people who work in construction, these dangers are pervasive. While construction work can be inherently dangerous to some extent, accidents are often preventable and avoidable. When you or a loved on is harmed in a workplace accident, our Provo-based lawyers can help. We have years of experience with construction accident lawsuits, which includes disputes over workers’ compensation and wrongful death cases. Crush injuries are a potential hazard at many construction sites around the country. Let’s consider what these kinds of accidents involve and why they need to be taken seriously. What Are Crush Injuries at Work Sites? A crush injury refers to cases in which a person or part of a person’s body gets trapped, caught, and crushed by another object. This could involve a vehicle, a tool, heavy equipment, building materials, or any objects that may be common around construction sites. This also refers to cave-ins of tunnels or structures under which a person is working. Crush Accidents and the OSHA Fatal Four Crush accidents are part of what the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) identifies as the “Fatal Four”. This refers to the most common kinds of deadly accidents that occur at constructions sites across the country. Below is a list of the Fatal Four and the average percentage of annual construction accidents these incidents comprise: Falls – 39.9% Electrocutions – 8.2% Struck by Object – 8.1% Crushed, Caught In, or Caught Between – 1.3% Reasons Why Crush Accidents Happens The reasons for crush accidents occurring can vary. Sometimes they are the result of inattention by other workers at a construction site. Other times they occur because of structural instability. There may also be other forms of negligence involved in these kinds of incidents. Whatever the case may be, crush accidents need to be taken seriously because injuries may be catastrophic or even fatal. How Crush Accidents Can Change Your Life The nature and severity of a crush accident will determine what sorts of lasting repercussions you will experience. If a limb is crushed or caught, it might be seriously mangled, resulting in broken bones and nerve damage. The affected limb may need to be amputated, or the use of the affected limb might be severely limited following the crush accident. This, in turn, can impact your livelihood, preventing you from performing tasks at your job or various activities in normal everyday life. In the case of fatal crush injuries, the loss of a loved one is a major hardship. In addition to the emotional pain and suffering that comes with the death of a spouse, child, or parent, there is also a major financial burden associated with these tragedies. How Construction Accident Attorneys Can Help Our team of construction accident lawyers can carefully examine the circumstances of your case. They will offer expert legal counsel throughout, helping you understand your legal options and the damages to which you are entitled. Our lawyers can also provide guidance when filing workers compensation claims. This peace of mind can be crucial during a difficult time, and may be what’s needed to get your life back on track. Contact the Lawyers of Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton For more information about your legal rights and options following a major injury at a construction site or a workplace, be sure to contact our injury and accident lawyers today. Our attorneys will help you hold negligent parties accountable.
Poor Safety Standards Increases Construction Accident Risk
At a construction site or any kind of industrial workplace, it is of the utmost importance that safety standards be recognized and adhered to. When an employer or the employees at a construction site do not take safety standards seriously, there can be major injuries, some of which can be fatal. Should such a tragedy occur, the Provo-based lawyers at Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton can help. They have years of experience dealing with injury lawsuits and legal claims involving construction accidents. Construction workers need to make sure that proper safety standards are in place and that they watch out for fellow employees and contractors. Sometimes just a little bit of common sense worker safety is all that’s needed. Let’s consider this matter in greater detail. Types of Safety Hazards The primary safety hazards at construction sites tend to involve falls, being caught between objects, falling objects, and electrocutions. Additional hazards include burn injuries, malfunctioning heavy machinery or equipment, exposure to toxic or harmful substances, and inhaling dangerous fumes. It’s important for supervisors and workers to ensure that their work site is as safe as possible, and that they are wearing proper gear to protect from injury. This includes hard hats, reflective clothing and vests, goggles, gloves, masks, and so forth. Injuries and Dangers When Safety Standards Are Ignored If safety standards are ignored or totally neglected, the chance of serious injury is quite high. The potential for head injuries, brain injuries, loss of limbs, neck and spine injuries, and serious burns or lacerations increase. With regard to dangerous substances and chemicals, there is an increased risk of health problems later in life if proper safety standards are not adhered to. There’s also a major risk of fatalities to consider for major construction accidents. According to some numbers, there are roughly 9.8 deaths for every 100,000 workers in the United States each year. This number is higher than most European countries, in some cases more than double their average rate. The Importance of OSHA Standards Passed in 1970, the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) helps prevent worker injuries and fatalities by setting guidelines for safety when people are at work. These on-the-job protections require proper safety equipment be made available to workers, and that any workplace or work site meets some general health and safety standards. Any OSHA violations at a construction site need to be identified and taken seriously. Holding Employers Accountable If there is an accident at a construction site that was the result of poor adherence to safety standards or a total lack of safety standards, it’s of the utmost importance that speak with experienced attorneys about your case. We will help hold the negligent party liable for the injuries they caused, and help you recover damage for any hardships that have been endured. Contact Our Team of Attorneys Today To learn more about your legal rights following a serious accident or injury, be sure to contact our team of experienced injury attorneys today. The lawyers of Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton are here to help you ensure your workplace or work site is safe.
Construction Accidents Involving Electrocution Can Be Deadly
The legal team at Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton fights for the injured and their loved ones throughout Provo, putting their needs first in the quest for justice. When another person or party has caused an accident, you need skilled lawyers such as those at our law firm to help in the legal battle ahead. This is particularly true with regard to industrial workplace and construction accidents. Construction companies have skilled legal teams in place, and going it alone can be extremely difficult. When facing issues related to electrocution or other sorts of serious or fatal electrical injuries, you shouldn’t hesitate to speak with our attorneys. The Dangers of Electrical Injuries The National Institution of Health estimates that up to 1,000 people die each year as a result of electrical injuries, with thousands and thousands more serious injured. OSHA considers electrical injuries and electrocution one of the leading causes of of worker fatalities. Given these dangers, no one should take electrical injuries of any kind lightly. Causes of Electrical Injuries at Workplaces Common causes of electrical injuries and electrocution at construction sites include the following: Poor wiring or installation of electric cords and extensions Lack of proper ground-fault protection Use of old construction equipment Use of construction equipment that has not been maintained Making contact with live wires Construction workers and pedestrians/passersby can experience any of the above causes. Electrical Burns and Disfigurement Electrical burns can cause major injuries to the skin and superficial tissues of the body. In serious burn injuries that are caused by electricity, the injury victim may suffer significant disfigurement that will require reconstructive surgery. Grafting and other procedures could be necessary to help burn victims in such issues. Soft Tissue and Nerve Damage Perhaps more serious that any external disfigurement caused by burns, electrical injuries can lead to very serious damage to the muscles, tendons, and nerves. Permanent damage to these soft tissues might require years of physical therapy to address or account for. In some cases, a person many no longer be able to perform simple tasks that they once took for granted. Effects on the Heart With major current coursing through the body, there’s a serious risk of cardiovascular health issues stemming from electrical injuries. Electrocution can also lead to issues with pacemakers and other items that may be implanted in the body, putting injury victims at serious risk of harm. Safety and Proper Precautions Are Key In order to prevent serious injuries and major tragedies from befalling workers and innocent bystanders, it’s of the utmost importance that construction companies, their employees, and an contractors hired make safety their utmost concern. Live wires and other potential sources of electrocution need to be noted and labeled, and these hazards should be kept well away from any people who are not working at the construction site. Simple safety such as this can save lives, which is why preventative measures cannot be taken for granted. How Our Attorneys Can Help If you or someone you love has suffered a serious electrical injury at or around a construction site, our team of attorney can help you. We will fight to obtain just compensation for the injuries that you have experienced, seeking damages for medical bills and lost wages, while also seeking to ensure that the negligent party does not repeat these sorts of actions again in the future. Speak with the Attorneys at Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton For more information about your legal rights after a serious accident at a construction site or industrial workplace, it’s of the utmost importance that you contact our team of attorneys today. The lawyers of Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton will fight diligently for you in your time of legal need.
Filing Third-Party Work Injury Lawsuits: What Workers Should Know
The legal team at Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton has helped countless injury victims in and around Provo in their time of legal need. An injury attorney can help you with your lawsuit, explaining all of your options in full detail so you can make well-informed choices about your legal options. When it comes to workplace injuries, many people don’t realize that they can seek a lawsuit against a third party that caused an accident. These are known as third-party work injuries, which we’d like to go over right now. About Third-Party Work Injuries Third-party work injuries essentially refer to injuries sustained at a worksite that are the result of another party’s negligence. This means a group or individual outside of your employer or construction company. Examples of Third-Party Work Injuries Say that you are working on a building addition to a completed and operating business. During this job, you slip on a floor that is wet and suffer a serious fracture to your ankle. If another company was in charge of keeping the floor dry and free of debris, they may be a liable third party in your case. Another example to consider involves defective power tools. While using an electrical drill, it may fail or malfunction in such a way that it causes serious injury to the worker using it. The company who manufactured that drill may be liable for the injury sustained. Finally, say you are driving a bulldozer down the s short stretch of road to a worksite, with fellow workers assisting with this necessary roadwork. If a civilian commuter disregards the warning signs about the roadwork and collides with the bulldozer, that negligent driver may be liable for injuries sustained by the driver and other members of the work crew. As you can see, there are many different ways that third parties can affect people simply doing their job. Can You Seek Workers’ Compensation as Well as a Third-Party Lawsuit? Yes. You will be able to seek workers’ compensation as well as file a legal claim against a third party. While you’re generally unable to file a suit against your employer, the third-party is not subject to the same legal protections with regard to work injuries. Why Seek a Third-Party Injury Lawsuit? While workers’ compensation will help cover lost wages and medical bills, they will not cover the physical/emotional pain and suffering associated with the injury. By filing a lawsuit against the third party, you can receive more compensation to cover additional expenses, losses, and challenges you have faced as a result of the injury. How Our Work Injury Attorneys Can Help You Work injuries can pose a number of challenges, ones that only skilled attorneys will be able to address properly. By working with a work injury attorney, you will receive ample information about all of your legal options. We can help you with the complexities of the legal process, freeing up your time to focus on recovery and the road ahead. Speak to the Attorneys of Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton To learn more about third-party work injuries and your legal options, be sure to contact our team of personal injury attorneys today. The legal team at Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton are here to help you make smart decisions with regard to legal matters.