Construction Accidents

Each year, I represent dozens of construction workers injured on the job.  While the amount of residential and building construction has gone down somewhat over the past few years, it seems to me that a higher percentage of those who have construction jobs are reporting injuries.  This may be because workers who have jobs often try to work through minor injuries, putting them at risk for more serious accidents.

I am also hearing from my clients that contractors are using fewer workers on the job, meaning that many work sites are simply more dangerous.

Common types of work accidents I see include:

• falls from roofs or scaffolding
• heavy equipment injuries
• trench collapse
• electrocution and electric accidents
• crushed hands
• leg, knee and ankle injuries from falls
• back injuries from lifting or sudden shift of weight
• head injuries from falling items

I will also tell you that construction companies often try to fight workers’ compensation claims.  They almost always order drug and alcohol tests, and they regularly use surveillance to try to catch workers at home performing  yard work or participating in family activities.

Construction cases sometimes involve questions of who is the employer.  For example, if you work for a small subcontractor, the workers’ compensation coverage may be through the general contractor.  Sometimes it can be tricky to find the actual employer and insurer and I have seen adjustors try to deny claims because notice was supposedly not provided to the correct supervisor.

My point here is this – even if you have a witnessed work injury that you report to your direct supervisor, you may find that the insurance company will try to deny benefits on a technicality.  They will certainly try to send you to a doctor who will minimize your injuries and they will try to close your case quickly and for as little money as possible.

I therefore urge you to call me at 770-351-0801 if you are a construction worker who has been hurt in a work related accident.