Understanding Construction Site Injuries in Connecticut & Why Construction Sites Are a Serious Concern
No one should have to choose between their safety and a job. Unfortunately, construction sites are dangerous workplaces that pose multiple hazards. In fact, the construction industry typically suffers the highest rate of fatal work injuries of any major industry year after year.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “falls, slips, and trips accounted for 35.3 percent of the workplace deaths within construction and extraction occupations in 2020.” But not all construction site injuries result in death. In 2023 alone, the construction industry reported 167,600 nonfatal work-related injuries, ranking sixth among private sector industries.
The financial toll of construction site accidents can be severe for businesses. But what about injured workers and their loved ones? According to the National Safety Council, U.S. construction workers miss an average of 11 workdays annually due to work-related injuries. If you have been injured in a construction site accident, you may face costs related to lost work, medical care, pain and suffering, and more.
What Are The Most Common Construction Accident Injuries?
Construction workers in Connecticut face many different types of risks on the job. Some of the most common injuries suffered by construction workers include:
- Concussions or traumatic brain injuries, or TBIs
- Broken bones or fractures
- Lacerations, contusions, and deep cuts
- Burns from a fire, explosion, or electric shock
- Crushing injuries and internal organ damage
- Involuntary amputation of toes, fingers, or limbs
- Eye and ear injuries
- Partial or total paralysis
The most tragic construction accident cases often lead to a worker’s death. If you have been injured in a construction accident or you’ve lost a loved one to a wrongful death, speak to an experienced and compassionate construction accident attorney at Kennedy Johnson about your options.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Construction Accidents in Connecticut?
Most construction accidents and injuries are preventable. There are many potential causes of construction accidents. Too often, workers get hurt due to a lack of safety measures and training. Common construction accidents include the following:
- Being struck by a falling or flying object, or a discharged object
- Scaffolding accidents or falling from heights
- Electrical Injuries
- Slip and fall or trip and fall accidents
- Equipment or machinery-related accidents
- Explosions and fires
- Hazardous chemical or material exposure
- Defective or malfunctioning equipment or tools
- Being struck against an object or piece of equipment, both stationary and moving objects
- Structural or trench collapses
- Outdoor exposure and exposure to loud noises
- Repetitive stress and overexertion injuries
In addition to the above, construction site workers can also be injured due to errors made by other workers or traffic accidents on or around job sites.
How To Report Construction Injuries & What To Do if You’re Injured on a Construction Site
If you get hurt on a construction site, you might suffer debilitating and painful injuries with mounting medical bills. You might also need to take time away from work, switch to a less demanding job, or stop working entirely due to your injuries.
Before you can get compensation for any of these items, you should follow these steps for reporting a construction site injury:
- Seek medical attention.Your most immediate concern should be your health. Even if you don’t think you’ve been seriously injured, get examined by a doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries are not immediately apparent. In addition, prompt medical attention will document your injuries and protect your rights to pursue compensation.
- Report the incident. Reporting the accident as soon as possible is crucial to fulfill legal requirements and preserve evidence that could strengthen your case. Employers, insurers, and regulators also use this data to determine how to prevent accidents on construction sites.
- Collect documentation. If possible, take photos of the accident scene and its surroundings. Not the conditions. Get contact information from any witnesses. Gather medical bills and records. It’s also important to keep detailed records throughout the claim process.
If you were hurt while doing your job, you shouldn’t have to shoulder the financial burden of medical care, lost income, or other damages. Depending on the circumstances of your accident, you have several options for pursuing compensation:
- File for workers’ compensation. Workers’ compensation covers most workers in Connecticut for job-related injuries and illnesses, regardless of fault. Workers’ comp covers medical expenses and a portion of your lost wages.
- Pursue a third-party lawsuit. If a party other than your employer was responsible for your accident, you might be eligible to pursue a personal injury claim and seek compensation for all your losses, including pain and suffering.
- Apply for Social Security Disability. If your injury or work-related condition is so severe that it will prevent you from working for more than a year, you may also be eligible for SSDI benefits.
- File a wrongful death case. If a loved one has died from a work-related accident, you may have the right to pursue a wrongful death case to collect fair compensation.
Filing a construction accident claim may not be as simple as it seems. The party or parties responsible for our injury might contest liability, dispute whether you were hurt, or minimize how seriously you were injured. In addition, there may be several avenues for pursuing compensation. A skilled and knowledgeable attorney can determine the best path, navigate the legal details, avoid any pitfalls, and fight for the justice you deserve.
Why Is Having a Construction Accident Attorney in Connecticut Crucial?
An important decision that often arises following a construction accident is whether to hire a lawyer. Skilled representation can make the difference in securing the full compensation you deserve. The legal team at Kennedy Johnson is here to help you after a workplace accident.
Our team will do the following for you:
- Analyze your case and advise you of your rights.
- Determine the type of claims you can pursue, including any personal injury actions against third parties.
- Investigate and gather evidence to build your case
- Handle communications with the insurance companies and opposition on your behalf.
- File your claims on time, complete all paperwork, and aggressively litigate your claims.
- Negotiate a fair settlement when it is time to do so.
- Fight for you in court if necessary to secure the best result.
These are just some of the many services our firm provides to injured workers. We work on a contingency fee basis for construction accident victims, meaning you pay us nothing upfront for our services.
We genuinely care about your outcome. We have obtained significant, life-changing results for our clients, including a $4 million recovery for the death of a construction worker killed in an industrial accident.
How a Connecticut Construction Site Accident Lawyer Can Help – Contact Kennedy, Johnson, Schwab & Roberge, P.C. Today
Following an accident, your employer and their insurance company may not have your best interests in mind. If you’ve been in a construction accident and have questions about your right to receive compensation, reach out to a reputable construction site accident lawyer today.
At Kennedy Johnson, our construction lawyers offer effective and aggressive legal representation and will fight for your rights throughout the claims process. We serve construction workers in New Haven, Norwalk, Stamford, West Hartford, and throughout Connecticut.
Call 203-865-8430 or contact us online to schedule your free initial consultation today.