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Struck-By Accidents

Stricken-by accidents are the most common cause of nonfatal injuries and the second leading cause of fatalities among construction workers, costing over $1.7 billion in workers compensation expenses in 2016 (2). When a worker is struck by a moving vehicle, equipment, or by a falling or flying object, he or she may be injured (3).

Construction workers have double the risk of fatal struck-by incidents as all other industries combined, and they have the highest number of fatalities due to struck-by accidents among all industries (4). Employers and employees can collaborate to increase awareness about dangers and prevent strikes.

If you’ve recently been hurt by falling debris or equipment from a construction site, you may be able to sue the contractor who caused the damage. Contact Texas Personal Injury Lawyers right away at (888) 997-2148 for a free case evaluation to learn more about your legal options.

Claiming Full Recoveries For Workers Injured In Struck-By Accidents

Struck-by accident are one of the construction industry’s “Fatal Four” risks, along with falls, electrocutions, and trapped-between/between accidents. Struck-by incidents resulted in 9.4% of all worker deaths in 2016.

Workers who are hit by hefty objects may suffer a variety of injuries, including contusions; cuts; bone fractures; head, neck, and spine injuries; and even death.

To protect construction workers from fatal and incapacitating accidents, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) provides training materials, assistance, and rules that aim to prevent employees from significant and irreversible harm.

Types Of Struck-by Accidents

 

On any construction site, numerous potential safety risks exist. OSHA’s rules are designed to address three typical sorts of struck-by incidents.

Construction workers are most frequently struck by:

  • Concrete Or Masonry Walls:

Until the walls are finished and can support themselves, there is a danger of collapse. In addition, workers may be harmed if heavy slabs and stones are transferred and placed in position throughout this process.

  • Falling Or Flying Objects:

Workers below can be struck by crumbling materials or flying things at any time when construction work is being done at a height. Power tools may be dropped, dislodge building materials and particles, and send them flying in the vicinity of workers.

  • Heavy Equipment And Vehicles:

Construction vehicles and walls, or heavy equipment that has been toppled over, can all become trapped or crushed.

Struck-by Accidents: Common Injuries

 

There’s no doubt that being struck by a vehicle can result in serious injuries, which might lead to long-term or lifetime impairments. The following are examples of the most frequent injuries caused by these types of accidents:

  • Head Injuries:

    Workers’ heads are most likely to be hit by debris or materials that fall. The injuries sustained can be quite serious, depending on the height from which the object falls and the weight of the object as well as its speed of descent. The majority of those who are injured in these ways generally have traumatic brain injuries, such as concussions, skull fractures, and brain bleeds. Traumatic brain injuries frequently necessitate surgery, hospitalization, intensive rehabilitation, and continuing therapy. Construction workers who have suffered traumatic brain injuries face a difficult time returning to work. Traumatic brain injuries, particularly when they result from falling objects at construction sites, may result in fatalities.

  • Broken Bones:

    Workers are also prone to bone fractures as a result of being struck by falling objects. While these may not be life-threatening injuries, they can result in temporary or even permanent disabilities, depending on the severity and extent of the damage sustained. Fractures in your spine may require months of rehabilitation, such as physical therapy or chiropractic treatment. You could be unable to return to work for a long time or able to resume your previous job. Bones can be crushed with heavy items, causing long-term damage in some cases.

  • Loss of limbs:

    Workers can lose their limbs when an object or debris falls on them. As a result of this, they may lose limbs. Loss of limbs is a severe injury that causes lifelong disability. In such situations, employees are unable to work in the construction sector again and have lost their livelihoods. Workers and their families can be emotionally and financially devastated when they lose this capacity to earn an income and a livelihood.

  • Internal Organ Damage:

    Trauma to internal organs can also result from being struck by a vehicle, which might lead to fatal bleeding. As a result, it is critical for employees to seek medical attention as soon as possible after being hit by a vehicle. To get help, accept treatment at the scene and/or go to an emergency room right now.

Preventing Struck-by Accidents

 

Employers are obligated by law to safeguard their employees from these avoidable dangers. In a struck-by accident, construction workers who have received good safety training and site control measures have a decreased chance of being harmed.

Workers must shore up masonry and concrete until they can be permanently secured, using only their full lifting capacity. Toe boards and debris nets keep workers away from airborne things and particles, lowering the risk of workplace injuries as a result of flying or falling objects.

Construction trucks such as cranes and forklifts should be in good operating order with adequate braking systems and audible alarms in place to prevent employees from being crushed beneath or between them.

Workers on a construction site should all wear basic safety equipment, such as hard helmets, goggles, face shields, and warning vests to protect their bodies and make themselves more visible to others.

What To Do After A Struck-by Accident

 

If you are hurt at work by a building project, you must take the appropriate actions to receive proper medical treatment and preserve your right to seek compensation for your injuries. Employers who fail to protect their staff from known hazards may be held responsible if their workers are harmed on the job.

Construction firms frequently advise injured employees to accept minor disability payouts so they don’t have to deal with the threat of being sued for dangerous working conditions. These payments are rarely enough to cover medical expenses and lost income following a significant injury. Working with a construction accident lawyer at Texas Personal Injury Lawyers that is familiar with hit-and-run accidents increases your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve.

Our skilled and committed construction accident lawyers are not afraid to go up against the largest construction companies after a struck by accident injury. When they fail to safeguard their workers from “The Fatal Four” calamities, they should be held accountable.

If you or a loved one has been hurt in an accident caused by a construction project, call immediately the skilled personal injury lawyers at Texas Personal Injury Lawyers for a free case evaluation so that they can assist you comprehend your legal rights and alternatives.

Call us at (888) 997-2148 now for you free consultation.

We take cases on a contingency fee basis and there are no costs unless we win, and the consultation is completely FREE. Contact us to learn what Texas Personal Injury Lawyers can accomplish for you.