Construction workers have essential and dangerous jobs. We all depend on construction workers to build or renovate safe buildings. Yet, that comes with significant personal injury risks for the workers doing their jobs.
Common Causes of Construction Accidents
Some of the dangers construction workers face include:
- Falls from heights. Falls from scaffolding, ladders, cranes, roofs, or other heights are a common type of construction accident.
- Slip or trip and falls. A slip on a wet surface or a trip over a cord, debris, or equipment may cause a construction accident injury.
- Falling objects. Debris or equipment may be dropped from other workers above and cause injury to people below them.
- Struck by accidents. Workers who are hit by motor vehicles or construction equipment may suffer traumatic injuries.
- Motor vehicle crashes. Construction workers may be hurt while driving or riding in trucks or other types of construction vehicles.
- Chemical exposure. Toxic chemicals are often used on construction sites and may cause illness, burns, or death.
- Electrical exposure. Electrocution is a serious risk for construction workers while working near exposed wires.
- Weather. Extreme heat may cause heat stroke, cold temperatures may cause hypothermia, lightning poses various health risks, and snow and ice can cause slip and falls.
- Equipment. Malfunctioning or defective equipment creates significant risks for construction workers. Additionally, a lot of construction equipment is inherently dangerous, and even the most seasoned construction worker may get hurt with a saw, drill, nail gun, or another type of tool.
- Lifting. Construction work often involves lifting, moving, unloading, loading, and storing heavy objects. Lifting may cause an acute injury or an injury from repetitive motion.
- Confined spaces. Some construction workers work in cramped spaces such as trenches, manholes, tunnels, or pipelines where they face various hazards such as limited airflow.
- Collapses. Construction workers may be hurt or killed when buildings, trenches, or other structures collapse and trap them inside.
Any of these accidents may cause catastrophic or fatal injuries.
Different Kinds of Construction Accident Injuries
Just as there are many different kinds of construction accidents, there are many different kinds of construction accident injuries. After a construction accident, you should watch for signs of:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Amputations
- Internal injuries
- Eye injuries
- Hearing loss
- Burns
- Electrocution
- Back, neck, or shoulder injuries
- Illness from exposure to toxic substances
- Heatstroke
- Hypothermia
- Death
Any of these injuries can cause you significant physical pain, emotional suffering, and financial loss.
What to Do If You’re Hurt in a Michigan Construction Accident
You may trust your employer or your employer’s insurance company to take care of you after a construction accident. Unfortunately, they may not have your fair recovery in mind. You may benefit from consulting with an experienced Bloomfield Hills personal injury attorney.
Our attorneys only have your best interests at heart. We will help you avoid potentially costly mistakes and get the fair recovery you deserve for a Michigan construction accident injury. Call us, text us, or complete our online contact form today to learn more.