Construction Site Accident Lawyer Columbus Ohio
The construction industry is a major contributor to the United States economy and employs over 7.8 million employees throughout the nation. According to the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), there are more than 200,000 construction employees as of 2020 in Ohio alone. With construction being such a massive industry, it is important to note how dangerous it can be – from heavy machinery to potentially hazardous materials being used on site.
A mix of fatal and non-fatal injuries occur on construction sites. In 2019, the private construction industry had a total of 1,102 fatal injuries and falls, slips, and trips made up a total of 32% of all non-fatal injuries that required time away from work, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Because the industry is so dangerous, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has a number of important regulations that entities in the construction industry are required to meet.
OSHA regulations directly address issues like general safety and health provisions, personal protective and lifesaving equipment, safety training, and how to handle the disposal of various materials. Construction companies and other parties involved in the industry have a number of obligations to meet to ensure that worksites are safe – both for workers and anyone in the vicinity of a construction site.
But accidents do happen, and they can have a devastating impact on the victims. You may face severe injuries that have long-term effects on your health, your finances, and your life completely. This is where a Columbus construction accident attorney can help.
You are not alone following a devastating accident. The Friedmann Firm’s team of experienced attorneys is here to help you navigate the process of filing a construction site accident claim and seeking fair compensation for your associated losses.
Common Types of Construction Site Accidents
The construction industry is considered to be one of the most dangerous industries around. From millions of workers working on scaffolds throughout the country to the operation of heavy machinery like excavators, tower cranes, and compactors, there is a great deal of activity happening on construction sites at any given time. This increases the potential for any number of accidents to occur, especially if a party has been negligent in maintaining safety countermeasures and equipment on site.
The activity on a construction site has the potential to lead to accidents both for workers who are on-site and individuals who may be around the site as well.
Some of the most common types of construction site accidents that occur include:
- Scaffolding accidents
- Ladder accidents
- Electrocution and electrical hazards
- Site falls
- Dangerous and defective machines
- Forklift and crane accidents
- Falling materials
- Nail gun accidents
- Pedestrian injuries
- Hazardous gases and materials
- Welding, cutting, and brazing accidents
- Excavation cave-ins
- Exposure to toxic gases, lead, or asbestos
- Getting stuck in between objects
- Plant and work site explosions
- Scaffolding failures
After being involved in an accident, if you are a construction worker, you will typically be able to file a claim with Ohio’s Bureau of Worker’s Compensation. As per their website:
“Ohio workers who are injured on the job or suffer an occupational disease can request medical benefits, and if applicable, compensation by filing a workers’ compensation claim.”
For individuals who work in construction and individuals who just happen to be near a construction site at the time of an accident and are injured as a result, it will be important to determine if a third party was responsible for the accident that caused your injuries. If you suspect that negligence played a part in your injuries and losses, please contact our Columbus construction accident law firm.
We will be able to analyze the details of your case and help you seek fair compensation for your injuries.
Common Injuries Caused by Construction Site Accidents
Construction sites are considered highly dangerous work areas, especially given the number of moving parts,people, and heavy machinery.
For workers and even just pedestrians who are passing by a construction site, there is a range of injuries that can be caused by construction site accidents.
Some of these injuries include:
- Electrocution
- Burns
- Broken or fractured bones
- Knee and ankle injuries
- Neck, shoulder, and back injuries
- Spinal cord injuries, including damage that can lead to paralysis
- Head injuries
- Brain injuries, including Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
- Sickness caused by hazardous materials or chemical exposure
- Sense impairments, including blindness
- Loss of limb
Injuries from construction site accidents can range from minor to severe and can leave you with life-altering circumstances. Your overall health, ability to live your daily life, and your finances may be impacted by your injuries – both in the short and long term.
If you or a loved one has sustained injuries from a construction site accident through no fault of your own, you may have grounds to seek compensation. It can be prudent to connect with a construction injury attorney in Columbus, Ohio as soon as possible. We can help determine if you have grounds for a personal injury claim and we can offer you aggressive, skilled legal representation should we take your case.
What to Do After You Have Been in a Serious Construction Accident
If you have been hurt in a serious construction accident, there are some common steps you can take after the injury for your own safety and to help build a strong case.
- Be sure to seek medical attention. You may not feel hurt, but you might have injuries that are not prominent, or they may appear sometime after the accident. A medical professional will be able to examine you and determine if you are injured.
- Report the accident to the appropriate party. For workers, this may include a report to a supervisor.
- Keep your own records, including copies of medical reports and incident reports.
- Take photos and videos of the scene of the accident.
- Gather eyewitness contact information.
- Contact a construction injury attorney in Columbus, Ohio from The Friedmann Firm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I hire a Columbus construction accident attorney?
While you are free to pursue filing a claim on your own, we highly recommend working with a construction injury attorney in Columbus, Ohio. We will be able to look at your situation and help determine if you have grounds for a claim. You may be eligible to seek compensation for your injuries and losses, including pain and suffering, lost income, and more.
What can a Columbus construction accident lawyer help me with?
There are a number of key things that a Columbus construction accident attorney can help with. The time following your accident is extremely critical for your legal case and your recovery. A Columbus personal injury lawyer can help in several ways, including:
- Collecting and handling all relevant evidence to your case including medical and incident reports, eyewitness statements, and your side of the story
- Filing your claim on time
- Handling all paperwork
- Negotiating with insurance companies for fair compensation
You might be tempted to wait to reach out to an attorney after your accident. But we encourage you to reach out as soon as possible. There are important deadlines for filing a personal injury claim to meet and we can help ensure that your claim is handled in a timely manner.
Your case will receive the attention it deserves as we seek a satisfactory resolution on your behalf.
What kind of damages can I possibly recover from a personal injury claim?
There are several different kinds of damages that you may be able to recover from a personal injury claim including:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
Should you file a wrongful death claim, family members of the victim may also recover additional damages like loss of companionship, loss of consortium, and burial and funeral expenses?
To ensure that all of your injuries and related losses are included in your claim, consult with our Columbus construction accident law firm. We can help explain your rights to you and once we start the claims process, we will keep you up to date on your case every step of the way.
Schedule a Free Consultation with a Construction Injury Attorney in Columbus, Ohio
If you or a loved one has been injured in a construction site accident, please do not hesitate to reach out to our Columbus construction accident law firm today. We understand the stress you are facing, especially as you try to focus on your recovery and what comes next. Our team of skilled construction injury attorneys in Columbus, Ohio is here to help.
With years of experience, we take an aggressive approach to each and every case that we take on. We provide all of our clients with expert legal guidance and representation to seek maximum compensation for your injuries and losses – no matter the type of accident you were involved in. You will not have to worry about filing your claim on your own and you can focus on your recovery while we handle the legal side of everything.
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