In a city as large and thriving as Austin, there is almost always construction of some kind happening. Whether there is roadwork on the MoPac Expressway or development downtown, motorists and pedestrians alike can expect to run into some kind of work zone on a regular basis.
Unfortunately, construction sites are notoriously dangerous for both the workers and passersby. For example, heavy equipment can cause serious damage if it malfunctions—or ends up in the hands of an incompetent operator.
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, more than 20 percent of the worker fatalities that occurred in the private industry in 2015 were in construction. Additionally, the Federal Highway Administration reports that during that same year, a collision occurred in a roadwork zone nearly once every five minutes.
Although many of these accidents merely result in property damage, some cause catastrophic injuries. If you were hurt in an accident on or near a job site and you want to pursue compensation for the damages you incurred, contact the Robson Law Firm.
An Austin construction accident lawyer will help you navigate the claims process and may even be able to achieve a more favorable outcome for you than anticipated. Call 512-345-8200 to schedule a free case evaluation with an injury attorney.
Read on to learn about some of the more common causes of construction site accidents:
- Falls
Both slip and fall accidents and falls from elevated platforms are common on construction sites. Scaffolding can be unstable, and workers are likely to fall when it is not erected properly. They can also lose their balance if they fail to exercise caution when installing heavy windows and other architectural elements.
Likewise, everything from stray tools to holes and uneven flooring can result in a catastrophic slip and fall accident. Even though these falls do not involve height, they can still result in debilitating injuries.
- Electrocutions
Exposed wiring is common on work sites, and live wires pose a serious risk of electrocution to anyone in the near vicinity. If a worker fails to exercise caution around unfinished electrical systems, life-altering injuries could result.
- Caught in-between
Caught in-between accidents are those in which someone gets stuck between immovable objects, heavy equipment, or debris that has fallen. These kinds of accidents are often devastating and may cause injuries that never fully heal, require amputation, or result in paralysis.
- Overexertion
Construction is literally backbreaking work, and overexertion is common in places like Texas, where the sun beats down all day long. When workers push themselves too hard and fail to hydrate, they are more likely to make mistakes that could result in serious injuries. They are also prone to conditions like heatstroke, which can be serious if left untreated.
If you were hurt in an accident on or near a job site and you want to hold the liable party financially accountable, contact the Robson Law Firm. We can quantify the damages to ensure you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Call 512-345-8200 to schedule a free consultation with an injury attorney in Austin. If you want to learn more about personal injury claims in Texas, visit usattorneys.com/personal-injury/texas.
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