Roofing work, operating heavy equipment, and general labor in construction sites are some of the most dangerous jobs. Usually, when someone is injured on the job, workers’ compensation pays their medical expenses and lost wages. Unfortunately, many construction workers are independent contractors, which makes them ineligible for workers’ comp. After a serious injury at work, they may need to hire a lawyer who represents clients harmed during construction accidents in Ottawa County.
Why People Choose This Occupation
People choose this work because it can be lucrative and they prefer being outdoors instead of in a factory or office. However, injuries in this type of occupation can be extremely serious. The fatality rate in construction accidents rose steadily for several years and finally dropped by 2 percent in 2017, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Frequent Causes of Injuries
The most frequent causes of serious injuries in construction sites are falls from heights. That could be from a roof, a scaffold, an extension ladder, or a crane. Construction companies are supposed to provide all the safety gear required by federal regulations and make sure the workers use it correctly. This does not always happen, however. Also, sometimes supervisors pressure workers to be less stringent about the requirements to save time.
Another cause of accidents involves heavy objects falling from above, such as lumber or pipes, and striking workers below. Heavy equipment like excavating machines and front end loaders can cause serious injuries. Many workers also are struck by smaller vehicles on the site, including pickup trucks and utility vehicles.
Contacting a Law Firm
People typically think that construction accidents in Ottawa County could never happen to them. They may never have known anyone personally who was harmed in this kind of incidents. When something does go wrong one day at work, they are transported by ambulance to a hospital emergency room. They may need surgery and a long recuperation. Trying to figure out how to receive compensation can be bewildering. They may want to contact an organization like Bleakley Law Offices, P.C. for a free consultation.
