For construction workers, ensuring safety on the job is the highest priority. Contractors, subcontractors, and workers all work diligently to implement safety protocols, maintain equipment, and reduce risks to minimize hazards on the job site. Despite these precautions, however, nothing can fully protect workers and bystanders from the unpredictable and potentially catastrophic consequences of defective construction equipment. Equipment malfunctions, faulty safety mechanisms, or poorly maintained machinery can result in severe accidents that may cause life-changing injuries or even fatalities.

These incidents can occur at any moment, whether it’s a crane malfunction, a forklift failure, or a design flaw in a piece of equipment. When construction equipment fails, the consequences can be devastating, affecting not only the workers operating the machinery but also others on the site. Construction workers often face serious injuries such as broken bones, paralysis, burns, or even amputations, all of which can have long-lasting physical, emotional, and financial effects.

If you’ve been injured in a Toledo construction accident, it’s important to understand your legal rights. While workers’ compensation provides coverage for many workplace injuries, it may not fully account for the extent of your losses or the negligence of a third party, such as the manufacturer or maintenance provider of the defective equipment. Our Toledo construction accident attorneys are here to help you navigate the complex legal process, investigate the cause of your accident, and fight for the compensation you deserve to cover medical bills, lost wages, and more.

 

Types of Construction Zone Accidents

In a profession like construction, where the risk of severe and violent accidents is high, workers can suffer catastrophic injuries and death from various incidents. Some of the most common and dangerous causes of construction accidents include:

  • Falls from roofs are one of the most common and dangerous accidents in the construction industry. Workers can fall from heights due to inadequate safety measures, such as missing guardrails, improper use of harnesses, or equipment failure. These falls often result in serious injuries, including broken bones, head trauma, or even fatalities, especially when proper safety protocols are not followed.
  • Crane and heavy equipment accidents also pose significant risks to construction workers. Cranes, forklifts, and other heavy machinery can cause crushing injuries or fatalities if not operated properly or if equipment malfunctions. Accidents involving these machines are often catastrophic, as the weight and power of the machinery can lead to life-threatening injuries or even death.
  • Scaffolding collapses are another serious hazard. When scaffolding is improperly assembled, or if its supports fail, it can lead to workers falling from significant heights. These falls can cause fractures, spinal cord injuries, or traumatic brain injuries, often resulting in long-term disability or death.
  • Structural cave-ins are life-threatening accidents that occur when workers are exposed to unstable soil or structures, particularly in trenches or excavation sites. If the ground collapses, it can trap workers under tons of debris, leading to severe injury or even death. Adequate safety measures, such as shoring or trench boxes, are necessary to prevent such tragedies.
  • Electrocution is a risk for construction workers who encounter exposed wires, faulty electrical systems, or improper grounding of electrical equipment. Electric shocks can cause severe burns, cardiac arrest, or even fatalities. Proper training and safety precautions are essential to mitigate the risk of electrocution on the job.
  • Fires and Explosions are another common danger on construction sites, especially when workers are handling flammable materials or working with electrical systems that are prone to malfunction. Sparks or electrical issues can quickly ignite a fire or cause an explosion, leading to severe burns, smoke inhalation, or fatalities.
  • Compressed and natural gas explosions. Gas leaks from underground pipes or cables can lead to catastrophic explosions, which can cause widespread damage, severe burns, and potentially fatal injuries.
  • Welding accidents. Workers involved in welding tasks are at risk of burns from hot metal, eye injuries from exposure to bright sparks, and other severe injuries. Improper protective gear, faulty equipment, or unsafe working conditions can exacerbate the danger of these accidents, leading to long-term health issues for the workers involved.

Common Injuries in Toledo Construction Accidents

As a result, construction workers often suffer severe and life-altering injuries, including:

  • Third-degree Burns. These can occur from fires, explosions, or electrical accidents on the job site. The intensity of these burns can cause permanent damage to the skin, tissue, and even bones, requiring extensive treatment and long-term recovery.
  • Paralysis. Paralysis occurs from spinal cord damage, which can happen due to falls, equipment accidents, or structural collapses. Such injuries often lead to permanent disability, drastically changing the worker’s life and their ability to perform everyday tasks.
  • Degloving. Degloving injuries are also a serious risk in construction. These occur when skin and tissue are torn from the body due to accidents involving machinery or equipment. The severity of these injuries often requires multiple surgeries, skin grafts, and lengthy rehabilitation.
  • Brain injuries. Brain Injuries are unfortunately common, often resulting from falls, blows to the head, or being struck by falling objects. These injuries can range from concussions to more severe traumatic brain injuries, potentially affecting cognitive function and long-term health.
  • Amputations of limbs. These can occur due to crushing injuries or accidents involving heavy equipment. The loss of a limb is not only physically devastating but can also require costly and extensive rehabilitation, as well as long-term prosthetic use.
  • Severe fractures, typically resulting from falls or being struck by heavy machinery, are also frequent in the construction industry. These fractures can require extensive surgeries and long recovery periods, sometimes leading to permanent impairment.

In addition to these physical injuries, construction workers who engage in demolition work on older buildings face the added risk of exposure to toxic substances, such as asbestos. This exposure can lead to life-threatening illnesses, including mesothelioma or other respiratory conditions, which may take years to manifest but can severely impact a worker’s health and quality of life.

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What to do after a Toledo Construction Accident

After being injured in a construction work accident, it is essential to take the proper steps to ensure your safety and protect your legal rights. Since your injury occurred while you were on the job, you are likely entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. However, to secure full compensation for your losses, it’s important to follow these steps:

  • Seek Medical Care – First and foremost, visit the emergency room or urgent care so a qualified medical professional can thoroughly assess and treat your injuries. Even if the injury seems minor, a doctor should perform a full examination, as some injuries may not be immediately noticeable or may worsen over time. Be sure to follow your doctor’s treatment plan, including attending all appointments with medical professionals such as doctors and physical therapists.
  • Document the Incident – Record everything you remember about the accident. Include details of what happened before, during, and after the incident, even the smallest of details, as these can be crucial in strengthening the viability of your claim.
  • Talk to Possible Witnesses – If possible, gather the contact information of anyone who witnessed the accident and ask them to provide a summary of what they saw.
  • Report the Injury – It’s essential to report the accident as soon as possible. Notify your supervisor in writing, and make sure to document the name and position of the person you notified, as well as the date the report was submitted.
  • Obtain Medical Records and Documentation – Keep all records related to your injuries, including medical diagnoses, treatments, prescriptions, and expenses. Take photographs of your injuries at the outset and continue taking pictures as your recovery progresses.
  • Contact a Toledo Construction Accident Lawyer – To ensure you have a strong workers’ compensation or personal injury claim, consult with an experienced Toledo construction accident attorney. We will review the details of your accident and determine the best course of action to help you obtain the full compensation you deserve for your injuries.

Construction Accident Statistics

Working in construction exposes workers to a wide range of dangerous and potentially fatal work conditions. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are over 1000 deaths in construction which accounts for 21% of all deaths among US workers.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports that there are 169,200 recorded injuries in construction. 40% of these results in workers needing to take time away from work. The National Safety Council estimates that the average days away from work of workers injured in construction is 11.

Available Damages from Toledo Construction Accident Injury Cases

Suffering injuries on or near a construction site can have devastating and long-lasting effects on both you and your family—physically, emotionally, and financially. While workers’ compensation may provide some financial relief, you could be entitled to additional compensation, especially if a third party’s negligence caused the accident. In such cases, you might be eligible for some or all of the following damages:

  • Medical care not covered by workers’ compensation benefits
  • Rehabilitation, occupational, and physical therapy
  • Assistive care for daily living needs
  • Home and vehicle modifications to accommodate your injuries
  • Psychological care for trauma related to the accident
  • Emotional trauma resulting from the incident
  • Pain and suffering endured due to your injuries
  • Disfigurement caused by the accident
  • Disability compensation for the inability to work
  • Wrongful death damages if your loved one passed away due to the injuries

In Ohio, there are strict time limits for filing claims. An injured worker has one year to file a workers’ compensation claim and two years to file a third-party personal injury lawsuit. To understand your rights and available compensation, it’s important to contact an experienced attorney who can guide you through the legal process and help you recover the full compensation you deserve.

Charles E. Boyk Delivers for you in Toledo Construction Accidents!

Construction Worker Receives Huge Settlement After Exposure to 7200 Volts of Electricity

Our client was a construction worker tasked with working near electrical lines. His employer required him to stand in the bucket of a backhoe and be lifted 10 feet in the air to repair low-hanging cables. Unfortunately, he touched an electrical line and was thrown to the ground.

The shock caused cardiac arrest, and he had to be defibrillated three times before his heartbeat was restored. He then spent a month in an induced coma, followed by 87 days in the hospital and over a dozen surgeries. Despite his efforts, he was never able to return to work.

We enlisted numerous expert witnesses and filed a lawsuit on his behalf. After depositions across the country, our client secured a confidential settlement at the final mediation. The settlement provided him and his family with lifelong financial support. Additionally, we helped him obtain Social Security disability benefits and permanent total disability under his workers’ compensation claim.

Construction Worker Suffers Brain Injury When Hit By Car in Construction Zone

Our client was a flagger working in a properly marked construction zone. He was wearing the required safety vest and helmet, and the area was clearly marked with a truck displaying flashing lights. Despite these safety precautions, a distracted driver struck him.

We were retained by the family to investigate. We enlisted the help of an accident reconstruction expert and obtained the full investigation materials, including videos from the Highway Patrol. With this information, we secured a substantial out-of-court settlement for our client. We also assisted him in obtaining workers’ compensation benefits and settling his workers’ compensation claim. This enabled our client to pursue further education and retraining for a safer career.

Concrete Worker No Longer Able to Work after Broken Back and Brain Injury

Our client was working at a construction site, using a hose to pour concrete. The concrete supplier truck had been idle for an extended period, causing the concrete to harden. When our client began pouring the concrete, a hardened piece passed through the hose, throwing him against a concrete wall. As a result, he suffered fractures in his back, a brain injury, and endured a long hospitalization and rehabilitation.

We hired a concrete and construction expert and conducted a thorough investigation into the incident. A lawsuit was filed, and depositions were taken. Ultimately, we secured a large settlement at a private mediation, just before trial. In addition, we helped our client obtain Social Security disability benefits and permanent total disability under Ohio workers’ compensation to support his ongoing recovery.

Reach Out Today for a Free Consultation

If you’ve been injured in a construction injury, it’s crucial to have a skilled personal injury attorney handling your case and secure the compensation you deserve. At Boyk Law, our experienced Toledo construction injury lawyers are dedicated to guiding you through this difficult period. We understand the complexities involved in construction injury cases and will work relentlessly to ensure you obtain the compensation and justice you’re entitled to.

Contact us today for a free case evaluation and find out how we can help you achieve the justice and financial recovery you need. Let us leverage our expertise to support you every step of the way.

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