Common Injuries at Construction Sites
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA),1 the most common fatal accidents at construction sites are falls, electrocutions, being struck by something, and being caught in between two objects or vehicles. Even if a construction worker survives these accidents, they will still likely face a lengthy recovery for serious injuries.
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) – Construction workers can sustain a TBI if they hit their head in a fall, get hit by a falling object or piece of equipment, if they are near blasting sites, and other similar incidents. Direct trauma to the head or extreme vibrations can damage the brain tissue, leading to a variety of effects2 depending on the location and severity of the TBI. Brain injuries can often result in lifelong cognitive and/or physical impairments.
Broken bones – Broken bones are common injuries in general, however, they can be particularly serious if a construction worker falls or has an accident with a power tool or heavy machinery. Many construction workers suffer compound fractures that require surgery to insert several pins and rods to replace the broken bone. In addition, if a worker is caught in between something, a bone can get completely crushed and may not be repairable.
Spinal cord injury – Any direct trauma to the spine can cause damage that may disrupt a number of bodily functions. Depending on the completeness of the injury, a spinal cord injury victim may be temporarily or permanently paralyzed from the point of injury down. This can lead to a reliance on wheelchairs and other assistance for the rest of their lives.
The above are only some of the many serious injuries sustained in construction zones and others may include burns, severed digits, and lacerations, among others. Anyone who has been in an accident should seek medical attention immediately and should discuss their legal rights with an attorney.
Contact Our Chicago Construction Injury Attorneys for Help
The legal team at Abels & Annes, P.C. in Chicago knows how a construction injury can change your entire life and we know how to help you obtain the compensation you deserve. Please call for a consultation with a construction accident lawyer at (312) 924-7575 today.
1https://www.osha.gov/oshstats/commonstats.html
2https://www.brainline.org/content/2008/07/what-impact-will-moderate-or-severe-tbi-have-persons-life_pageall.html