Lexington, SC Construction Accident & Injury Lawyers
Construction accidents cause some of the most devastating injuries in Lexington. Victims often rack up extensive medical costs to treat their injuries.
Fortunately, you can take several steps that will help you recover compensation later from the liable party. Construction sites are inherently dangerous, and accidents can occur in numerous ways. However, documenting and reporting your injuries can help prove that you deserve the compensation you seek.
For a free case evaluation with our construction accident and injury attorneys, call Burriss Ridgeway Injury Lawyers at (803) 451-4000.
Common Types of Construction Accidents that Occur in Lexington, SC
Construction accidents can happen at any stage of a project in Lexington. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, over are injured on the job each year. Construction accidents happen in various ways and can severely impact your health and long-term well-being. Fortunately, our construction accident and injury lawyers can help you recover compensation for the damages you suffered. Some of the most common types of construction accidents in Lexington include:
Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and falls are among the most common type of construction accidents in Lexington. You might slip on an uneven surface or trip over the edge of a hole. Slip and fall accidents can also be caused when someone is injured by something on the ground, such as a cable or ladder left out by workers, or if standing water is on the site. Injuries caused by these types of construction accidents can be serious, often requiring surgery and several months of rehabilitation.
Vehicle Accidents
A vehicle accident is another common type of construction accident that may result in serious injuries or even death. Drivers do not always pay attention when driving through a construction zone, leading to accidents. If an inattentive driver injures you, you have grounds for recovering compensation against the individual that caused the accident or the company responsible for maintaining the vehicle.
Falling Object Accidents
The high levels of activity at construction sites can lead to falling objects hitting workers on site. Falling objects can cause serious injuries, like paralysis and brain damage if they strike someone directly in the head or face. Falling objects include everything from tools, bricks, and cement blocks to pieces of scaffolding collapsing due to improper support structures or design flaws.
Toxic Exposure
Construction sites can be full of hazardous materials. Toxic substances like lead, asbestos, benzene, and hydrogen sulfide cause countless construction site injuries in Lexington. These substances can cause serious health problems such as chronic respiratory issues, cancer, and death if the materials are not handled, stored, or properly cleaned up after use.
Scaffold Accidents
Scaffolding is used to provide access to high places or to support heavy loads during construction projects. Some common causes of construction accidents involving faulty scaffolding include falls from dangerous heights, poor equipment maintenance, or by employers who fail to inspect their scaffolding regularly for deterioration or other safety hazards. Victims commonly suffer broken bones but can sustain even more serious injuries when a scaffold collapses unexpectedly.
Welding Accidents
Welding produces sparks that can ignite flammable materials nearby or start fires if left unattended after use. This can lead to serious burn injuries that a victim might never fully recover from. Welding injuries can also be caused to the lungs or respiratory system if there is a lack of proper ventilation around the area where the welding takes place.
Roofing Accidents
Roofing is one of the most hazardous construction jobs in Lexington. Roofers are exposed to several hazards, including falling from great heights and electrical shock. This type of accident can be avoided by using safety nets or scaffolds to protect workers from falling off the roof, which employers should provide.
Saw Accidents
Saw accidents are also common on construction sites. Saw accidents often result from improper use of power tools and lack of safety precautions from other workers. To prevent saw accidents, employers must provide proper training for their workers on how to handle and operate saws safely.
What to Do After Getting Injured in a Construction Accident in Lexington, SC
Knowing what to do next is important if you are injured while on or near a construction site. Failure to report your injuries and get medical care can seriously impact your ability to recover compensation. However, the following steps will help ensure that you are not denied the benefits you are entitled to:
Seek Medical Care
The first thing you should do after a construction accident is to get medical treatment. Whether you need to go to the emergency room or decide to make an appointment with a doctor, it is critical that you get medical care quickly. Workers’ Compensation claims and lawsuits require some proof that you suffered injuries to recover compensation for your damages. If you wait to get help, getting coverage could be more difficult.
Report Your Accident
You should also immediately report your accident to your employer or construction site manager. You must report your injuries soon to avoid losing out on the compensation you are entitled to. Once you have reported your injuries, your employer can begin the claims process to get you benefits.
Document Your Accident
Take photos of the site and any damage caused by the accident. This includes taking photos of any injuries or damage caused by the incident, as well as photos of any equipment involved, such as tools or machinery. You are also encouraged to keep notes on how your accident happened and maintain a journal while recovering. Also, take notes on the time and location of the incident, as well as any other factors that could be relevant, such as weather conditions and who was around at the time. This can help make your case stronger when filing for Workers’ Compensation benefits or a lawsuit.
Speak with Witnesses
Anyone present at the time of your accident should be spoken with so you can get their account of what happened. Ask them for their names, contact information, and phone numbers. This is particularly important if the other party in the accident leaves the scene before you can get their information. The information witnesses provide can help you determine what factors contributed to your injury and give you a better chance of proving your case.
Our Lexington, SC Construction Accident and Injury Lawyers Can Help
Call Burriss Ridgeway Injury Lawyers today at (803) 451-4000 for a free case review with our construction accident and injury lawyers.
This number seems quite high. I found a source that says 150,000. Would that be correct?