Orangeburg, SC Construction Accident & Injury Lawyer

The construction industry in Orangeburg is known for its dangers, with some of the worst accidents that can occur. When injuries happen because of another party’s negligence or recklessness, their victims deserve to be compensated.

As a construction worker or someone who has been exposed to a construction site, you have a right to be safe and are entitled to compensation if you are negligently injured. However, construction accidents can happen in numerous ways, making it challenging to identify who is responsible for your injury. Fortunately, our knowledgeable team can help you by calculating the value of your injuries and other losses and using that knowledge to name every responsible party in your lawsuit.

Reach out to our construction accident and injury lawyers at Burriss Ridgeway Injury Lawyers at (803) 451-4000 for a free case review.

Common Causes of Construction Accidents in Orangeburg, SC

Construction sites are complex workplaces that involve a wide range of activities, equipment, and materials. Because of their dynamic nature, construction sites are inherently hazardous environments where accidents can occur at any time. When they do, our construction accident and injury attorneys are here to help you sort out the mess of liability and get the compensation you are owed. The following are typical causes of construction accidents in Orangeburg:

Falls from Height

Falls from height represent one of the most common causes of construction accidents. These can occur from scaffolding, ladders, roofs, or any elevated work area. Even with safety equipment, falls can lead to serious injuries. If the accident occurs because of negligence, such as inadequate fall protection or faulty equipment, it can result in a lawsuit.

Falling Objects

Construction sites are high-risk work environments where workers are exposed to various hazards, including falling objects. Falling objects, such as tools, materials, or debris, can cause serious injuries to workers on the ground. In some cases, these injuries can be fatal. To prevent such accidents, employers must establish safety measures, such as properly securing tools and materials and defining a safe exclusion zone beneath overhead work.

Negligence is a common cause of falling object accidents on construction sites. For example, if a worker fails to secure a tool or material correctly, it can fall from an elevated area and injure someone below. Similarly, if a contractor does not establish a safe exclusion zone around the overhead work area, people passing through the site might be hit by falling objects. In such cases, the injured party might pursue legal action against the responsible party.

Equipment Accidents

Construction work often involves using heavy machinery and power tools, which are essential for completing various tasks. However, the use of such equipment comes with significant risks. Accidents can occur because of various reasons, such as equipment malfunctions, improper use, lack of maintenance, or inadequate training. These accidents could lead to severe injuries or even fatalities.

If an injury is caused by faulty equipment or negligent operation, the injured party might have grounds for a lawsuit. Construction companies must ensure that their machinery and equipment are well-maintained and regularly inspected to avoid accidents. Additionally, employees should receive adequate training on how to operate the machinery and tools safely.

Electrocutions

One of the most significant hazards construction workers face is the risk of electrocution. This danger arises because of the use of power tools, temporary lighting, and electrical installations on site. Inadequate grounding, faulty equipment, and failure to identify live wires can all lead to electrocution accidents. The severity of these incidents varies, but they often result in serious injury or, in severe cases, death.

Exposure to Hazardous Materials

Construction workers are frequently subjected to hazardous materials such as asbestos, lead, or harmful chemicals during their work. These substances can cause severe health issues if the workers are not provided with adequate protection.

For instance, exposure to asbestos can lead to respiratory problems, skin conditions, and even cancer. Similarly, lead exposure can cause damage to the brain, kidneys, and other organs, while exposure to harmful chemicals can result in eye and skin irritation, dizziness, and even death in some cases.

Therefore, it is crucial for employers to provide proper safety measures, such as protective clothing, masks, and ventilation systems, to their workers. They should also inform their workers about the risks associated with these hazardous materials and how to protect themselves. Failure to do so will mean they could be sued for their lack of oversight.

Typical Types of Construction Injuries in Orangeburg, SC

Understanding the typical types of construction injuries in Orangeburg is a crucial step toward improving safety in this high-risk industry. In the unfortunate event of an injury, having this knowledge can aid your recovery and legal claim, helping you receive the compensation you deserve. The following are common injuries suffered on construction sites in Orangeburg, many of them significant:

Fall Injuries

One of the most prevalent causes of construction injuries involves falls. Workers can fall from ladders, scaffolding, roofs, or any elevated work area, leading to a variety of injuries. These can range from sprains and fractures to more severe injuries such as traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) or spinal cord injuries. The severity of these injuries often depends on the height of the fall and the surface the worker lands on.

Struck by Object Injuries

Being struck by falling, flying, swinging, or rolling objects is another common cause of construction injuries. These incidents can result in injuries ranging from contusions and lacerations to more serious injuries like fractures, concussions, or even death. The risk is particularly high in areas where overhead work is being performed, or heavy machinery is in operation.

Overexertion Injuries

Construction work often involves physically demanding tasks, leading to overexertion injuries. These can include muscle strains, sprains, heat exhaustion, and repetitive strain injuries. Over time, these injuries can result in chronic health problems, impacting a worker’s ability to continue in their role and affecting their quality of life.

Caught Between Injuries

Caught-in or caught-between incidents occur when a worker is caught, crushed, squeezed, compressed, or pinched between two or more objects. These can happen during trench collapses, machinery accidents, or when materials are being moved around a site. These types of incidents can lead to severe injuries, including fractures, crush injuries, amputations, and in extreme cases, fatalities.

Electrocution Injuries

Electrocution is a significant risk on construction sites, with workers often exposed to live wires, faulty equipment, and incomplete electrical systems. Electrocution injuries can range from mild shocks to severe burns, cardiac arrest, or even death. Even non-fatal electrocution injuries can have long-term effects, including nerve damage and chronic pain.

Our Orangeburg, SC Construction Accident and Injury Lawyers Can Help

For a free assessment of your case with our construction accident and injury attorneys, contact Burriss Ridgeway Injury Lawyers today by calling (803) 451-4000.