Colburn Law

Types of Injuries Sustained at a Construction Site

Construction workers face countless hazards daily. Despite stringent safety protocols, accidents can and do occur, leaving workers suffering from injuries that range from minor to catastrophic.

If you suffered an injury while working in construction, you may be eligible for a workers’ comp claim—but navigating the complex legal process can be challenging, especially if you suffer extensive damage. Below are some of the most common types of injuries that can be sustained at a construction site.

If you have sustained an injury, contact a Seattle personal injury attorney today for a free consultation.

Falls and Related Injuries

Falls remain one of the most common and serious hazards in construction. Workers can tumble from scaffolding, roofs, or ladders around the site. These falls can lead to serious injuries like broken bones, spinal cord injuries, and traumatic brain injuries.

Even a fall from a relatively modest height can lead to long-term disability or death. Proper fall protection equipment and training can help prevent these accidents, but they can still happen due to equipment failure or human error.

Struck-By Accidents

Construction sites are bustling with moving objects, from swinging cranes to reversing vehicles. Struck-by accidents occur when workers are hit by falling materials, moving equipment, or projectiles. These accidents can be unpredictable and lead to serious injuries like crush injuries, lacerations, and internal organ damage.

Electrical Injuries

The presence of live wires, temporary power systems, and electrical tools on construction sites exposes workers to the risk of electrocution or severe burns. Electrical injuries can result in cardiac arrest, nerve damage, or disfiguring wounds; in some cases, they can lead to death. Even non-fatal shocks can have lasting effects on a worker’s health and ability to perform their job.

Caught-In/Between Accidents

Some of the most serious types of construction accidents involve being trapped between objects or caught in heavy machinery. The constant movement of equipment, materials, and workers in confined spaces creates numerous opportunities for these dangerous incidents.

Caught-in or between accidents can lead to devastating injuries, such as amputation, asphyxiation, and organ damage. In many cases, these accidents lead to fatal damage that devastates families.

Repetitive Stress Injuries

Not all construction injuries result from sudden accidents. The repetitive nature of many construction tasks can lead to cumulative trauma disorders. Conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, and back pain develop over time.

Although repetitive stress injuries are not immediately life-threatening, they can easily become chronic and debilitating. These injuries can force skilled workers to leave the industry prematurely.

Exposure to Hazardous Materials

Construction workers frequently encounter hazardous substances such as asbestos, lead, or toxic chemicals. Without proper protective equipment, this exposure can cause serious health problems over time. Respiratory illnesses, skin conditions, or even cancer can develop years after the initial exposure.

Get Legal Help for Your Construction Injury

In Washington, construction workers injured on the job have the right to pursue workers’ compensation claims. Whether you have suffered from a fall, been struck by an object, or sustained any other type of construction-related injury, you need strong legal representation to recover the benefits that you deserve.

Colburn Law has helped numerous injured workers navigate the claims process and secure the settlement that they need to move forward. Contact us at (206) 919-3215 for a free case evaluation and learn how our Seattle worksite injury lawyer can fight for you.