Anyone who has worked in the construction industry for more than a few months has probably witnessed some kind of accident or injury on the job. According to the Industrial Safety & Hygiene News, one out of every 10 construction workers sustains injuries every year.
Fortunately, many of those who are hurt on the job can return to the site after they take a short while off to recover. In cases involving catastrophic accidents or severe injuries, though, individuals may not be able to return to work at all.
If you sustained debilitating injuries on or near a job site and you want to hold the liable party financially accountable for the damages you have incurred, contact The Law Office of Brian K. Branch, PC.
Since its founding in 1997, our firm has been providing compassionate yet aggressive representation to people throughout New Mexico who have suffered at the hands of negligent or reckless parties. Call 505-207-4401 to schedule a free case evaluation with a construction accident lawyer in Albuquerque.
Read on to learn about some of the most common causes of construction accidents:
- Falls
According to The Center for Construction Research and Training, falls are the most common cause of fatal construction accidents. Although the precise risk of falling and sustaining serious or life-threatening injuries varies among particular vocations, all contractors are ultimately at risk of falling from a great height or slipping, tripping, and falling while on the job.
- Electrical Incidents
Whether erecting a new building or updating an old one, contractors will likely deal with live wires at some point. Unfortunately, if they fail to exercise adequate caution or wear the proper gear when doing so, they can suffer a powerful shock that causes debilitating injuries.
- “Struck-by” Accidents
There are a lot of moving parts on a job site, and most of them are not secured to anything because they need to remain accessible. Everything from a hammer resting on the scaffolding above you to the massive machinery hovering over you poses the risk of causing a tragic struck-by accident. Both the workers on site and passersby are at risk of falling victim to these kinds of incidents.
- Inadequate Trenches
When a particular job calls for trenching, contractors must ensure that the trenches are sturdy with plenty of ventilation. Otherwise, caving in or asphyxiation could result.
Trenching can also be incredibly dangerous if the workers make unexpected contact with piping or electrical lines. Either could cause a potentially fatal accident.
Construction is a complicated industry because a single job may require dozens of different companies, many of whom might end up working at the site simultaneously. Likewise, many construction companies hire dozens of independent contractors, which means they are not eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.
If you were hurt in a construction accident and you’re not sure how to proceed, an Albuquerque construction accident attorney from The Law Offices of Brian K. Branch, PC will help you navigate the claims process, regardless if you are an employee or an independent contractor. Call 505-207-4401 to schedule a free consultation. If you want to learn more about construction accidents in New Mexico, visit the USAttorneys website.