Construction Site Accidents

Sternberg | Forsythe, PA, is a law firm representing individuals injured in construction site accidents. With years of experience in handling these types of cases, the firm is dedicated to advocating for the rights of construction workers’ and helping them obtain the compensation they deserve.

Construction site accidents can be devastating, resulting in serious injuries, disabilities, and even fatalities. The attorneys at Sternberg | Forsythe, PA, understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll these accidents can take on workers’ and their families. They work tirelessly to investigate the causes of the accidents, identify liable parties, and hold them accountable for their negligence or misconduct.

Whether the accident was caused by a defective product, unsafe working conditions, or the negligence of a third party, the attorneys at Sternberg | Forsythe, PA, have the knowledge and experience to build a strong case on behalf of their clients. They are committed to helping construction workers’ recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from their injuries.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a construction site accident, the attorneys at Sternberg | Forsythe, PA, are here to help. Contact them today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how they can assist you in your case.

Florida Construction Site Accident and Injury Statistics

Unfortunately, construction site accidents are not uncommon in Florida, as in many other states. According to the latest available data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Florida had 313 fatal work injuries in 2019, with the construction industry accounting for 79 of those fatalities. This means that the construction industry had the second-highest fatal work injuries in Florida, following transportation and warehousing.

In addition to fatal accidents, numerous non-fatal injuries and illnesses occur on construction sites in Florida each year. According to data from the Florida Department of Health, there were over 5,000 non-fatal occupational injuries and illnesses in the construction industry in Florida in 2019.

It’s worth noting that many construction site accidents are preventable with proper safety protocols and training. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets safety standards for the construction industry and conducts inspections to ensure compliance.

Employers have a responsibility to provide a safe workplace for their employees, and workers’ must follow safety protocols and report any hazards or concerns to their employer or OSHA.

Common Causes of Construction Site Accidents in Florida

There are many different causes of construction site accidents in Florida; some of the most common include the following:

• Falls from heights: Falls from ladders, scaffolding, roofs, or other elevated surfaces are a leading cause of construction site accidents and injuries in Florida.
• Struck-by accidents: Workers’ can be struck by falling objects, such as tools or debris, or moving vehicles or equipment.
• Electrocutions: Working with live wires or faulty electrical systems can lead to electrocution and serious injuries or fatalities.
• Caught-in/between accidents: These occur when workers’ are caught between two objects, such as heavy machinery or collapsing structures.
• Machinery accidents: Improper use or maintenance of machinery can result in accidents and injuries, including amputations, crushing injuries, and lacerations.
• Toxic exposures: Exposure to toxic chemicals, such as asbestos or silica, can cause serious illnesses, including cancer and lung disease.
• Overexertion: Heavy lifting, repetitive motions, and other physical demands of construction work can lead to overexertion injuries such as strains, sprains, and muscle tears.

These accidents can be caused by various factors, including inadequate training, lack of proper safety equipment, improper maintenance of equipment or machinery, inadequate supervision, and failure to follow safety protocols. By identifying the cause of the accident, the attorneys at Sternberg | Forsythe, PA, can help determine who is responsible and seek compensation for their clients.

Common Injuries Caused by Construction Site Accidents

Construction site accidents in Florida can result in a wide range of injuries, including:

• Broken bones: Workers’ can suffer fractures from falls, being struck by objects, or getting caught in machinery.
• Spinal cord injuries: Falls from heights or being struck by heavy objects can cause serious spinal cord injuries, including paralysis.
• Traumatic brain injuries: Head injuries are common in construction accidents, especially those involving falls or being struck by objects.
• Burns: Workers’ can suffer burn injuries from fires, explosions, or chemical exposure.
• Cuts and lacerations: Construction workers’ often handle sharp tools and equipment, which can result in cuts and lacerations.
• Amputations: Accidents involving heavy machinery or equipment can result in losing limbs or digits.
• Hearing loss: Prolonged exposure to loud machinery or equipment can lead to permanent hearing loss.
• Respiratory problems: Exposure to toxic chemicals or dust can lead to respiratory problems, including lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
• Crush injuries: Workers’ can suffer crush injuries when caught between heavy machinery or equipment or by collapsing structures.
• Eye injuries: Eye injuries can occur due to exposure to hazardous chemicals, flying debris, or intense light.
• Heat exhaustion or heat stroke: Workers’ in Florida are at risk of heat-related illnesses due to the high temperatures and humidity levels.
• Repetitive motion injuries: Repetitive motions can lead to conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis.
• Psychological injuries: Construction site accidents can be traumatic events that cause psychological injuries such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
• Chemical burns: Exposure to caustic or corrosive chemicals can cause severe burns and other injuries.
• Electrical shock injuries: Electricians and other workers’ who come into contact with live wires or faulty electrical systems can suffer electrical shock injuries.
• Neck and back injuries: Construction workers’ often perform repetitive motions, lift heavy objects, and work in awkward positions, which can lead to neck and back injuries.
• Infections: Cuts and puncture wounds can become infected if not properly cleaned and treated.
• Carbon monoxide poisoning: Workers’ who operate machinery or work in enclosed spaces may be at risk if the equipment is not properly ventilated.
• Drowning: Workers’ who perform tasks near bodies of water, such as bridges or dams, risk drowning if safety protocols are not followed.
• Slips, trips, and falls: Workers’ can suffer injuries from slipping, tripping, or falling on uneven surfaces or debris.

These injuries can have long-lasting effects, requiring extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.

Who is Liable for Construction Site Accidents in Florida?

Determining fault for a work-related construction site accident in Florida can be complex, and it often depends on the specific circumstances of the accident. Several parties may be held responsible for construction site accidents, including:

• Employers: Employers have a legal obligation to provide a safe workplace for their employees. If an employer fails to provide adequate safety equipment, training, or maintenance, they may be liable for any injuries.
• Contractors: General contractors and subcontractors are responsible for ensuring their workers’ are safe on the job site. If they fail to provide a safe working environment or follow safety protocols, they may be liable for injuries.
• Property owners: Property owners are responsible for ensuring their property is safe for workers’. If they fail to address property hazards or provide adequate warnings of potential dangers, they may be held liable for any injuries.
• Equipment manufacturers: The manufacturer may be held responsible if a defective product or equipment causes an accident.
• Third parties: In some cases, a third party, such as a delivery driver or another contractor, may be responsible for a construction site accident.

Determining liability in construction site accidents can be challenging, and it requires a thorough investigation of the accident’s circumstances. The Sternberg | Forsythe, PA attorneys have the knowledge and experience to investigate these accidents and identify liable parties. They are committed to helping injured workers’ obtain the compensation they need to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages resulting from their injuries.

How to Receive Workers’ Compensation Benefits After a Construction Site Accident

In Florida, workers’ compensation benefits are available to employees injured in construction site accidents while performing job-related duties. Workers’ compensation benefits provide medical care and wage replacement to injured workers’ and are intended to help them recover from their injuries and return to work as soon as possible.

To receive workers’ compensation benefits after an injury due to a construction site accident in Florida, the injured worker must:

1. Report the injury to their employer as soon as possible, but no later than 30 days after the accident.
2. Seek medical attention and treatment for the injury.
3. Fill out a workers’ compensation claim form and submit it to their employer’s workers’ compensation insurance carrier.

Once the claim is filed, the insurance carrier will review it and determine whether to accept or deny it. If the claim is accepted, the injured worker will receive medical care and wage replacement benefits while they cannot work due to their injury.

If the claim is denied, the injured worker has the right to appeal the decision and request a hearing before a judge of compensation claims. An experienced attorney can assist with the appeals process and help ensure that injured workers’ receive the benefits they are entitled to under the law.

It’s important to note that workers’ compensation benefits may not cover all expenses and losses associated with a construction site injury. In some cases, injured workers’ may be able to pursue additional compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. The attorneys at Sternberg | Forsythe, PA, can help injured workers’ understand their legal options and seek maximum compensation for their injuries.

Our Legal Team Can Help You Recover the Benefits You Are Entitled To

Construction site accidents can cause serious injuries that can have long-lasting effects on a workers’ health and ability to earn a living. If you or a loved one has been injured in a construction site accident in Florida, it’s important to understand your legal options for obtaining compensation for your injuries.

The attorneys at Sternberg | Forsythe, PA, have extensive experience representing workers’ injured in construction site accidents. They are dedicated to helping injured workers’ obtain the workers’ compensation benefits they need to recover and return to work as soon as possible.

Workers’ compensation benefits can provide medical care and wage replacement to injured workers’, but the claims process can be complex and challenging. The attorneys at Sternberg | Forsythe, PA, can assist injured workers’ in filing and appealing denied claims, ensuring that injured workers’ receive the benefits they are entitled to under the law.

In addition to workers’ compensation benefits, injured workers’ may be able to pursue additional compensation through personal injury lawsuits. The attorneys at Sternberg | Forsythe, PA, have experience handling a wide range of construction site injury cases and can help injured workers’ seek the maximum compensation for their injuries.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a construction site accident, the attorneys at Sternberg | Forsythe, PA, are here to help. Contact them today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how they can assist you in your case.