If you work in the construction industry in Florida, you already know that accidents happen. Despite the best safety measures, construction sites are dangerous places. In fact, Florida has one of the highest rates of construction accidents in the country.
What are the most common types of construction accidents in Florida?
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), falls, struck by an object, electrocutions, and caught in/between were the leading causes of death in the construction industry.
In 2020, 195,600 nonfatal injuries and illnesses resulted in missed work days and lost income for construction workers. The most common nonfatal injuries and illnesses were sprains, strains, and tears; soreness and pain; cuts, lacerations, and punctures.
As a construction worker in Florida, it’s important to understand the risks you face daily at your job. This way, you can take all necessary precautions to protect yourself and your coworkers.
Types of Construction Accidents in Florida
Construction work is a dangerous job, and workers are exposed to various hazards every single day. Construction companies must do whatever they can to reduce the onsite injury risk and ensure workers’ safety. Unfortunately, even with safety protocols in place, workplace accidents still occur.
The most common types of construction accidents in Florida include:
Falls
Falls are one of the leading causes of injury and death in the construction industry. In fact, falls are one of the “Fatal Four” leading causes of construction worker deaths, responsible for 401 out of 1,061 worker fatalities in the construction industry in 2020.
Workers can fall from ladders, roofs, scaffolds, or other elevated surfaces. To prevent falls, employers must provide fall protection equipment, such as harnesses, guardrails, and safety nets. They must also properly train their workers to use this equipment safely.
Electrocution
Live wires and electrical equipment on construction sites can lead to electrocution. This construction accident can cause serious injuries, such as burns, heart failure, and even death. Electrocutions were responsible for 86 out of 1,061 worker fatalities in the construction industry in 2020.
Construction companies must train their employees to work safely around electrical equipment to prevent electrocution. They must also regularly maintain and inspect all electrical equipment to reduce the risk of serious electrocution accidents.
Exposure to Toxic Chemicals
OSHA estimates that 32 million workers are regularly exposed to hazardous chemicals in their workplace. Many of those are construction workers. When construction workers improperly handle toxic chemicals like asbestos, lead, and silica, they can suffer serious injury and long-term damage. Exposure to toxic chemicals on a construction site can cause a variety of health problems, including:
- Respiratory issues, such as bronchitis and asthma
- Cancer
- Mesothelioma
- Chronic illnesses
Construction workers must use personal protective equipment like respirators and gloves to avoid exposure to these toxic chemicals. However, some construction companies fail to provide their workers with these essential protective gear. They also fail to train employees on the safe way to handle hazardous substances. This raises the likelihood of severe injury occurring.
Struck by Object
Construction workers are also at risk of being struck by objects, such as falling tools, building materials, or heavy equipment. This construction accident can cause serious head injuries, broken bones, or even death. In 2020, 112 out of 1,061 worker fatalities in the construction industry were caused by being struck by an object on-site.
To prevent struck-by accidents, workers must wear hard hats and other appropriate personal protective equipment, and employers must provide training on how to work safely around heavy equipment.
Slips, Trips, and Falls
Slips, trips, and falls are particularly common on construction sites due to uneven ground, loose tools, and debris. These accidents can result in broken bones, head injuries, and even disfigurement.
Employers must mop up spills quickly, put out warning signs, and fix known hazards. In addition, they must require their workers to wear appropriate slip-resistant footwear to prevent slip and fall accidents.
Construction accidents in Florida are preventable. Yet to prevent these accidents, employers must provide proper training, safety gear, and maintenance for equipment.
If you are injured on the job, seek medical attention immediately and file a workers’ compensation claim. In addition, discuss your case with an experienced construction accident attorney. You may be able to file a third-party claim against the negligent party to collect the compensation you deserve.
How Can a Construction Accident Attorney Help?
If you have been injured in a construction accident in Florida, you may wonder if you need a construction accident attorney to handle your case. The answer is yes!
When you hire a construction accident attorney, you can rest easier knowing you have someone on your side that can fight against large construction contractors and their insurers. From the start, your attorney will perform a thorough investigation and determine the cause of the accident. They can gather evidence, interview witnesses, and work with experts to build a strong case to help you secure maximum compensation.
A Florida construction accident attorney can also determine who is liable for your injuries. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, liability may fall on the construction company, the property owner, the general contractor, or a subcontractor. Your attorney can help you identify the responsible parties and hold them accountable for the harm they’ve caused.
Insurance companies will take your case seriously when you have an attorney on your side. Your construction accident lawyer can use their knowledge of Florida laws and their experience with similar cases to negotiate with the insurance company. This is the best way to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Filing a Lawsuit After a Construction Accident
If the insurance company refuses to offer you a fair settlement, you may be able to file a lawsuit against them. Even if you’ve filed a workers’ compensation claim, you may still be able to file a lawsuit against the responsible party. While you can’t file a lawsuit against your employer, you can file a third-party or product defect lawsuit.
If your accident was caused by the negligence of another party, such as a contractor or subcontractor, you may be able to file a third-party lawsuit. If your accident was caused by a defective product, such as a faulty tool or piece of equipment, you may be able to file a product liability lawsuit.
It’s important to note that there are time limits for filing a lawsuit after a construction accident in Florida. The statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits is two years from the accident date.
Contact Our Florida Construction Accident Lawyer Today
If you or someone you love suffered an injury on a construction site, we can help. Even if you were an employee working on the construction site, you may still be able to file a third-party claim to collect compensation. We can help you explore your legal options and make the best choice for you and your future.
To schedule a free legal consultation to discuss your potential Florida construction accident case, contact Prosper Shaked Accident Injury Attorneys PA at (305) 694-2676. You may also use our online submission form to contact the firm.