Construction work is dangerous. OSHA reports that construction accounts for roughly one in five workplace fatalities in the United States. In New Jersey, where there's constant development and renovation, construction accidents are a regular occurrence.
Common Construction Accidents
Falls from heights are the number one cause of death and serious injury on construction sites. Scaffolding collapses, ladder accidents, and falls from roofs are common. Struck-by-object injuries are second. Caught-between accidents are third. Electrocution rounds out what OSHA calls the "Fatal Four."
These accidents frequently result in spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, crushed limbs, and sometimes wrongful death.
Workers' Comp Plus Third Party Claims
If you're a construction worker injured on the job, workers' compensation covers your medical bills and part of your wages. But construction sites involve multiple contractors and subcontractors, which opens the door to third party personal injury claims.
The general contractor may be liable for unsafe site conditions. An equipment manufacturer may be liable if a crane malfunctioned (product liability). Third party claims allow you to recover full damages including pain and suffering, which workers' comp doesn't cover.
OSHA Violations as Evidence
If OSHA investigated and found safety violations, those can support your case. Common citations include failure to provide fall protection, inadequate scaffolding, lack of training, and failure to maintain equipment. We regularly obtain OSHA investigation files through Freedom of Information requests. Be mindful of the statute of limitations for your claim.