Construction sites are one of the most hazardous job locations in the United States. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, out of six and one half million construction workers, 350,000 suffered disabling injuries and over 1,000 died in 1995. Over 30 percent of injuries and fatalities are due to falls, including falls from scaffolding.
At the Ohio law firm of O’Connor Acciani & Levy Co., LPA, we believe that nearly all of construction accidents are preventable. In our 28 years of experience, we have won personal injury settlements for injured construction workers against employers, general contractors, safety engineers, architects, equipment manufacturers and insurance companies.
Construction companies and all contractors and subcontractors must ensure safe construction site working conditions, inform workers of inherent job hazards, provide safety training, and enforce compliance with safety regulations.
Each of these parties may be held liable in the event of an injury or fatality on their watch. In order to determine who is ultimately responsible, the legal principles of Agency and analysis of corporate law may be used.
A construction worker’s safety depends heavily on the condition of their equipment. Manufacturers are responsible for design and production defects in their equipment. Tools and structures necessary for construction work must meet the basic requirements for safety. Injuries caused by failure of equipment may be eligible for compensation from the manufacturer under the laws for defective products.
Examples of equipment that can cause serious injury if not properly designed and maintained are listed below.
- cranes
- bulldozers
- scaffolding
- forklifts
- derricks
- gas cylinders
- power tools
- vehicles
- ladders
- boilers
Workers who sustain job-related injuries or contract an occupational disease due to employment can access benefits provided in The Workers’ Compensation Act. Compensation awarded through Worker’s Compensation laws includes a percentage of the injured employee’s regular pay, medical expenses, and rehabilitation.
At times, Workers’ Compensation alone will not cover all of the employee’s expenses, particularly if the injuries were debilitating. In these cases, the personal injury lawyers at O’Connor Acciani & Levy Co., LPA will investigate the liability of a negligent third party. Third parties can include manufacturers of defective products, contractors providing improper safety devices or a subcontractor supervising the employee’s work.
It is urgent that the injured employee contact At O’Connor Acciani & Levy Co., LPA as soon as possible after the accident. All evidence in these cases must be immediately preserved, and the responsible third party located right away.
Should you require assistance with a personal injury from your construction job, please contact us for an immediate FREE evaluation of your situation. At O’Connor Acciani & Levy Co., LPA we have an experienced team of personal injury attorneys and can or guide you through the complicated maze of the legal jungle. Call us today to arrange an appointment at 513-842-9029, or toll free at 877-288-3241 .
Court costs and case expenses by law are responsibility of the client.
