The upturn in the economy in recent years has spurred a new wave of construction activity throughout Texas, leading to new businesses, job opportunities, and heightened growth throughout the state. However, along with this production has also come the unfortunate side effect of construction accidents. Construction accidents can occur in any construction site although are typically the result of poor training and oversight throughout the project. If you or a loved one have been injured in a construction accident, you may be entitled to receive compensation for your injuries.

The United States Department of Labor cites frequent examples of construction accidents as some of the highest numbers of workplace accidents, and often some of the most fatal accidents in the workplace each year. According to the United States Department of Labor, approximately 20 percent of employee fatalities in 2013 were employees who worked in construction. The most common type of accidents resulting in fatalities in construction include:

• Impact from objects
• Electrocution
• Caught-in/Between
• Falls

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”) has noted that if employers were to eliminate these so-called “fatal four” construction accident causes, it would save nearly 500 workers’ lives each year across the country. OSHA additionally listed the extreme number of violations found within the construction industry, which included:

• Machinery requirements
• Electrical system design
• Fall protection
• Respiratory protection
• Control of hazardous energy

In most situations, while a single employee may be responsible for an accident, the construction company is often the negligent party who either did not administer the proper training or did not implement the appropriate safety precautions.

Construction sites often involve very dangerous tools and equipment which should only be handled by specialists after rigorous training. However, given the nature of many construction projects, turnover and contract employees are the norm. This can result in untrained professionals who may not have a thorough understanding of a certain piece of equipment or tool. In these situations, the employer may be held liable for their failure to properly train employees in the appropriate method of handling equipment. Many construction workers, as contract workers, often do not have the luxury of taking time off work, and therefore any severe injury will have a direct financial impact on their family.

As a victim of a construction accident, you may be exposed to hazardous chemicals, experience a severe fall, or become severely injured from equipment. Many of these injuries could take weeks or even months to recover from, or to reach a point where you can take care of yourself. The responsible party may be held liable for the following expenses:

• Medical expenses
• Rehabilitation expenses
• Lost wages
• Future earnings
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of consortium

An experienced personal injury attorney will be able to assist you in calculating the amount of damages you will be eligible to claim as a result of your construction accident injuries.

If you or a loved one have been injured in a construction accident, do not hesitate to contact the Malley Law Firm. Tony Malley has years of experience in assisting clients with their personal injury claims stemming from construction accidents. Contact our Houston or Beaumont offices today for your initial free consultation.