Construction is an inherently dangerous industry in many ways. Each year in the United States, construction is one of the top industries for workplace injuries and fatalities. In North Carolina, construction workers can face numerous hazards on any given job site, but what are the most common construction injuries in North Carolina?
The Most Common Construction Injuries in North Carolina
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the most common construction injuries throughout the United States are:
Falls, which are the leading cause of injuries and deaths in the construction industry each year.Injuries from being struck by objects, such as dropped tools, debris, or building materials.Injuries from being caught in between objects and surfaces, which commonly occur from vehicle back-ups and other similar incidents.Vehicle accidents, such as any accident involving trucks, forklifts, loaders, and other construction vehicles.Electrocutions. Unfinished buildings may have exposed electrical hazards that can potentially cause severe or fatal injuries.Injuries from heavy equipment, tools, and malfunctioning or defective devices.Injuries from exposure. For example, roof work in direct sunlight or any construction work in extreme temperatures can be potentially hazardous.Repetitive motion injuries, such as those affecting the back, knee, and shoulders, result from repeated movements and can cause lasting pain, inflammation, and reduced mobility.
North Carolina has a higher number of construction industry injuries each year than most other states, with an average of one construction worker death on the job every 10 days. In 2023, there were six construction worker deaths just in Charlotte, five of which occurred in accidents that garnered media attention due to builders being cited for unsafe conditions. These conditions led to a scaffolding collapse and a historic fire.
While accidents are common in the construction industry, it is also possible for workers to suffer injuries and develop illnesses on the job over time. Repetitive stress injuries are common among those who perform intense physical labor at work, and it is possible for various substances and environmental hazards to cause construction workers to become sick over time.
If you were injured at work or fell ill while performing your job duties, you are likely eligible to file a workers’ compensation claim and seek compensation for your medical expenses as well as disability benefits during the time you are unable to work. As part of the claim filing process, you will likely need to undergo a functional capacity evaluation to determine the extent of the damage done by the injury.
What to Do After a Construction Injury in North Carolina
North Carolina requires almost every employer in the state to have workers’ compensation insurance, and most regular employees are covered by these policies. If you have been hurt at work in North Carolina, you should report the injury to your supervisor immediately and seek prompt medical attention. An experienced Gastonia construction accident attorney can then assist you with filing a workers’ compensation claim.
Workers’ compensation insurance can provide medical expense coverage as well as ongoing disability benefits during the time you are unable to work due to your injuries. The amount you can receive in disability benefits typically depends on the severity of your injury and how long it takes for you to recover. Having an experienced attorney on your side will make filing your claim easier, and you will be more likely to maximize your benefits.
FAQs
Q: What Is the Most Common Injury for Construction Workers?
A: The most common injury for construction workers is injury from falling. According to a long-term study between 1992 and 2005, about 33% of construction falls were from roofs, 18% were from scaffolds, and 16% were falls from ladders. Any fall can potentially result in broken bones, internal organ damage, traumatic brain injuries, or spinal cord injuries. Falls are a leading cause of workplace injuries and fatalities in the construction industry each year.
Q: How Much Can You Receive in Benefits for a Construction Injury?
A: The amount you can receive in benefits for a construction injury depends on the severity of the injury and whether it causes any long-term or permanent harm. Most construction workers in North Carolina can file workers’ compensation claims and receive full medical expense coverage along with ongoing disability benefits for the time they are unable to work. Consult a work injury attorney to determine your most viable recovery options after your injury.
Q: Can I Sue My Employer for a Construction Injury in North Carolina?
A: You typically cannot sue your employer for a construction injury in North Carolina. Workers’ compensation insurance is meant to function as a sole remedy to workplace injuries, protecting covered employers from civil liability for their employees’ workplace injuries. However, you could have grounds for a civil case if a third party caused your injury or if your employer does not have workers’ compensation insurance.
Q: What Is the Leading Cause of Death in the Construction Industry?
A: The leading cause of death in the construction industry is falls. Falls account for the majority of workplace deaths in the construction industry every year throughout the United States. OSHA reports that in 2023, 421 of 1,075 fatal construction injuries were falls to a lower level. It’s possible for a fatal fall to occur due to poor workplace safety regulations, defective safety equipment such as harnesses, or due to general negligence in the workplace.
Q: What Happens if I Caused My Own Construction Injury?
A: If you caused your own construction injury, it may not prevent you from claiming workers’ compensation benefits in North Carolina. Workers’ compensation in North Carolina functions on a no-fault basis, so as long as you were performing your job duties in good faith when you caused your injury, you should still qualify for benefits. However, you could be disqualified if you were under the influence of alcohol or drugs or if you violated safety regulations.
The attorneys at Bridgman Gantt Law Offices can help you navigate the legal aftermath of a construction accident in North Carolina. Our firm has years of experience handling a wide range of complex cases, and we have successfully helped many injured construction workers throughout the state with their claims. If you have been hurt at work, contact us today and schedule a free consultation to learn how we can help you recover.
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