Common Types of Construction Injuries

Posted in Work Injury Types on September 19, 2023

Key Takeaways

Construction workers face hazards from equipment, falls, electrocution, and other risks.
OSHA labels falls, struck objects, caught objects, and electrocutions as the Fatal Four.
Some construction injuries may not be known right after an incident.
Occupational injuries may appear after years on the job.
Workers’ compensation may cover medical expenses and part of lost wages.

Those who work in the various construction industries face major risks on the job. These risks involve operating around hazardous equipment, fall risks, the possibility of electrocution, and more. Here, we want to review some of the most common types of injuries construction workers sustain in Arizona, as well as whether victims can recover compensation for their losses.

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Traumatic Injuries at a Construction Site

Injuries caused by construction incidents are not uncommon, and they are often traumatic and immediately noticeable. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has dubbed the most common construction hazards the “Fatal Four,” and these include the following:

Falls from varying heights
Workers getting struck by objects
Workers getting caught in between objects
Electrocutions

These incidents, and others, can lead to a range of injuries for construction employees, including:

Fractured or dislocated bones
Severe lacerations
Puncture wounds
Burn injuries
Major contusions
Internal bleeding or trauma
Traumatic brain injuries
Facial injuries
Spinal cord trauma

In some cases, the extent of an injury may not be known right after an incident occurs. It is important for any construction worker to seek medical treatment as soon as they notice any signs or symptoms of injury.

Repetitive Stress and Occupational Injuries or Illnesses

It is not uncommon for construction workers to suffer from injuries or illnesses that take a while to appear, sometimes after years on the job. These can occur due to repeated motions as well as exposure to harsh elements, chemicals, and hazardous situations. Some of the most common types of long-term injuries and illnesses that affect the construction industry include:

Repetitive motion injuries
Various types of cancers
Cardiovascular diseases
Respiratory diseases
Hearing and vision loss
Various types of mental illnesses

Complications can arise with these types of injuries or illnesses, particularly when it comes to employers and insurance carriers. Because repetitive stress injuries and occupational injuries take longer to occur, an employer or insurance carrier could deny the claim and say that there is no way to pinpoint the injury or illness to the workplace.

Compensation for Construction Accidents

There may be various types of compensation available for construction accident injury victims. In most cases, individuals will be able to recover workers’ compensation insurance, which includes complete coverage of medical expenses related to the injury or illness. If a victim is unable to work, these benefits may cover a significant portion of lost wages for the duration of the recovery.

In some cases, individuals may be able to file a third-party personal injury lawsuit against an at-fault party for a construction accident injury or illness. In these cases, individuals may be able to recover additional compensation beyond what would typically be available through workers’ compensation benefits. Not only does this include coverage of the medical expenses, but also complete coverage of lost wages, assistance with out-of-pocket expenses arising due to the injury, as well as various types of pain and suffering damages.

We strongly encourage you to reach out to a skilled Phoenix work injury lawyer who can assist you with the claims process. Your attorney can help push back against any claim denials by the insurance carrier or the employer.

Avery N Crossman

Ms. Crossman is a State Bar Board Certified Workers’ Compensation Specialist and is past Co-Chair of the State Bar Workers’ Compensation Section. She has served as a faculty member at the State Bar Seminar on Professionalism and is a former Judge Pro Tempore in the Arizona County, Justice, and Superior Courts. In the past, she has spoken at seminars on Workers’ Compensation sponsored by the Industrial Commission of Arizona and the Arizona Association of Lawyers for Injured Workers. Ms.Crossman is a long-time member of the Arizona Association of Lawyers for Injured Workers. She is also a member of American Mensa.