Construction sites are dangerous workplaces where various accidents can occur when proper safety precautions are not followed. Unfortunately, many of the accidents that happen on job sites can result in serious or even fatal injuries — such as contusions, concussions, hematoma, skull fractures, and other brain injuries. These types of injuries can have a severe impact on a worker’s life and livelihood, potentially causing long-term or permanent damage.
Some common construction accidents that can result in brain injuries can include the following:
Falls from Heights
Much work on construction sites is performed at great heights, putting workers at an increased risk of falls. When workers are not provided with adequate safety gear to perform work on scaffolds, ladders, roofs, and other elevated surfaces, workers can fall — and hit their heads upon landing. Even a fall from a relatively low height can lead to a brain injury, depending on the force of the impact.
Being Struck by a Falling Object
Heavy materials, tools, and machinery are used to carry out many different types of construction tasks. When tools, materials, debris, or equipment are not secured properly, they can fall from above and strike a worker's head below. Significantly, accidents involving falling objects are some of the most common types of construction accidents that can cause brain injury.
Scaffolding Collapses
If scaffolding is not properly constructed or secured, collapses can occur that cause catastrophic or fatal injuries, including concussion, hemorrhage, and traumatic brain injuries. Often, scaffolding collapse accidents are caused by defects in the scaffolds, improper design, poor maintenance, weak planking, or failure to train workers. If a scaffolding collapse accident was caused by a third party’s negligence, a worker who suffered a brain injury may be entitled to compensation in a personal injury action.
Slip/Trip and Fall Accidents
Not only can a fall from a height cause a brain injury — but a fall that is low to the ground can also cause a head injury. For example, if a worker slips on liquid or trips over debris, they may hit their head upon falling. The force from the fall can cause a skull fracture, hematoma, contusion, bruising to the brain, and other brain injuries. If a responsible third party knew (or should have known) about the hazard that caused the slip/trip and fall and failed to remedy or warn about it, they may be held accountable in a personal injury action.
Machinery Accidents
A variety of heavy and complex machinery is used on construction sites. If machinery is inadequately maintained or a worker is not trained properly, accidents can occur that may result in brain injuries. Depending upon the facts surrounding the accident, a worker may be able to hold a third party liable for any brain injuries that arose as a result. For instance, if the machinery was defective, an equipment manufacturer might be responsible for the injury. If the incident was caused by failure to properly train workers in using the equipment, a contractor or subcontractor might be held accountable.
Contact an Experienced New York Personal Injury Attorney
If you suffered a brain injury on a construction site due to the negligence of a third party, you might be entitled to recover your economic and non-economic damages by filing a personal injury action. An experienced personal injury attorney can advise you regarding your rights — and fight for the monetary recovery you deserve. The Dearie Law Firm, P.C., has represented construction accident victims for over three decades and provides adept advocacy to obtain the best possible outcome in each unique case. Contact us today for a consultation.