As the weather becomes warmer and there is no more chance of snow during the spring months, many construction crews are heading out to new sites to begin projects. Though construction crews are necessary to build and repair structures and roads, construction is also one of the most dangerous industries. In 2013 alone, over 20 percent1 of all workplace fatalities in the United States occurred in construction settings. Thousands more construction workers suffer life-threatening or life-changing injuries while on the job. These workers and their families deserve to receive fair compensation for their injuries.
Top Risks of Injury in Construction
Construction sites are inherently unstable and dangerous and injuries can occur in many ways. However, there are four types of injuries that are commonly referred to as the “Fatal Four”2 for construction workers. These are as follows:
- Falls, such as from roofs, ladders, or scaffolding
- Being struck by an object, such as a vehicle or falling tools
- Electrocutions due to unfinished electrical systems
- Being caught in between two objects
All of these accidents can cause severe injuries and often permanent disabilities, leading to an increase in workers' compensation claims during construction season.
Additional Risks in Road Construction
Road construction crews face additional risks because there is often traffic passing by the construction site. Though there are laws in place to prohibit dangerous driving in road work zones, too many drivers ignore lower speed limits or do not pay attention and can hit a construction worker. Road construction definitely picks up during the spring months, so many companies could see an increase in claims made by workers who are fixing roads or building new ones. Such work is necessary and injured workers deserve to be properly compensated for their medical bills, lost income, and more.
Because construction is inherently a physical job, many types of injuries prohibit a construction worker from continuing on in this industry. This means that they will possibly lose a substantial amount of income and face financial difficulties in their households, especially with the addition of medical bills. The Michigan workers' compensation program is meant to help such workers who suffer injuries on the job overcome their financial struggles. Unfortunately, too many workers' comp claims are denied or only partially approved and the financial struggles continue indefinitely.
Contact an experienced Michigan workers' compensation attorney for assistance
If you have suffered injury on the job doing construction or any other type of work, you should always consult with an attorney who is familiar with the workers' comp system in Michigan. A lawyer at the Michigan law firm of Michigan Injury Lawyers can help you prepare your claim for workers' compensation benefits and can help you appeal a decision if you believe your claim was wrongfully denied or that you did not get approved for the full amount you believe you deserve. We have helped many workers in this state receive proper compensation for their workplace injuries, so please call today at 888-454-0801 for a free consultation.
References:
1http://www.bls.gov/news.release/cfoi.nr0.htm 2https://www.osha.gov/oshstats/commonstats.html