Construction workers are at constant risk while they are on the job. Issues with equipment, inclement weather and mistakes by coworkers can all lead to devastating injuries. Falls, exposure to electricity and even falling objects can lead to severe or fatal injuries.
Some of the most serious construction injuries begin with a ‘caught-in’ or ‘caught-between’ incident. Professionals hurt due to issues with heavy machinery or a cave-in while working in a trench may need assistance covering their medical expenses and lost wages.
What causes ‘caught-in’ and ‘caught-between’ incidents?
Many times, ‘caught-in’ incidents involve the operation of heavy machinery or working near heavy equipment. One worker ends up struck by a piece of machinery and pinned against a wall or other obstacle.
In some cases, another company assisting with the same project may have failed to properly train its workers. In other cases, defects in machinery design, such as backup alerts that stopped working, could result in unnecessary risk for construction professionals. Even the lack of proper lockout or tagout procedures could lead to a worker getting hurt while repairing or maintaining heavy equipment if another worker starts the piece of machinery during their service attempts.
‘Caught-between’ incidents often involved caves during trenching and excavation activities. They are potentially life-threatening incidents that can occur due to improper site supervision or deviations from federal workplace safety standards.
Seeking Compensation After a Catastrophic Injury
Employers might contribute to the risk by skirting the strict safety regulations that apply at construction sites, such as the obligation to use trench boxes to reinforce earthen walls during excavation. In many cases, those struck by moving machinery or injured by ‘caught-between’ incidents have catastrophic losses. They may sustain brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, internal bleeding or severe crush injuries.
They may also need to consider alternatives beyond workers’ compensation for covering their losses. In many cases, third-party litigation could be possible. Manufacturers and rental companies may be responsible for equipment in poor condition or with faulty components. Other times, outside construction firms or even property owners may have a degree of liability.
Reviewing the circumstances of a recent construction accident with a skilled legal team can help injured professionals or families who lost a loved one understand their options. They may have a right to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost pay and even lost future earning potential.