What Should I Do if I Get Hurt on a Construction Site?

Construction sites are inherently hazardous environments, bustling with heavy machinery, towering scaffolds, and an array of powerful tools. 

While safety protocols are meant to mitigate risks, accidents still occur, and avoidable mishaps can leave workers with severe injuries that can impact their lives permanently—often due to mere oversights and negligence by management.

Construction sites account for approximately 20% of all workplace fatalities in the private sector. The majority of these injuries and fatalities, however, are preventable with proper precautions and safety protocols.

Common Types of Construction Site Injuries

Construction site injuries can result from a variety of causes, including:

• Falls from Heights: Workers on scaffolds, ladders, or rooftops are at risk of severe injuries or fatalities if proper fall protection measures are not in place.
• Equipment Accidents: Cranes, forklifts, and other heavy machinery pose dangers if not operated correctly or maintained properly.
• Struck-by Incidents: Falling tools, equipment, or debris can cause significant injuries to workers on the ground.
• Electrocution: Faulty wiring, exposed electrical components, or contact with live wires can lead to life-threatening injuries.
• Trench Collapses: Workers in improperly secured trenches may be buried or crushed.
• Repetitive Stress Injuries: Long-term repetitive tasks can result in chronic pain and mobility issues.

Why Construction Sites Are So Dangerous

Construction sites are fraught with risks, even as technology and procedures evolve. Human error remains a leading cause of construction accidents, and even a small oversight can lead to devastating consequences. Below are some common hazards that contribute to injuries and fatalities on construction sites:

Harmful Dust

Invisible to the naked eye, hazardous dust can pose serious health risks. While asbestos is the most well-known, other materials—such as industrial exhaust, wood particles, and dirt—can cause respiratory problems, skin conditions, and eye damage over time. Construction workers are especially vulnerable due to frequent exposure during tasks like cutting materials or cleaning.

Heavy Equipment

Construction sites rely on powerful machinery, including cranes, excavators, and bulldozers. While essential for the job, these tools can be dangerous if not used properly. Workers risk being struck, falling from equipment, or being injured by debris.

Loud Noises

Prolonged exposure to high-decibel noises from jackhammers, chainsaws, and other tools can lead to hearing loss. Employers are responsible for providing annual hearing exams and protective devices such as foam or custom-molded earplugs.

Extreme Heights

Falls from significant heights remain the most cited OSHA violation and one of the deadliest risks. Injuries from falls can be catastrophic, emphasizing the need for proper fall protection plans and a commitment to safety at all levels.

Who Can Be Held Liable for Construction Site Injuries?

Determining liability in a construction site injury lawsuit is often complex. Potentially liable parties include:

• Employers: If the employer fails to provide a safe working environment, adequate training, or proper safety equipment, they may be held liable.
• Third-Party Contractors: Independent contractors working on-site may be responsible if their negligence causes an accident.
• Equipment Manufacturers: Defective machinery or tools can lead to lawsuits against the manufacturer.
• Property Owners: In some cases, property owners may share liability if unsafe conditions on their land contribute to an accident.
• Other Workers: Co-workers whose negligence directly causes injury may also be held accountable.

The bottom line is simple: if you were hurt on a construction site due to no fault of your own, then you shouldn’t have to bear the burden of someone else’s mistake. Filing a personal injury claim can help you fight for the compensation you need and deserve to move forward with your life.

Steps to Take After a Construction Site Injury

If you’ve been injured on a construction site, prioritize your health and safety and seek immediate medical attention. Prompt medical care also creates a record of your injuries.

Notify your employer or site manager about the accident as soon as possible. Failure to report may jeopardize your claim. Ask for a copy of their incident report as well.

Take photos or videos of the accident site, your injuries, and any hazardous conditions. Obtain contact details from co-workers or others who witnessed the accident.

Lastly, contact Morgan & Morgan. A skilled construction injury lawyer at Morgan & Morgan can help you navigate the legal complexities and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Compensation for Construction Site Injuries

Injured workers may be entitled to several types of compensation, including:

• Medical Expenses: Covers hospital stays, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment.
• Lost Wages: Reimbursement for time missed from work due to the injury.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of quality of life.
• Disability Benefits: If the injury results in temporary or permanent disability, additional compensation may be available.
• Wrongful Death: In fatal construction site accidents, the victim’s family may file a wrongful death lawsuit to recover funeral expenses and other damages.

If you are entitled to workers’ compensation, you can expect to receive coverage for your medical bills and lost wages. But you won’t be able to make a claim for pain and suffering. 

If you believe that you deserve more compensation because your employer was grossly negligent or if your claim was denied, call Morgan & Morgan. We can walk you through your legal options.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is OSHA?

OSHA stands for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, a regulatory agency within the U.S. Department of Labor. Established in 1971, OSHA's mission is to ensure safe and healthy working conditions for employees across the United States by setting and enforcing workplace standards. Additionally, OSHA provides training, education, and assistance to both employers and workers.

Key Functions of OSHA:

Setting Standards: OSHA develops and enforces workplace safety and health standards that businesses must follow. These regulations cover a wide range of industries and address hazards such as:

• Toxic chemicals
• Electrical safety
• Machine operation
• Fall protection
• Noise levels

Inspection and Enforcement: OSHA conducts inspections to ensure compliance with its regulations. These inspections can be triggered by workplace accidents, complaints, or random scheduling. Non-compliance can lead to fines, penalties, or other corrective actions.

Training and Education: OSHA offers resources to educate employers and employees on best practices for workplace safety. This includes training materials, outreach programs, and technical assistance.

Whistleblower Protections: OSHA enforces protections for employees who report unsafe working conditions or violations. These protections ensure that workers can voice their concerns without fear of retaliation.

Recordkeeping and Reporting: Employers are required to keep detailed records of workplace injuries and illnesses. Certain incidents, such as fatalities or severe injuries, must be reported directly to OSHA within specific timeframes.

The Role of OSHA in Construction Safety

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) enforces safety standards in the workplace. Common OSHA violations in construction include:

• Lack of fall protection
• Inadequate scaffolding
• Poor hazard communication
• Unsafe ladder practices

If your injury resulted from an OSHA violation, you might be entitled to additional compensation.

What are the most common OSHA violations in construction?

The most common violations to the standards set by OSHA in construction include a lack of proper:

• Fall protection
• Respiratory protection
• Scaffolding
• Hazard communication
• Ladders

If you were injured because of one of these violations or another, your employer could face hefty fines and/or penalties. You could also be entitled to additional compensation.

How much will I have to pay an attorney upfront?

At Morgan & Morgan, the Fee Is Free™, and you only pay if we successfully recover the compensation you deserve by settlement or verdict.

We believe everyone should have access to legal representation and a chance to fight for the justice they deserve—regardless of their bank balance. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis.

After compensation is recovered, we are paid from a percentage of that—never through upfront fees. 

Hiring one of our lawyers is easy, and you can get started in minutes with a free case evaluation.

Morgan & Morgan Can Help

Navigating a construction site injury lawsuit can be overwhelming, especially while recovering from an injury. At Morgan & Morgan, we have decades of experience advocating for injured workers and holding negligent parties accountable. Our attorneys will investigate your case, gather evidence, and build a strong claim to secure the compensation you deserve.

Our commitment to “For the People” means you won’t pay a penny unless we successfully recover compensation for you. That’s right—the Fee Is Free™, and you only pay if we win your case.

If you’ve been injured on a construction site, don’t wait to take action. Contact Morgan & Morgan today for a free case evaluation.