Construction is a very large and complex industry. Construction workers and companies build new structures and renovate outdated ones, and repair and maintain buildings and engineering projects such as highways and utility systems. In the course of their work, construction employees may need to work at extreme heights, use complicated machinery, pour asphalt, remove animal waste, use explosives, work in proximity to high-speed vehicles, or handle high-voltage equipment. These situations can quickly become dangerous, which is why The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) provides and enforces strict safety standards.
Unfortunately, construction employers, third parties (contractors, subcontractors, managers, etc.), and occasionally employees, do not follow proper safety procedures or proper hiring practices and do not provide standard equipment or machinery. These negligent actions can cause a variety of dangerous consequences and should be addressed with the help of a Chattanooga construction accident lawyer. To learn more or file your claim, schedule a consultation with an experienced injury attorney today.
Main Types of Construction Accidents
Construction is a broad term that encompasses various occupations. With this in mind, the common types of injury and/or fatal construction accidents in Tennessee include, but are not limited to:
- Carbon monoxide poisoning
- Compressed gas injury
- Chemical accident
- Falls
- Crane accident
- Electrical or electrocution accident
- Explosion
- Forklift accident
- Machinery accident
- Asbestos exposure
- Scaffold accident
- Trench collapse
- Welding accident
Construction Accident Causes
Any Tennessee workplace accident would be investigated by the Tennessee branch of OSHA, or TOSHA. Most often, these accidents are the result of negligence on the part of construction companies and contractors. Many will try to save money and/or maximize profits by not maintaining or repairing equipment, not providing the correct equipment, rushing through building, not providing workers with the proper safety gear, building minimal support systems, and hiring inexperienced workers.
Oftentimes, negligent contractors and construction companies are investigated by OSHA and fined for any and all safety violations, but this usually does not occur until after multiple complaints and/or reports have been filed.
Construction Accident Injuries
Construction accidents in Tennessee can be caused by a variety of factors, and, though they may cause minor injuries, there is a great risk of causing life-threatening injuries, disability, and even death. Many construction site accidents involve heavy and/or dangerous equipment, dangerous tools, and falling from great heights. As a result of this, many construction accident victims cannot get away with merely a bruise or a scrape. Commonly suffered injuries that a Chattanooga construction accident attorney can help with include:
- Fractured bones
- Dislocation of bones
- Lacerations
- Head injuries
- Brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Burns
Other injuries that may occur include amputations, hearing loss, vision loss, and any that may result from exposure to toxic substances. Construction accident injuries tend to be more serious, thus requiring extensive medical and rehabilitative treatments and time off from work. Although workers may pursue compensation for their injuries by filing a Tennessee workers’ compensation claim, oftentimes it is not enough to put them back on their feet; especially if the injury has resulted in a complete or partial disability.
Contacting a Chattanooga Construction Accident Lawyer
At Gary Massey Injury Lawyers, P.C., we believe that Tennessee construction workers deserve to carry out their job duties in safe environments and under rules and regulations in place. Negligent parties should be held responsible for any accidents, injuries, or deaths that occur on a construction site. If you or a loved one has been injured in a construction accident in Tennessee, our skilled Chattanooga construction accident lawyers can help you and your family seek compensation you deserve for the losses and damages you’ve suffered.
