Dallas Construction Accident Lawyers

Types of Accidents on Construction Sites in Texas & Throughout the U.S.

With hands-on occupations like construction work, there are several ways a job can go wrong and cause a serious injury. Even as a bystander, construction sites can be extremely dangerous.

Construction accidents happen for a number of reasons, including malfunctioning equipment, inadequate worker training, poor management, and carelessness. Whatever the reason, construction accidents do happen, and they can be extremely damaging, or even life-threatening.

Common construction accidents include:

• Falls: Construction workers often work from extreme heights on scaffolding, planks, platforms, or high buildings. When working from such heights, it a worker is inadequately secured, he or she could fall and be seriously injured.
• Slip & Fall Accidents - A fall from any height can be very damaging, especially at a construction site where hazardous tools and materials litter the area. A misplaced tool, unsecured cord, or loose board could cause a serious fall and may result in severe injuries.
• Falls from Scaffolding - Workers usually spend a lot of time on ladders, rooftops, or scaffolding. Falls from such heights can lead to catastrophic injuries.
• Falling Debris There is a reason construction sites require protective headgear. Falling debris is quite common. When workers are stationed high above the ground, debris, tools, and materials can easily slip and strike someone below. Likewise, debris from machinery and construction vehicles can become loose and may strike bystanders and workers below.
• Heavy Machinery Accidents - If tractors, cranes, lifts, drills, or other machinery and tools malfunction, it could be extremely dangerous and damaging. Sometimes this could be an operator error, or it might indicate a manufacturing or design problem.
• Work Site Vehicle Accidents - Accidents that involve the transport of construction materials are sadly very common.
• Backover & Crushing Accidents - Following safety precautions for construction projects is essential due to the high risk of crushing injuries caused by heavy machinery.
• Becoming Stuck or Trapped: Construction work often includes the use of heavy machinery, tools, and materials. Sometimes workers can become stuck under heavy objects or wedged between large or immovable parts. Sometimes these types of injuries result in broken bones or even amputation.
• Overexertion: Working for long hours in sometimes brutal conditions can easily take a toll on the body. Construction workers can sometimes become overexerted if they are not allowed adequate breaks, are not supplied with water, or are forced to work in harsh heat or cold.
• Electrocutions: When construction crews work on a building or home, they are usually around open wires and other dangerous materials. If electricians are not careful, or if safety measures are not properly followed, construction workers and bystanders could be electrocuted.
• Respiratory / Occupational Disease Injuries from Chemicals: Construction sites often see numerous chemicals and materials, some of which could be toxic or otherwise dangerous. If you are exposed to dangerous chemicals on a construction site, you could suffer from chemical exposure, or the chemicals could cause a burn, or might react with surrounding materials to cause a fire or other damaging problem.

At Lyons & Simmons, we understand that all construction worker injury cases are unique. Cases may involve failures to adhere to certain safety regulations—such as those required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)—or from the improper supervision of construction workers who are tasked with important and dangerous job duties.