Because of the many different parts that need to work together to successfully construct something, there is a high potential for missteps to occur and hurt someone. Suppose you were injured in a work-related fall, crushing accident, long-term exposure, or another scenario at your job. In that case, it may be possible for you to demand a settlement to cover your expenses while you heal. Depending on whether you win your claim, you may be entitled to payments to reimburse you for your healthcare costs and decreased pay while you are out of work.
If you are in this position, consider the benefits of working with a seasoned Columbia construction accident lawyer at our firm. Williams & Roche, LLC, enjoys deep knowledge of the workers’ compensation system in South Carolina. Both of our founding attorneys served on the Workers’ Compensation Commission, and they bring that invaluable experience with them as they fight for injured workers in the private sector.
Causes of Construction Accidents on the Job
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics report published in 2024, 132 workers died in job-related accidents in 2022. Of those, the private construction industry had the highest number of fatalities (24) compared to other sectors. Many scenarios may lead to construction workers getting seriously hurt. Falls from heights, heavy machinery, electrocution, trench collapses, and occupational exposure are some of the frequent situations that result in workers getting injured.
Falls from height
Those who construct houses and buildings may have to climb tall ladders, perch on roofs, and ride an aerial lift as part of their projects. Being in these raised positions poses many risks for them. For example, an unsteady ladder position may cause it to tumble, throwing the employee onto the ground. Likewise, a poorly designed safety harness may break and allow a construction worker to fall off a tall building.
Heavy machinery
Heavy machinery — like forklifts and backhoes — are common tools used to pick up and move bulky and immense objects. When these pieces of equipment malfunction, they may cause others serious harm. For example, a poorly parked forklift may roll backward, crushing a worker’s foot.
Electrocution
Those who are in charge of doing work on a home during its construction may be involved in wiring up the house or working around newly placed wiring. If there is a miscommunication about whether the electricity is turned off, this may result in an unsuspecting construction worker being electrocuted. As the National Library of Medicine explains, electrical injuries can cause a range of harm, including serious organ damage, burned tissue, and cardiac arrhythmia.
Trench collapses
As reported by the Occupational Safety and Hazard Administration, 39 workers died in trench accidents in 2022 nationwide. Trenches are incredibly dangerous places on construction sites, with the potential for cave-ins being quite high unless the proper safety precautions are taken.
For example, the trench should be reinforced and the workers going into the trench should have the proper headgear on to protect their brains.
Occupational exposure
As part of doing work on a construction site, the employees may encounter a range of potentially harmful fumes. For example, the workers may breathe in the toxic asphalt fumes or welding vapors during the project. Additionally, dust and smoke can build up in the employee’s lungs, causing significant issues over time.
OSHA Regulations for the Construction Industry
OSHA has put together safety regulations for employers to follow to protect workers from getting hurt in contexts where a lot of injuries tend to happen. Some of the standard rules in the construction industry include confined spaces, trenching, and silica.
Confined spaces
As explored on OSHA’s website, many workers in the construction industry may have to go into small spaces — such as tanks and manholes. These cramped spaces pose serious risks as far as the worker being able to get in and out of them without issues. Likewise, they may breathe in stale or toxic air during their venture into a confined space. To help protect the workers, the employer needs to follow OSHA’s standards for identifying a confined space and seeking permission to allow those on the team into these spaces.
Trenching
OSHA has a host of rules in place to help limit the number of injuries and deaths in trench-related accidents. For example, trenches 5 feet or more deep may have to have stairs cut out of the walls or slopes installed to help workers get out of the trench in an emergency.
Trenches that are more than 20 feet deep have to follow even stricter requirements.
Silica
Silica is a tiny particle that can get into someone’s lungs and respiratory system, causing a host of potential problems down the road. To limit the number of silica-related injuries, OSHA has a host of rules for what people should do to protect themselves while working with particular machinery. For example, someone using a handheld power saw may have to use a water feed system to limit the amount of dust they encounter while working on their project.
Does Workers’ Comp Cover Construction Workers?
South Carolina law allows people to claim workers’ compensation for construction if they can prove their injury occurred while they were working. If the person was on the clock at the time of the incident, they may be eligible for these benefits. Someone may meet this standard if they were doing work for their employer at the time they got hurt. If the injury occurred while they were traveling from one job site to the next, they may still meet the law’s criteria to demand this kind of settlement. Speak with a Columbia construction accident lawyer to help navigate your claim.
Can You File a Third-Party Liability Claim for a Construction Accident?
In some cases, you may be able to sue a third party for your injuries, even if they occurred on the job. For example, you may get hurt because a drunk driver rams into your car. You may be able to recover workers’ compensation from your employer’s insurance company and a personal injury lawsuit payout if you file a successful court case with a Columbia construction accident lawyer.
Why Choose Williams & Roche?
At our firm, we are tireless advocates for injured workers in the construction industry. We know how much you sacrifice to get the job done and support your loved ones. And when you get hurt, you deserve a legal team that’s going to match that dedication during the claims process.
We have a comprehensive understanding of the workers’ comp system and the process of demanding benefits. Both of our founders worked on the Commission and have prior experience in the insurance side of these cases. We use the diverse backgrounds of our lawyers to help elevate our client’s claims.
Contact a Columbia Construction Accident Lawyer
Getting hurt while doing challenging manual labor — such as construction — can have an enormous impact on your sense of purpose and your ability to support yourself. While nothing can turn back the clock, claiming the benefits you’re owed under the law can connect you with the financial support you need to get back to work or move forward with your life.
Contact a construction accident attorney in Columbia at our firm today by calling 803.784.0503 to set up an initial consultation with a team you can trust. The attorneys at Williams & Roche, LLC, have over 50 years of combined experience in this field. We would love to talk to you about your situation, what success looks like to you, and how we can fight to try to get you a favorable outcome.
