How Many Construction Workers Die on Average Each Year?

Posted in Construction Accidents on March 17, 2022

New York construction workers know that their job is not an easy one. Construction sites are filled with potential dangers, from uneven or wet surfaces to exposed electrical wires and falling objects. Even heavy machinery can turn from helpful to hazardous in the blink of an eye. Unfortunately, construction job site injuries are common and can sometimes be deadly.

It is essential to understand the risks of a construction job and your options if you are injured on a worksite.

Annual Construction Injuries and Job Site Deaths

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that there are about 150,000 injuries on construction sites each year, and roughly 40 of every 100,000 construction workers will die on the job each year. Unfortunately, even with advances in construction technology, the number of injuries and deaths is not decreasing. Between 2011 and 2019, construction site injuries rose by over 40%.

Some of the leading causes of deadly construction site accidents include:

Falling from heights
Electrocution
Collisions
Faulty or malfunctioning machinery
“Caught-between,” where a worker is trapped by equipment or a building

Although OSHA has high standards for worker safety, construction sites are still intrinsically dangerous.

Keeping Yourself Safe as a Construction Worker

You are entitled to the right to a safe working environment. Your job site supervisor, construction company, or building owner is required to enforce proper safety protocols. These include ensuring that dangerous and heavy machinery is working correctly and has the appropriate safety guards. Additionally, employees must be trained on the appropriate use of construction equipment.

Despite training and safety protocols, workers can still get hurt. If you have been injured on the job, it is essential to follow the right steps after your injury to ensure your safety and help your construction accident lawyer build your case for damages.

If you are able, do the following after an injury:

Seek immediate medical attention, even if you don’t think you’re hurt badly
Report the injury to the foreman or supervisor
Document your injury and where it happened with photos, if possible
Document the names and contact information of any co-workers or witnesses
Complete and timely submit the workers’ compensation paperwork for your injury
Keep copies of all accident-related forms that you fill out, including incident reports and worker’s comp documentation
Hire a New York personal injury lawyer to protect your rights and handle your case

Construction accidents can significantly affect your quality of life and ability to return to work. Hiring an attorney will maximize the amount of damages you may receive.

What Compensation Can I Receive After a Construction Site Injury?

Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system, meaning you can generally recover benefits even if you caused your injuries. Typical workers’ compensation benefits cover your reasonable and necessary medical bills, including hospital stays and any physical therapy you may need to recover. They also cover a portion of your lost wages from time missed at work and loss of earning capacity if you cannot perform your original job due to your injuries.

If any third parties were responsible for your injuries, such as a manufacturer of defective machinery or a negligent property owner, you may be entitled to file a third-party personal injury lawsuit. This will allow you to recover economic and non-economic damages, including pain and suffering.

Wrongful Death on a Construction Site

Unfortunately, not every person recovers from injuries sustained on a construction site. If your loved one, such as a spouse or parent, died from a construction site accident, you may be entitled to pursue a wrongful death claim. A wrongful death claim could entitle you to compensation for burial costs and the loss of earning potential due to the loss of your family member.

Contact Our Construction Accident Law Firm in New York, NY

Construction is a hazardous occupation. If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a construction accident, it is best to consult with an experienced local attorney to determine your legal options and preserve your legal rights. An attorney will advise you throughout the workers’ compensation process and file any third-party lawsuits you may have.

If you need legal assistance, contact the NYC construction accident lawyers at Law Offices of Jay S. Knispel Personal Injury Lawyers at your nearest location to schedule a free consultation.

We have two convenient locations in New York:

Law Offices of Jay S. Knispel Personal Injury Lawyers – New York City Office
450 7th Ave #409
New York, NY 10123
(212) 564-2800

Law Offices of Jay S. Knispel Personal Injury Lawyers – Brooklyn Office
26 Court St Suite 2511
Brooklyn, NY 11242
(718) 802-1600