Common Types of Construction Accidents

 Posted on September 21, 2023 in Construction Accidents

Construction sites are inherently fraught with potential dangers, posing risks to both workers and passersby. Frequently, construction companies and the entities they contract with cut corners to save money, and the cost is safety. As such, fully preventable injuries at construction sites are quite common. Suppose you or someone you love was recently injured in a construction accident. In that case, it is best to speak with a seasoned Rolling Meadows construction accident attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights. Here are some of the most prevalent types of construction accidents that can lead to severe or even fatal injuries:

Excavation Hazards

Dug-out areas beneath the ground or sidewalks can collapse suddenly, endangering both those underneath and those above. Trench collapses leave workers and pedestrians with little time to react, often resulting in serious injuries.

Falling Materials

Tools, equipment, and various building materials can plummet from above, especially when work is performed on scaffolding or rooftops at considerable heights. Such objects can cause severe harm or prove fatal if they strike someone below.

Equipment and Machinery Failures

From handheld drills to heavy machinery like forklifts or backhoes, any power tool can experience mechanical failures, leading to accidents. Larger equipment can be particularly hazardous if they malfunction or slip out of gear.

Scaffold or Structure Failures

Temporary structures like fences, sheds, and scaffolding can collapse, creating a severe hazard to anyone on or near them. This risk increases if these structures were improperly installed or constructed using faulty materials or components.

Crush Accidents - Between and Backovers

Construction workers risk being struck by large trucks maneuvering on construction sites. Additionally, workers can get caught between walls or concrete and these sizable vehicles. Any of these types of accidents can cause severe and often deadly crush injuries.

Explosions and Fires

Construction sites harbor numerous hazards, including flammable chemicals, leaky pipes, and exposed wiring. While explosions and fires may not be as frequent as other accidents, they tend to be severe or even fatal when they do occur.

Repetitive Motion Injuries

While not sudden or violent like many other types of construction accident injuries, construction workers are at risk of repetitive motion injuries. They often perform the same tasks and motions repeatedly, which can lead to conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome and tennis elbow. The result is often temporary or permanent damage to muscles, nerves, ligaments, and tendons from repeating certain movements.

Causes of Construction Accidents and Injuries

Construction accidents can usually be attributed to negligence, including:

• Lack of fall protection for workers on elevated structures like scaffolding

• Inadequate protection from falling objects

• Tripping hazards due to construction materials and debris obstructing walkways

• Missing guards or protections on power tools

• Unsafe or defective equipment and machinery

• Failure to implement safety precautions when working near power lines

• Absence of trench protections for workers

• Hazardous property conditions

Contact an Experienced Rolling Meadows, IL Construction Accident Attorney 

After suffering a construction accident injury, you only have a limited amount of time to act under the Illinois statute of limitations. To secure your rights and maximize your compensation, meet with a Cook County construction accident attorney as soon as possible after your accident. Contact Adler Law Offices, LTD online or by phone at 312-236-2700 today to schedule a no-obligation case consultation.