Workers’ comp lawyer discusses common hazards in construction and explains potential benefits should an accident occur.
We have represented many construction workers throughout the years, and it is a dangerous occupation. Unfortunately, safety is not always at the forefront, and we see employers cut corners. Here is what everyone should know about slips, trips, and fall in construction.
Common slip trip and fall hazards in construction
- Wet surfaces
- Oily surfaces
- Icy surfaces
- Loose mats
- Exposed wiring
- Extension cords
- Clutter and debris
- Holes dug in the ground
- Uneven ground
- Loose stairs
- Loose or unstable fall protection
- Falls from ladders
- Falls from heights
- Carrying heavy objects
Common injuries
Employees who suffer from these types of accidents on construction sites have many problems. Minor injuries like broken bones, soft-tissue strains, and contusions are common. More serious injuries include rotator cuff tear, meniscus tear, torn ACL, herniated disc, and traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Employees who suffer spinal cord injuries from these types of accidents may end up paralyzed. These are some of the most difficult workers’ comp claims because they involve lifetime medical treatment and disability. Make sure to speak with an experienced attorney because there are many benefits the insurance company will not tell you about.
How to avoid slips trips and fall in construction
Slips, trips, or falls in construction are frequently tied to working conditions or people issues. Watch out for wet, icy, or oily surfaces. Other hazards include loose carpeted mats, exposed wiring, clutter, and holes dug in the ground. Sometimes poor lighting, uneven ground, or loose stairs create the hazard.
Falls from heights are one of the most dangerous types of construction injuries. They often result in severe disability and can be fatal. It is important to make sure that safety protocols are followed, and employees are trained in using ladders, harnesses, and other equipment.
There are simple ways to help prevent these types of accidents from happening. Good housekeeping is something everyone can do, so make sure to clean up. Communicate with coworkers about hazards and clearly mark dangerous areas. Check for fall hazards and tell a foreman if something looks wrong. Make sure to wear safety equipment like non-slip boots and harnesses.
Michigan workers’ comp benefits for slips trips and fall in construction
In Michigan, employees who suffer injuries or death from slips, trips, or falls while working on construction sites are entitled to workers’ comp benefits. It does not matter who was at fault just that the accident occurred in the scope of employment. Benefits include medical treatment, lost wages, and vocational rehabilitation.
All medical treatment should be covered without any copayments or deductibles being owed. This includes ambulance rides, emergency room visits, hospital stays, doctor appointments, physical therapy, prescriptions, and medical procedures.
Lost wages are equal to 80% of an employee’s after-tax average weekly wage. This calculation should include money for overtime and discontinued fringe benefits. Family members can get up to 500 weeks should a loved one die on-the-job.
Sometimes an employee who is disabled by a construction accident needs to find new career. It is possible to get vocational rehabilitation benefits that help with job search activities, education, and retraining.
Potential third-party liability for slip trips and fall in construction
Employees who are hurt on-the-job are entitled to workers’ comp benefits. They can also file a lawsuit against a negligent third-party. This is any individual or company who was at-fault for the accident, but not the employer. Damages for pain and suffering are in addition to any workers’ comp benefits paid.
It is important to have a construction accident lawyer review any slips, trips, and falls in construction to make sure all sources of recovery have been explored. The insurance company who pays workers’ comp benefits will also have a potential lien against any third-party recovery. An experienced attorney will be able to negotiate the best possible outcome. There is no fee unless additional benefits or a workers’ comp settlement is obtained.
Injured while on the job? Contact our lawyers for a free consultation
If you were injured in a slip, trip and fall accident while on the job at a Michigan construction site and need help with your workers’ comp claim, call now to speak with an experienced construction accident attorney, or fill out our contact form for a free consultation. There is absolutely no cost or obligation. We’re here for you.
Our attorneys have been exclusively helping injured workers in the state for more than 40 years and can help you better understand workers’ comp laws and what happens after someone has been hurt on a construction site. To see what our own clients have to say about the caring, compassion, and communication they received from us, you can read in their own words about their experience here on our testimonials page from clients we have helped.
Michigan Workers Comp Lawyers never charges a fee to evaluate a potential case. Our law firm has represented injured and disabled employees exclusively for more than 40 years. Call (844) 316-8033 for a free consultation today.
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