Construction Law
What If Someone Gets Hurt on the Construction Site?
It should come as no surprise that construction work is one of the most dangerous occupations in the United States, most workers are aware of the potential risks, however. Still, determining liability can become complicated due to the number of people involved in a particular construction project. In this article, our Miami contractor attorneys will discuss what you should do if you are injured on a construction site.
What Should You Do First?
After an injury on the job, your first priority is to seek medical attention and ensure the incident is reported on-site. Be sure the accident is properly documented with related photos and witness statements, for example. If your injury is severe enough to where you will need to miss work, a combination of time lost from work and medical bills can pile up. This is why filing an insurance claim is important and determining who’s liable for the accident so you can get compensated for your injuries.
How to Determine Who is Liable?
Typically, the parties that bear much of the fault when an injury occurs include:
- Site Owners: If the owner controls the job site, the owner can hold more liability since they are required to make known any potential safety hazards on the job site.
- General Contractors: Responsible for worker safety and complying with health and safety standards.
- Subcontractors: Like general contractors, they are also responsible for performing work in a safe manner and warning others of potential danger/hazards.
- Architects and Engineers: Must comply with standards per the contract, ensure building are up to code, and by furnishing plans that are not defective.
- Manufacturers and Material Suppliers: Manufacturers and material suppliers must ensure that their products are safe and defect-free.
To determine liability, a Miami contractor attorney is recommended.
An Awareness of the Most Common Construction Accidents is Key
There are so many things occurring on a construction job site simultaneously that anything could go wrong. The use of dangerous tools, working at high heights, and exposure to dangerous chemicals puts workers at risk daily. Every year, OSHA publishes a list of the top 10 most frequently cited health and safety violations across the United States. These violations seem to change little from year to year. According to OSHA, the four leading causes of workplace accidents known as the “Fatal Four” are:
- Falls
- Being struck by an object
- Electrocutions
- Being caught in between objects
An awareness of these common hazards along with strict OSHA compliance will help you prevent them from happening to you.
If you would like to speak with a Miami contractor attorney, please contact us at 954.210.8735, or submit our contact request form.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.