Types of Injuries Commonly Sustained in San Antonio Construction Accidents

Construction sites are inherently hazardous environments. Despite stringent safety regulations and protocols, accidents are unfortunately common. It’s important to understand your injuries while seeking proper medical treatment and legal compensation. Today we want to explore the most common types of injuries sustained in construction accidents, their causes, and the implications for injured workers.

Falls from heights

Falls from heights are among the most common and dangerous types of construction site injuries. Workers often perform tasks on ladders, scaffolding, roofs, and other elevated surfaces. A slip, trip, or loss of balance can lead to a fall that causes severe injuries such as:

• Fractures: Broken bones are frequent in falls, with the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis being particularly vulnerable.
• Head injuries: These can range from minor concussions to traumatic brain injuries (TBI), which can have long-lasting effects on cognitive and motor functions.
• Spinal cord injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or complete paralysis, profoundly impacting a victim’s quality of life.
• Internal injuries: Internal bleeding and organ damage are also possible, requiring immediate medical attention.

Preventing falls involves proper training, the use of safety harnesses, and ensuring that scaffolding and ladders are secure and in good condition.

Struck-by accidents

Being struck by falling or moving objects is another common cause of injuries on construction sites. These accidents occur when materials, tools, or debris fall from a height or when workers are hit by moving vehicles or equipment. Common injuries include:

• Blunt force trauma: Injuries from being struck by heavy objects can cause significant blunt force trauma, leading to broken bones and internal injuries.
• Head and brain injuries: Workers can suffer concussions or more severe traumatic brain injuries if struck in the head.
• Eye injuries: Flying debris and materials can cause serious eye injuries, leading to temporary or permanent vision loss.

Proper safety measures, such as wearing hard hats, securing loose materials, and using barriers and signage around moving equipment, are essential to reduce these risks.

Caught-in or between accidents

Caught-in or between accidents occur when workers are caught, crushed, or compressed between two or more objects. These accidents often involve machinery, vehicles, or collapsing structures. Common injuries include:

• Crush injuries: These can lead to severe damage to muscles, nerves, and bones, often requiring extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
• Amputations: Limbs caught in machinery or crushed under heavy objects may need to be amputated.
• Asphyxiation: Being trapped under heavy objects can compress the chest and abdomen, leading to asphyxiation if not promptly rescued.

To prevent these types of accidents, workers should receive proper training on the use of machinery and equipment, and employers should ensure that safety protocols and machine guards are in place.

Electrocution

Construction sites often involve working with or near electrical systems. Electrocution can occur due to direct contact with live wires, faulty equipment, or improper use of electrical tools. Common injuries include:

• Burns: Electrical burns can range from minor to severe and can cause significant damage to the skin, tissues, and organs.
• Cardiac arrest: High voltage electrocution can lead to cardiac arrest, which is often fatal if not treated immediately.
• Nerve damage: Electrical shocks can cause permanent nerve damage, leading to chronic pain and mobility issues.

Safety measures to prevent electrocution include proper training on electrical safety, using insulated tools, and ensuring that all electrical systems and equipment are properly maintained and grounded.

Burns

Burn injuries on construction sites can result from various sources, including electrical accidents, chemical spills, and explosions. Common types of burns include:

• Thermal burns: Caused by exposure to flames, hot surfaces, or steam.
• Chemical burns: Result from exposure to hazardous chemicals that can cause severe skin and tissue damage.
• Electrical burns: Occur when an electrical current passes through the body.

Burn injuries can range from minor first-degree burns to severe third-degree burns that require extensive medical treatment, including surgery and skin grafts. Preventative measures include proper training on handling hazardous materials, using protective gear, and ensuring that fire safety protocols are in place.

Respiratory injuries

Construction workers are often exposed to dust, fumes, and other airborne contaminants that can cause respiratory injuries. Common respiratory issues include:

• Asbestos exposure: Asbestos fibers, when inhaled, can cause lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.
• Silicosis: Caused by inhaling silica dust, which can lead to severe lung damage and respiratory failure.
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): Long-term exposure to dust and fumes can result in COPD, a group of diseases that cause breathing difficulties.

To protect against respiratory injuries, workers should use appropriate respiratory protective equipment, and employers should ensure proper ventilation and dust control measures.

Seeking compensation after a San Antonio construction accident

The injuries sustained in construction accidents can have life-altering consequences for workers and their families. At Pat Maloney: Accident & Injury Attorney, we understand the importance of securing fair compensation for these injuries. Here’s how the legal process can help:

• If a construction accident was caused by the negligence of a third party (e.g., equipment manufacturer, subcontractor), the injured worker may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit. This can provide additional compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other non-economic damages.
• In tragic cases where a construction accident results in a worker’s death, the family may file a wrongful death lawsuit to seek compensation for their loss, including funeral expenses, loss of income, and loss of companionship.

How a San Antonio construction accident lawyer can help

Navigating the legal complexities of construction accident claims can be overwhelming. Our experienced San Antonio construction accident lawyer can provide invaluable assistance by:

• Conducting a thorough investigation to gather evidence, including witness statements, accident reports, and expert testimonies.
• Identifying all liable parties, including employers, subcontractors, manufacturers, and others.
• Preparing and filing personal injury or wrongful death claims to ensure timely and accurate processing.
• Engaging in negotiations with insurance companies and other parties to secure fair compensation for you and your family.
• If necessary, representing you in court to pursue maximum compensation through a trial.

If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a construction accident, don’t navigate the legal process alone. At Pat Maloney: Accident & Injury Attorney, our experienced San Antonio construction accident lawyer is here to help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve. Our team has the knowledge, resources, and dedication to fight for your rights and hold responsible parties accountable for their negligence. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us guide you through this challenging time while you focus on your recovery. Your future deserves the best possible outcome, and we’re here to fight for it. Please call our offices or submit our contact form to schedule your free, no-obligation case evaluation today.