Types Of Construction Accident Injuries And Types of Compensation You Can Recover

September 22, 2022 Posted In Work-related injury

Construction accidents cause a variety of injuries, and they are often severe and have long-term repercussions. Workers injured on the job can receive workers’ compensation benefits, but if another party is liable besides their employer, they can also pursue further compensation. 

If you have been involved in a construction accident, our San Bernardino construction accident lawyers can help you fight for the compensation you deserve.

Common Construction Accident Injuries

Bone Fractures

Any construction accident can cause severe breaks or bone fractures, but they are common in falls when a worker hits the ground or by an object on the way down. Workers often need surgery and/or a cast, as well as physical therapy and other ongoing treatment. 

Burns

Explosions, machinery fires, and coming into contact with a live current or dangerous chemicals can all lead to severe burn injuries.  

Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) in San Bernardino are a primary cause of fatalities and long-term disabilities. A TBI is most often caused by a sudden impact or blow to the head, disrupting the normal function of the brain. 

Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) can vary in severity, with the most extreme cases resulting in paralysis. Workers may require surgical intervention, physical therapy, chiropractic care, and other treatment and may still have to live with chronic pain. 

Loss of Limb or Amputation

In a catastrophic accident, a limb can be crushed or brutally mangled, leading to amputation. As a result, victims can suffer permanent pain and lifelong disability.

Internal Organ Damage

The impact of a construction accident or the body being thrown can damage internal organs. This type of injury can quickly become life-threatening if not treated immediately. 

Scarring and Disfigurement

Severe lacerations, burns, and other injuries to the skin can cause significant scarring or disfigurement, resulting in a worker’s physical appearance being permanently changed. 

Wrongful Death

When a construction accident causes a worker fatality, it is considered a wrongful death. Therefore, the worker’s surviving family has the right to hold the at-fault party accountable by pursuing a San Bernardino wrongful death claim. 

Types of Compensation You Can Recover for a Construction Accident Injury

After a construction accident, you can file a workers’ compensation claim for benefits that cover reasonable medical expenses and two-thirds of their lost wages. If a third-party (e.g., property owner, contractor, equipment manufacturer, etc.) claim is possible, you can pursue a personal injury lawsuit for compensation beyond what workers’ compensation covers. For example: 

• Medical Expenses: Any current and future medical treatment that workers’ compensation benefits do not cover. 
• Lost Wages: The difference in lost wages and benefits that workers’ comp benefits do not pay.  
• Diminished Earning Capacity: If you are unable to earn the same level of income as before the accident.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the pain you have endured and any emotional distress (e.g., depression, anxiety, insomnia, PTSD, etc.), loss of enjoyment of life, disability, etc. 
• Property Damage: If any personal property was damaged and requires repairs or replacement (e.g., cell phone, tools, clothing). 
• Loss of Consortium: A spouse can recover this type of compensation for any loss of companionship, comfort, society, or sexual relations due to your injury. 
• Wrongful Death: When a construction worker is killed, their surviving family members can recover funeral and burial expenses, loss of expected income, and other types of compensation. 

Lastly, punitive damages may be available but are typically only awarded in cases involving a defendant (at-fault party) who exhibited egregious behavior or was extremely reckless.