Construction Accidents and the Risk of Paralysis
Construction workers face many potential hazards in a normal work week. Large equipment, heavy materials, and extreme heights are just a few factors that increase the risk of accidents. Construction accidents can be life altering, especially when injuries result in paralysis.
Construction accidents and the risk of paralysis is of particular concern to Brooklyn, NY, construction workers. Paralysis resulting from a construction site injury can have extensive repercussions physically, financially, and emotionally.
At Zucker & Regev, P.C., attorneys Gary Zucker and Guy S. Regev help injured construction workers recover the compensation they deserve for their injuries and other damages. If you have been injured in a construction accident, please contact our law firm to find out how we can help you with your case.
Construction Accidents Can Cause Paralysis
Construction jobs often require workers to move heavy materials, operate large machinery, work at great heights, and do this all with precision in order to avoid accidents. When such an accident occurs, injuries may be severe enough to cause paralysis.
Important Construction Accident Statistics
Construction sites are some of the most dangerous places to work. While the exact numbers of accidents leading to paralysis are difficult to locate, fatalities have been closely tracked and can shed some light onto the risk of severe accidents that can lead to paralysis.
According to recent findings from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH):
- Falls are the leading cause of work-related deaths in construction accidents, accounting for about 36% of fatalities.
- Accidents involving being struck by an object made up about 15% off accidents.
- Construction site electrocution accidents caused around 7% of fatalities.
- Fatalities from caught-in or between incidents accounted for about 5% of accidents.
What Types of Construction Accidents Increase the Risk of Paralysis?
The most common types of construction accidents that cause fatalities are also most likely to increase the risk of paralysis for those who survive. These include:
- Falls: Falls, whether from a tall structure, ladder, or construction equipment, can lead to spinal cord injuries that may cause paralysis.
- Struck-by accidents: Struck-by accidents can occur when a crane is used to move materials or building materials or equipment are dropped. If the impact is severe enough, it can cause serious injuries.
- Caught-in or between accidents: Getting caught in machinery or between large equipment can injure the spinal cord and cause paralysis.
- Electrocutions: An electrocution accident may cause a worker to fall and become paralyzed.
Seeking Compensation
Construction workers who survive a serious accident but are left with partial or full paralysis face extensive rehabilitation and physical therapy. Learning how to live with mobility issues and coming to terms with their injuries and life going forward can create incredible emotional distress.
Beyond the emotional damages, construction workers facing paralysis also often face a loss of income as well as a loss of future earnings.
Seeking damages with the help of a personal injury attorney can help injured construction workers in Brooklyn recover the compensation they deserve for their injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress.
Schedule a Consultation
If you have been injured in a construction accident, call our Brooklyn law firm at (718) 624-1211 to schedule a consultation with one of our personal injury attorneys.
