Cuts and Lacerations from Construction Accidents

A construction site can be the symbol of progress around Spokane. But for some construction workers who have been injured on the job, it can be a reminder of the dangerous hazards that are common to these projects.

There are many threats to an employee’s health in any work zone.  The danger can come from above, below, and every angle in between.  A couple of the hazards that are some of the most preventable are construction site cuts and lacerations.

Workzone Cuts and Laceration Accidents

Using a blade when you work or a powerful machine with moving parts can put you at risk for lacerations.

Safety and Health Magazine reported that roughly 30 percent of all workplace injuries involve cuts or lacerations, from scratches and abrasions, to puncture wounds and amputations. These injuries can lead to lost time at work or even disability.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) tallied the construction injuries for Washington workers in a single year. In 2018, the state reported 6 workers out of every 100 full-time employees were injured on the job.  This led to the loss of almost 3.5 days of work on average for each injury.

These consequences should give construction project owners and operators incentive to improve conditions in the work zone, but often safety goes neglected and workers end up getting cut and lacerated by their own tools.

Preventing Construction Cuts and Lacerations

Construction Site owners are required by state law to make a job environment as safe as possible for employees. Safety training in a language each worker can understand is mandatory.  Fixing known hazards and threats to workers as soon as reasonably possible is something construction supervisors and managers are responsible for.

The neglect of these duties can put workers at risk for a cut or laceration on the job.  Hands often suffer the most damage as workers handle sharp and powerful tools.  These injuries can leave deep scratches and cuts, deep punctures, and even amputations.

Health and Safety Magazine lists several safety precautions that need to be emphasized in construction zones.

  • Construction companies should provide the right tool for the job. Tools should be inspected thoroughly before starting work.
  • Safety measures to keep tools secure at all times while cutting. Workers should never have to hold the item being cut in their hands.
  • Ensure blades are sharp. Dull blades require more force to use, thus increasing the risk of incidents.
  • Wear necessary personal protection equipment, including eyewear, gloves, and long-sleeved shirts.
  • Don’t leave exposed blades unattended, and keep tools with blades in a closed position when not in use.
  • Make sure sharp tools and cutting instruments are stored safely.

Who is Liable in a Construction Accident?

An accident at a construction site can lead to a complex case when you try to hold your employer responsible for your hospital bills and recovery.  There are actually many parties that can be involved in a claim for damages.

Anyone involved in the project including sub-contractors, property owners, developers, and even the manufacturer of malfunctioning equipment can share in the blame.

A construction accident may be reported as only a workers’ compensation injury, which limits your recovery to only wage loss and medical expenses. There is no recovery of pain and suffering and some other damages under workers’ compensation.

With all of the moving parts in worksite accident claims, it’s important to have a Spokane construction accident attorney from CCD Law on your side.

Construction Site Injury Compensation

The state of Washington allows victims up to three years from the date of an accident to file a claim for damages.  It is not recommended that you wait the full three years to file your claim.  As time passes, you’ll have a harder time gathering evidence, locating witnesses, and collecting documents you’ll need to build a strong case.  A local attorney can help you with these details.

You may have to take this step to ensure your company covers all of the physical, emotional, and financial hardships suffered after a devastating accident.  If the company is found at fault, state law allows for compensation for the injured person. A worker can be awarded financial compensation for many of the losses and hardships suffered during recovery:

  • Medical Bills
  • Rehab treatment/equipment
  • Travel
  • Lost time from work (Including the expected future lost time)
  • Permanent disability/disfigurement
  • Pain and mental anguish
  • Loss of consortium (Being without the support of a spouse, partner, family member, etc.)

Contact a Spokane Construction Accident Lawyer

If you’ve suffered a serious injury on a construction site you’ll need a local construction accident attorney on your side to hold those responsible legally liable.  An attorney can determine the best way to proceed with your case to get the maximum compensation for your pain and suffering.

Established in Spokane in 1948, Crary & Domanico, P.S. is committed to providing our clients with the absolute highest quality legal representation. If our Construction Accident Lawyers represent you for your accident case, you have our assurance that we will use our absolute best efforts to win your case. Contact us after any accident resulting in a serious injury for a free, confidential consultation and case evaluation. We will only offer you advice which is in your best interest.

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