You don’t have to go far in Spokane to spot a construction site. They are everywhere and each site can employ dozens of hard-working employees. Construction workers often have to live with the aches and pains that come along with the profession. But works zones can be dangerous places and the possibility of a serious injury is always present.
The Dangers of Spinal Cord Injuries
Construction companies and those that oversee construction projects are bound by law to keep a site as hazard-free as possible. They are required to provide the right equipment and training to every worker. Sometimes these rules aren’t followed and serious accidents are the result. One of the most severe cases for a worker is when a spinal cord is damaged.
There are certain body parts that can fully heal after an accident, but injuries to the spinal cord can lead to life long disability. Whether it’s chronic pain or even a loss of control of body parts, these injuries can be devastating.
You can wake up facing an entirely new way of life after an accident and left wondering if the accident could have been prevented. There may have been many people who knew about the hazard that caused your accident and still did nothing to correct the problem. A Spokane construction accident lawyer at the CCD Lawfirm can help you determine who can be held liable and begin collecting evidence to build a case to recover compensation for your financial and emotional hardships.
Spinal Cord Injuries on Construction Sites
A study looked at data on work-related injuries over three years. Researchers found there were 824 people who suffered work-related spinal injuries. Falls led to 50% of the injuries; predominantly falls from building/structures, ladders, or between levels. 78% of these falls occurred in a construction setting.
Spinal cord injuries can be partial or complete. Partial tears cause paraplegia (lost control of lower body and legs). A complete tear causes quadriplegia (lost control in all four limbs). Spinal fractures are possible causing disc and nerve damage. Some spinal fractures also cause paralysis.
In general, the higher in the spinal column an injury occurs, the more function a person will lose. The spine has four major regions and where the injury hits will affect the type of consequences:
- Cervical region – In the neck. This area sends signals to the neck, arms, and hands.
- Thoracic region – The upper back area. Nerves in the thoracic relay signals to the torso and some parts of the arms. Injuries often affect control in the upper torso and also involves the abdominal muscles.
- Lumbar and Sacral regions – The mid-back area below the ribs. These portions control the hips, groin, and legs.
These injuries can be devastating to the victim. Besides a loss of sensation or motor function, injury to the spinal cord leads to other changes, including loss of bowel, bladder, and sexual function, low blood pressure, and chronic pain.
Compensation for Construction Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries can change the lifestyle of the victim and also can mean changes in lifestyle for the immediate family. The injury can affect every aspect of life. Filing a claim against those responsible may be the only way to get assistance in the aftermath.
Washington State law provides up to three years after a construction accident to file a claim for injuries. It’s not recommended that a victim uses all of that time because the more months that pass after an accident the harder it will be to gather evidence and documents to build a strong case.
If a claim is filed an injured worker can be awarded financial compensation for many of the losses and hardships suffered during recovery:
- Medical Bills
- Rehab treatment/equipment/mobility devices
- 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.)
Who Can Be Held Responsible in a Construction Accident?
An accident at a construction site can make for a complex case when determining who is liable for your accident and responsible for your hospital bills and recovery. There can be many parties at-fault in a claim for damages. Anyone involved in the construction project including sub-contractors, property owners, developers, and even the manufacturer of malfunctioning equipment can share in the blame.
It’s important to remember that Workmans’ Compensation only goes so far. It can sometimes cover medical bills and lost wages but doesn’t consider mental anguish that you and your family have been through. An experienced attorney can help navigate these questions with you.
Contact a Spokane Construction Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one are trying to recover from a spinal cord injury on the job, you should focus on healing and getting back to a normal life. Let a local construction accident attorney face off against insurance companies and their lawyers to get all the compensation you and your family will need to complete your recovery.
Established in Spokane in 1948, Crary & Domanico, P.S. is committed to providing our clients with the absolute highest quality legal representation. If our Spokane Car 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.
