Common Construction Injuries in Oregon
Construction sites are notoriously dangerous, whether from half-built structures or dangerous tools. At Paulson Coletti, our Portland construction injury lawyer is familiar with common injuries and how they can affect liability. If a construction accident has injured you, you may be eligible for compensation for your injuries.
Hazards of a Construction Site
Construction sites are known to be dangerous, often posing threats to people’s safety and well-being, whether they are workers or just passers-by. While some regulatory agencies like OSHA provide guidance on keeping workers and visitors safe, these are not always followed appropriately. Some of the hazards on a worksite that cause injury can include:
- Scaffolding
- Falling items
- Mechanical malfunctions
- Uneven surfaces
- Inadequate signage
- Corrosive or combustible chemicals
- Enclosed spaces
Employers who fail to follow or enforce the federally mandated safety guidelines can injure workers and other undeserving people.
Injuries from a Construction Accident
Construction accident injuries will vary depending on the mechanism of injury or the type of site. Injuries may be minor, including a small cut that can be cleaned and bandaged with no other complications, or maybe as severe as lasting neurological deficits or death.
Falls
Fall injuries in a construction site may be the result of a trip over uneven surfaces, a slip on wet or slick floors, or even a fall from scaffolding. The resulting injuries can be significant, including:
- Head injuries
- Broken bones
- Lacerations
- Sprains and strains
Head Trauma or Bodily Impact
Hard hats are required in many active work zones for important reasons. These include the fact that people working on higher levels may drop something, or items and debris may fall. If these hit your head or body, it can cause significant damage. Some examples of these injuries include:
- Bruises, lacerations
- Broken bones
- Concussions
- Traumatic brain injuries
Burns
Nearly every construction site is home to at least one mechanism that can cause a burn injury. Corrosive or caustic chemicals can cause painful or even disfiguring chemical burns. Heating sources that may be used for soldering or welding can cause thermal burns, and electrical wiring may cause electrical burns.
Crush Injuries
Many types of accidents can cause crush injuries to a person. Falling debris may land on a body part, pinning the person in place and crushing extremities or even the head or torso. In extreme situations, equipment malfunction or operator negligence may cause an individual to become caught or crushed in or between machinery and another structure. These can cause lasting injuries such as:
- Head trauma
- Facial and dental injuries
- Skull fracture or other broken bones
- Organ damage
Effects of Construction Injuries
A construction site injury may have you a little sore and sent home early to rest, while some may completely alter your life path. Injuries like traumatic brain injuries or crush injuries can leave you requiring ongoing medical and support services. These may include:
- Rehabilitative services like occupational therapy
- Arthritis, seizures, affect disorders
- Loss of the ability to work in your field
- Daily or around-the-clock care
Once your initial injuries heal, you may still deal with the lasting consequences of someone else’s negligence. These common injuries can often be prevented by simply following safety guidelines that are required by law.