Construction work has long been considered one of the most dangerous professions in the United States. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), more than one out of every five fatal workplace injuries occurs on a construction site. In addition to fatal accidents, construction sites are a constant source of non-fatal yet severe injuries.
If you suffer one of these injuries, it could drastically impact your quality of life. The basic tasks you have taken for granted your entire life could suddenly become a challenge. What’s more, recovering from a severe injury is rarely inexpensive. The medical bills can pile up quickly, especially if your injuries prevent you from working. The right New Hampshire personal injury lawyer could help you recover compensation to cover these expenses.
If you have suffered an injury in a New Hampshire construction accident, attorney Bradford Coates has the experience necessary to guide you during this challenging time. To discuss your legal options at length, contact the Coates Law Office, PLLC, right away.
Types of Construction Site Accidents in New Hampshire
When it comes to severe accidents on construction sites, OSHA has identified four types of accidents that are most likely to lead to injuries. Known as the “fatal four,” these four types of injuries are responsible for roughly 60 percent of all construction site deaths. These accidents include:
- Falls
- Struck by an object
- Electrocution
- Caught in-between accidents
Falls are by far the most devastating; they alone are responsible for 40 percent of all construction site fatalities. Accidents involving being struck by an object or electrocution are at a distant second and third. Caught in-between accidents make up around five percent of all fatal accidents. These accidents occur when a worker is caught or in-between machinery, vehicles, or static objects. They are also known as “crushing” injuries.
Common New Hampshire Construction Accident Injuries
The injuries resulting from a construction site accident depend on how the accident occurred. For example, the injuries related to an electrocution due to faulty wiring will differ substantially from the damage that occurs from a great fall. Understanding the nature of these injuries is important, especially if you intend to seek compensation for your injuries caused by the responsible party. Some of the most common injuries in a construction accident include:
- Broken bones and bruises
- Cuts
- Concussions and other traumatic brain injuries
- Paralysis
- Electrical burns
- Neck injuries
- Wrongful Death
- Amputation
- Internal bleeding
- Ligament damage
- Blindness
In many cases, you could have a claim for compensation for the injuries that occur on a construction site. A skilled New Hampshire construction accident lawyer can evaluate your injuries and discuss your chances of a financial recovery.
Recovering Compensation on a Construction Site Injury in New Hampshire
Like all states, New Hampshire has adopted a system of worker’s compensation. This system awards monetary benefits to workers injured on the job. However, in some cases, there are other options for recovering compensation following a construction site accident.
Workers’ Compensation Claims
In New Hampshire, the worker’s compensation laws require employers to maintain insurance for their employee’s workplace injuries. This “no-fault” system is designed to pay a worker’s injury claim regardless of who caused the injury. Compensation benefits are available for work-related injuries that arise in the scope of their employment.
There are two major types of benefits available through a worker’s compensation claim: medical benefits and disability benefits. Medical benefits are aptly named, as they pay for the necessary medical treatment caused by a construction accident. Disability benefits are monetary benefits paid weekly during the course of our injury. If you are never able to return to work, you could be entitled to permanent disability benefits.
Third-party Lawsuits
Under the worker’s compensation laws of the state, New Hampshire construction workers usually may not file injury lawsuits against their employer or co-workers. However, there are some circumstances where an injured construction worker could bring a suit. The law allows a construction worker to file a lawsuit against third parties that are responsible for a construction site accident. For example, if a neighbor throws a glass bottle out of a window in the building next to the construction site, you could sue them for negligence. The damages available in third-party lawsuits are no different than those sought in standard negligence claims. They could include pain and suffering, medical bills, or lost wages among other compensation.