Construction is one of the most important industries in North Carolina. It also has the potential to be one of the most dangerous. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports that 20 percent of workplace deaths nationwide happen in construction. When proper safety precautions are not taken by companies, construction workers and passersby are put at serious risk. Here, our Wake Forest personal injury lawyers provide an overview of the most common types of construction accidents in North Carolina. 

Five of the Most Common Construction Accidents in North Carolina

1. Fall Accidents 

Motor vehicle collisions are one of the most common causes of serious accidents on construction sites in North Carolina. This includes both falls from height and slip-and-fall accidents. Construction companies have a duty to provide adequate fall protection for workers. Without proper fall protection, construction workers are at serious risk of suffering severe or life-threatening injuries. 

2. Struck-By Injuries (Falling Objects)

Struck-by injuries are another one of the most common construction accidents. A struck-by injury happens when a construction worker (or another party) is hit by a hard object. Most often, struck-by injuries are caused by falling objects. Though, these types of accidents can also occur in a wide range of other circumstances. 

3. Heavy Machinery Accidents

Heavy machinery is inherently dangerous. Workers at construction sites in North Carolina are frequently required to use a wide range of heavy equipment. It is imperative that construction companies, developers, outside contractors, and other parties involved in construction projects put the proper safety protocols in place. Among other things, this means that construction workers must be adequately trained to use heavy—and potentially dangerous—machinery. 

4. Electrocutions 

Electrocutions are responsible for a significant share of catastrophic injuries and fatalities in the construction industry. Notably, most electrocutions at construction sites could and should have been prevented with the proper safety precautions. It is imperative that all companies involved in a construction project take care to protect their workers, other workers, and non-employees from the hazard posed by electrocutions. A high voltage of electricity is extremely dangerous. 

5. Motor Vehicle Collisions

Motor vehicle collisions are one of the most common causes of serious injuries in North Carolina. Each year, tens of thousands of people in the state seek professional medical care for automobile accidents. Work-related motor vehicle collisions are also a problem. Construction workers face a safety risk of automobile accidents—both on a construction site itself and while commuting to and from different projects.  

Know Your Rights: Recovering Compensation After a North Carolina Construction Accident

Were you hurt in a construction accident in North Carolina? It is essential that you know how to protect your rights and recover the maximum amount of financial support. Whether you were hurt on the job or hurt while passing by a construction site, you have rights. Depending on the specific circumstances of your case, you may have the following type of claims:  

• Workers’ Compensation: In North Carolina, all employers must provide no-fault workers’ comp insurance to their employees—construction companies are no exception. A no-fault workers comp claim is the sole remedy that an injured construction worker has against his or her employer. If you were hurt while working in the construction industry, our North Carolina workers’ compensation lawyer can help you navigate the claims process. 
• Personal Injury (Negligence): Construction accident victims may have a negligence claim. A personal injury negligence claim is a fault-based case. Non-employees injured on construction sites always have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit for a construction accident. Construction workers can also bring a negligence claim against any at-fault party but for their employer. These workplace accident cases are called third-party liability claims. In North Carolina, an injured construction can bring both a workers’ comp claim and a third-party liability claim. 

Construction accident injury claims are complex. It is normal to have a lot of questions about your rights, duties, and legal options after something goes wrong at a construction site. Do not rely on your employer, a third-party company, or an insurer to look out for your best interests. Our North Carolina construction accident lawyers have the skills and experience you can count on. 

Contact Our North Carolina Construction Accident Attorney Today
At Green Mistretta Law, PLLC, our knowledgeable North Carolina construction accident attorneys are committed to providing reliable, results-focused representation. We have experience handling workers’ compensation claims and negligence claims. Contact us today to set up a free, no-obligation initial legal consultation with a top-rated North Carolina construction accident injury attorney.