Unfortunately, construction accidents in Lake Oswego are all too common. Though Oregon’s workers’ compensation program is designed to provide monetary relief to those injured on the job, it is not always as easy as it should be. Your employer may attempt to deny your claim or your medical expenses may exceed what worker’s compensation can cover. There may be liable third parties to take into consideration. When these complications arise, you need a construction accident lawyer you can rely on to navigate your claim and provide knowledgeable representation.
Whether you are dealing with a claim that has been denied by your employer or want to understand your options for filing a personal injury lawsuit, the experienced team at D’Amore Law Group can help.
Construction Industry Injury Statistics
The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration keep track of workplace-related injuries across construction and other industries nationwide. Here are some recent statistics on construction accident injuries in the U.S. and Oregon:
- There were 5,190 fatal work injuries recorded in the United States in 2021;
- In 2021, of all fatal work-related injuries in Oregon, 14% came from construction;
- The construction industry accounts for 6% of all injuries that result in loss of days at work;
- In the United States, approximately 16% of worker deaths occur in the construction industry, but construction workers make up only 6% of the U.S. labor force;
- A 2022 study found that Oregon had the overall second-highest rate of nonfatal workplace injuries nationally;
- Injury and illness rates in 2020 were 24% higher in construction than they were across all other industries in the U.S; and
- In 2020, a total of 1,008 construction workers died on the job.
Construction is inherently dangerous, but that does not make you financially responsible for someone else’s negligent behavior or injuries that should be covered by workers’ compensation. Depending on the circumstances of your injury, you may be entitled to compensation. A construction injury attorney can help you understand the best steps forward.
Common Causes of Lake Oswego Construction Injuries
There are a lot of things that can go wrong during a construction project. According to the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), four types of accidents, which OSHA calls the “fatal four,” top the list. The leading causes of construction deaths include falls, being struck by equipment, being caught between objects, and electrocutions. These incident types account for over 60% of all construction-related deaths. Here are some details on how these accidents occur.
Falls
Scaffolding, ladders, and working high up make falls the greatest cause of death in the construction industry. Falling accounts for 34% of all construction-related fatalities.
Struck by Objects
Falling objects of all sizes can strike workers and inflict serious injuries. This is a big reason that safety helmets are so important. Even small objects can cause severe damage when falling from great heights onto someone’s head.
Electrocutions
Working with wires and electrical equipment and being exposed to power lines is inherently dangerous and can result in electrocutions.
Caught in or Between something
Injuries can occur when trenches or excavations collapse, equipment rolls over and workers use rotating equipment. Anytime heavy machinery is used, there is a risk. Rigging accidents are also common.
Who Is Liable for Your Construction Accident Injuries?
Generally, if you file a workers’ compensation claim, it does not matter who caused the accident. What matters is that your injury occurred while you were working. To pursue a personal injury lawsuit, the cause of the construction accident must have been someone else’s negligent action or inaction. Depending on what happened, there could even be multiple parties involved. It is important that your construction accident attorney knows all of the facts surrounding your injury, so they can help you determine who was responsible for ensuring your safety. Here are some potentially liable parties for construction accident injuries.
The Construction Company
A construction company is responsible for providing the safest work environment reasonably possible. There are always risks involved in construction, but it is their duty to mitigate them. This includes adequate safety equipment and training.
Contractors and Subcontractors
Contractors look out for the safety of all workers on the construction site and ensure that they are adhering to all state and federal regulations pertaining to the construction site. This includes building practices and safety regulations.
The Property Owner
If the property owner knew or should have known there was a danger on the property and failed to warn against it, they could be liable. Examples of this include things like a vicious dog that bites, a cracked building foundation, or a collapsing roof.
Architects and Engineers
The stability of a structure is dependent upon its design. If a structure collapses because of an error in the design, the architect or engineer (and their firm) could be held liable for the construction injury.
Supply Manufacturers
Construction projects require a lot of equipment and supplies. If a piece of equipment or material is defective, it could result in serious injury, in which case, the supply manufacturers could be responsible.
Should You Hire a Construction Injury Lawyer?
If you were injured during a construction accident in Lake Oswego, you could be facing costly medical expenses, and lost wages, on top of stress and anxiety about the future. Is important that you do not accept less than what you are rightfully owed for your injuries. Here are some ways a construction accident lawyer can help:
- Determine who is legally liable for the construction accident,
- Conduct an independent investigation into your claim,
- Collect evidence to support your workers’ compensation claim or lawsuit,
- Determine the actual value of your claim,
- Negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf,
- Devise the best course of action if your workers’ compensation claim is denied or you cannot reach a fair settlement agreement, and
- Prepare to litigate if necessary.
The experienced team at D’Amore Law Group has obtained millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for injured construction workers throughout the Pacific Northwest. Our firm handles cases from both residential and commercial construction sites and we understand the intricacies of both workers’ compensation and litigation in Lake Oswego. If you or a family member were seriously injured in a construction accident, now is not the time to tough it out. You need a construction site injury lawyer who can help you achieve the compensation you deserve. Contact us to schedule your case consultation.
