The occurrence of construction accidents in Nashville could increase over the next several years. Nashville is currently one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States, and rapid expansion requires the construction of new homes, businesses, and retail stores. Unfortunately, construction worksites can be some of the most unsafe environments for Nashville construction workers. Heavy machinery, potentially dangerous power tools, weighty materials, and large vehicles are often part of construction sites. One construction accident could cause a construction worker a permanent disability or even death.
The Nashville personal injury attorneys at Cummings Law fight hard for their clients. Our attorneys have years of experience fighting on behalf of employees injured in workplace accidents. When an employer fails to provide construction workers with a safe workplace environment, they should be held responsible for their negligence. Many times, workers’ compensation payments are not enough to meet the needs of injured construction workers. In some instances, it is beneficial for injured construction workers to file a civil lawsuit for damages caused by their injury. If you or a loved one have suffered injuries in a construction accident, contact Cummings Law to find out how we can help.
The Construction Industry Is Particularly Dangerous
The construction industry includes many different types of work, many of which are particularly dangerous. The construction industry includes building and home construction worksites. The construction industry also consists of the following types of jobs that can be equally dangerous:
- Roofing
- Sheet metal work and steelwork
- Assembly lines
- Equipment operators
- Masonry
- Electrical work
- HVAC
- Glazing
- Commercial painting
- Demolition and explosives
Any employee that regularly uses heavy machinery, hazardous materials, and power tools is exposed to numerous dangerous situations every day. Even construction workers who follow every safety precaution on the job can become victims of someone else’s negligence. Construction sites are often hectic environments. One construction worker’s negligence can cause injuries among several other workers. Similarly, an act of negligence on the part of the construction foreman or the employer can place many employees in danger of a construction accident.
Common Causes of Construction Accidents
Even the most cautious construction worker can become injured on the job. Construction sites are often particularly dangerous places. In some cases, employers and construction supervisors fail to enforce safety standards that prevent or decrease the likelihood of construction accidents from occurring. Common construction accidents include the following:
- Falling from scaffolding
- Slip and fall accidents
- Tripping over heavy machinery and falling
- Electric shock and electrocution
- Chemical burns and burns from fire
- Gas explosions
- Rigging accidents
- Falling off of heavy construction machinery
- Back injuries that occur while moving heavy objects
- Equipment failure due to poor maintenance
- Equipment failure due to a design or manufacturing defect
- Trench collapses
- Limb or finger injuries or amputations
- Heavy objects falling and striking construction workers
- Workers who become stuck in between machinery or walls
Common Injuries Resulting from a Construction Accident
Even a construction accident is unique. The type and severity of a worker’s injuries depend on the nature of the construction accident. Some common types of construction accident injuries include the following:
- Limb amputation
- Broken bones
- Lacerations
- Chemical burns
- Bruises
- Spinal cord injuries, including paralysis
- Serious back and neck injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Permanent loss of hearing or vision
- Internal organ damage
- Wrongful death
Workers’ Compensation for Construction Accidents
Some employees qualify for worker’s compensation for job-related injuries. Successful workers’ compensation applicants receive a weekly wage replacement amount that is typically 66.67 percent of the applicant’s former weekly salary.
Unfortunately, not all construction workers qualify to receive workers’ compensation payouts. Independent contractors do not qualify for workers’ compensation. Similarly, employees who do not work the minimum required hours may not be eligible. Some employers refuse to carry workers’ compensation insurance in violation of Tennessee law. In these circumstances, filing a personal injury lawsuit is often the best legal option for the injured construction worker.
Determining The Value of a Construction Accident Claim
Every personal injury claim is unique. When filing a personal injury lawsuit, it is essential that the injured party request adequate compensation. In many cases, a civil suit is the injured party’s best opportunity to secure financial compensation. The amount of damages needs to cover all current and anticipated expenses caused by the injury. When calculating the amount of each claim for damages, the construction accident attorneys at Cummings Law consider several factors:
- Current medical expenses including surgery costs, physical therapy, and hospital stays
- Current and future lost wages
- Current and future loss of benefits, such as retirement accounts and bonuses
- Compensation for any property damage that occurred in the construction accident
- Pain and suffering
- In the case of wrongful death, funeral and burial expenses
Who Is Liable for a Construction Accident Injury?
Under Tennessee law, injured persons can bring civil lawsuits against a person or company whose negligence caused their injuries. The injured party must be able to prove that the defendant failed to act in a reasonably safe manner. Additionally, the plaintiff must prove that the defendant’s negligence caused his or her injuries. In construction accident cases, the following individuals or groups may be at fault:
- Owners of the construction site
- Employers
- Other construction workers
- Contractors
- Equipment operators
- Equipment manufacturers
- Insurers
- Architects
- Engineers
Contact Our Nashville Construction Accident Injury Attorney
Have you suffered an injury in a Nashville construction accident? You may be entitled to compensation. Whether you need assistance filing a workers’ compensation claim or you are interested in pursuing a civil lawsuit against a third-party, we can help. At Cummings Law, we focus our practice on personal injury law. Our trial-ready attorneys know how to negotiate effectively and fight for the best interests of our clients.
Time is of the essence for those who’ve suffered an injury from a construction accident. Hiring an attorney as soon as possible gives your legal team time to conduct a thorough investigation and determine which parties were at fault for your injuries. Contact our Nashville personal injury law firm today to learn how our legal team can help you.
