What are the Most Common Construction Site Injuries?

In a busy city such as New York, construction sites are a constant occurrence. Construction is one of the most dangerous physical labor industries a person can work in. Although construction companies and workers take an abundance of precautions while doing their work, more than 150,000 construction site injuries occur every year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Construction site injuries can be life-altering and even deadly. If you’re employed in the construction industry, it’s important to understand the risks of your job and always follow safety guidelines. Some of our best construction accident lawyers in NYC review the five most common construction site injuries and what to do if you find yourself injured on the job.

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close up of a broken arm in sling and cast

Broken Bones

A simple fall, slip or trip at a construction site can easily cause a fracture or broken bone. More significant accidents can result in crushed bones that make it difficult to continue normal daily activities. The minimum healing time for a broken bone is 6-8 weeks. Most broken bones, however, take at least twelve weeks to heal and also require physical therapy to fully recover.

Spinal Cord Injuries

One of the most serious injuries that can occur on a construction site is a spinal cord injury. There are varying degrees of spinal cord injuries that are divided into two categories. Complete spinal cord injuries are the most serious and result in paralysis. Incomplete spinal cord injuries are also serious but result in loss of range of motion, loss of feeling, or chronic pain. Any person who experiences a spinal cord injury will likely feel the effects for the rest of their life.

puzzle pieces making up an image of a spine
puzzle pieces making up an image of a spine

Spinal Cord Injuries

One of the most serious injuries that can occur on a construction site is a spinal cord injury. There are varying degrees of spinal cord injuries that are divided into two categories. Complete spinal cord injuries are the most serious and result in paralysis. Incomplete spinal cord injuries are also serious but result in loss of range of motion, loss of feeling, or chronic pain. Any person who experiences a spinal cord injury will likely feel the effects for the rest of their life.

health care workers are discussing medical care in the hospital corridor, blurred

Loss of Limbs

Heavy machinery and equipment are extremely dangerous. On a construction site, there are multiple tools and vehicles that can cause life-altering injuries. When a limb is trapped inside heavy machinery or is crushed by construction site equipment, often the damage is too devastating to repair – resulting in the loss of an arm or leg. Any person who loses a limb in a construction site accident is not likely to return to their job or normal way of life. As a result, they’re entitled to compensation for their lost wages and pain and suffering.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) are severe brain injuries caused by an outside force hitting the head. At a construction site, TBIs are often the result of a serious fall or equipment accident. Our best construction accident lawyers in NYC say symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injuries include:

  • Amnesia
  • Anger
  • Anxiety
  • Blurred vision
  • Insomnia
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Memory loss
  • Depression
  • Seizures

TBIs require an extended amount of time to recover from and some people do not ever fully recover.

person holding the back of their neck in pain

Stress Injuries

Construction workers put an extensive amount of physical stress on their bodies every day. Lifting heavy materials, using heavy machinery, and standing on their feet for long hours can cause long-term damage. Stress injuries are some of the most common construction site injuries and often the most difficult to identify. Symptoms of stress injuries include:

  • Pain
  • Stiffness
  • Throbbing
  • Muscle weakness
  • Muscle cramps
  • Numbness

To fully recover from a stress injury, it’s important to seek medical treatment as soon as possible. Physical therapy, surgery, and medications are often required.

Hire a Trusted Construction Site Accident Attorney Today

If you’ve experienced a construction site injury, you’re entitled to compensation. A NYC construction accident attorney can help you navigate your injury case and handle the process so you focus on what matters most – recovery. The Barnes Firm is a trusted source of legal representation in workplace injury cases across New York, and is ready to help you win the best settlement possible. To schedule a free consultation with our knowledgeable construction accident attorneys in NYC, call The Barnes Firm or fill out our online contact form today.

The Barnes Firm (800)-800-0000