Wichita Construction Accident Lawyer

When you’re working on, visiting, or just walking by a construction site, you expect certain safety standards to be followed, not just by the workers but also by the company in charge of the site and any contractors who may be present. However, even with federal safety standards in place, accidents still occur.

The construction industry as a whole is one of the most dangerous jobs in the country, with 1,056 fatal construction and extraction injuries occurring in 2022, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Of those deaths, 811 were construction trades workers specifically.

Every day, construction workers, contractors, and even those just visiting or walking by a worksite suffer injuries, some causing death. If you or someone you know has been injured due to unsafe practices or conditions relating to a job site, an experienced Wichita construction accident lawyer can assist you in pursuing legal action.

Most Commonly Cited Safety Concerns

According to data from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), certain workplace safety standards are cited for violations more than others. The most frequently cited standards, concerning construction specifically, for the fiscal year 2022 (covering citations given from Oct 1, 2021, to Sep 30, 2022) were:

• Fall protection: 5,915 violations
• Ladders: 2,449 violations
• Scaffolding: 2,251 violations
• Fall protection training: 1,762 violations
• Eye and face protection: 1,572 violations

These safety standards are designed to prevent injuries, illnesses, and deaths related to the numerous hazards that coincide with construction work. When these standards are not properly enforced, the workers are the ones who suffer.

What Causes Construction Injuries?

As you can see from the previous data listed, thousands of violations are given for failing to comply with the expected safety standards set forth by OSHA. Usually, these violations occur, and construction injuries are caused due to a company cutting corners to save time and money. And the data shows us that when these companies make the decision to forgo industry safety standards, the workers pay the price.

Common causes of workplace injuries are:

• Failing to provide workers with proper safety harnesses
• Improperly secured ladders or scaffolding
• Poor safety training
• Cluttered walkways
• Heavy loads
• Lack of supervision
• Building collapses
• Fires or explosions
• Chemical leaks
• Construction equipment (forklifts, cranes, work trucks, etc.)

With heavy equipment, toxic chemicals, multitudes of dangerous tools, and often tall scaffolding or ladders, often mixed with workers who are being pushed to work faster, it’s no wonder that these accidents are sadly commonplace. Reach out to a Wichita construction accident lawyer in our office to discuss what happened to you so we can begin addressing your rights.

Types of Injuries That Occur on a Worksite

Falls, trips, or slips are the most common injuries that occur on a construction site, causing 423 fatalities of construction and extraction workers in 2022. These incidents are, of course, not the only source of injuries. Most of these construction accidents lead to one or more of the following:

• Broken or fractured bones
• Amputations
• Crush injuries
• Internal injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Electrocution
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Wrongful death

If you have suffered an injury while at or near a construction site, you should seek medical attention, even if you think your injury is not that serious. You should also report every incident to your employer because you may be able to seek workers’ compensation benefits.

What You Can Do After a Construction Accident

The first thing you want to do after an injury, in the workplace or otherwise, is to seek medical attention. Even the smallest injury can lead to major health issues if not properly cared for by a medical professional. If the accident or injury was caused by a third party (i.e.c, not your employer or coworker), you may be able to pursue compensation from them for any lost wages, medical bills, disability, mental anguish, etc.

If you are an injured worker, you can pursue a workers’ compensation claim through your employer. You must report your accident to your employer and seek treatment from doctors who are approved by your employer. Under normal circumstances, workers’ compensation will cover all treatment, prescriptions, medical devices, and even travel expenses as long as you are seeing the approved doctors.

Workers’ compensation will also cover lost wages due to the injury you suffered. Generally, two-thirds of your wages will be paid to you until you are deemed fit to return to work or after maximum medical improvement. There are many complex details to filing a workers’ compensation claim in the state of Kansas, which your attorney will gladly assist you with if your case applies.

Seeking Legal Assistance for Your Injuries

Whether you are a passerby near a construction area and want to pursue a premises liability claim or you are a laborer seeking workers’ compensation, our Wichita construction accident lawyers have the necessary skills to handle your case. These injuries can be traumatic and financially draining, and our attorneys at Prochaska, Howell & Prochaska LLC are here to help with your case.

We will ensure that all the necessary evidence is gathered to support your claim, such as photos or video, witness statements, etc. And if your loved one died as a result of a construction accident, we will help you and your family recover death benefits and hold accountable anyone whose negligence may be responsible for their untimely passing.

Contact our office today by phone or online for your free consultation and see how we can help you receive the maximum compensation you are owed for your injuries. No matter the cause of your injury, we are here to help you.