Construction is a prominent source of employment in New Jersey. Not only is it a productive endeavor, but it pays well and there is always plenty of work for those who are skilled and cautious in what they are doing. However, that does not eliminate its inherent risks. Injuries can happen without warning and result in hospitalizations, lost time at work and long-term – even permanent – damage. Knowing what to do after a construction accident is imperative to recover personally and financially.
Construction worker falls down elevator shaft and is hospitalized
A 23-year-old man was working atop an elevator shaft when he fell in a late morning incident. The project is for an apartment building. He plummeted three stories before landing at the bottom. Emergency responders were called and the man was taken to the hospital. He was bleeding from a head wound and was suffering from internal pain. At the hospital, he was listed in critical but stable condition. The cause of the man’s fall is unknown and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) was called to investigate the site and the incident. The project has been halted as the investigation moves forward.
Understanding the potential dangers of construction work
The fundamental requirements of construction places workers in jeopardy. If they are working at a significant height, they are vulnerable to falling; heavy pieces of equipment must be moved and that can be dangerous; vehicles are constantly going back and forth and could cause a collision; and co-workers can make mistakes that lead to injuries and death. Those who were hurt in a construction accident might function under the belief that insurance and their employer will take care of them. That, however, might not be the case. Even a workers’ compensation claim could be limited in what the injured worker receives. This makes is essential to understand all the options.
Having guidance with an accident claim can help with planning a strategy
For this construction worker, his injuries may be severe enough that they keep him off the job and recovering for an extended period. They could even prevent him from performing the same type of work he did before. With medical costs, rehabilitation, lost income and other challenges, it is important that he knows how to pursue a personal injury claim. From the start, he and others facing the same situation should be protected with assistance from those experienced in all aspects of construction accidents.
