Construction jobs account for approximately 4.5% of all non-agricultural employment options in West Virginia. Due to the heavy machinery and harsh working conditions, these employees face countless dangers any time they clock into work. In fact, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports that 20.7% of all work-related fatalities in the United States involve construction workers. This concerning statistic can be attributed to the fact that construction companies and worksite supervisors often cut corners when it comes to employee safety. Fatalities and injuries often stem from unfortunate falls, being struck by objects or vehicles, machinery accidents, and, of course, explosions and fires.
A single spark or an accidental spill can ignite a firestorm that injures several workers. These incidents are often caused by:
While hindsight is 20/20, it doesn’t change the fact that most construction site fires and explosions are preventable accidents. Site workers, foremen, and supervisors can avoid a potentially hazardous scenario by working together, communicating openly, avoiding shortcuts, and adhering to best safety practices throughout the duration of a job.
A serious accident can be avoided by following these best safety practices:
You need to seek immediate medical assistance if you’ve been injured in a fire or explosion. After all, even a minor burn injury can lead to dangerous infections if left untreated. An experienced doctor can examine your injuries, prescribe an effective treatment program, and update your medical record to help you secure workers’ compensation benefits.
Workers can sustain the following injuries in the event of a fire or explosion:
An injured employee can usually obtain medical benefits, workers’ compensation benefits, and financial assistance for any lost wages by filing a workers’ compensation claim. However, some employers – or their insurance providers – may deny or challenge a claim because they don’t want to pay for increased premiums.
That’s where we come in.
Your next step is to contact a qualified workplace injury lawyer who can explain your legal options, investigate your case, and help you identify a negligent party. At Madia Law Firm, our Morgantown personal injury attorneys can review and take pictures of the accident site, talk to witnesses, and determine if you can pursue damages not available through workers’ compensation.
You may be able to file a third-party claim against:
Contact Madia Law Firm if you’ve been injured in a worksite accident. Our personal injury attorney, Sam Madia, excels in lawsuits involving serious injuries or wrongful deaths at worksites. He has also helped countless workers pursue “deliberate intent” lawsuits against employers who failed to provide a reasonably safe working environment.
Contact our Morgantown worksite injury lawyer at (304) 878-7489 to explore your legal options.
