The Plight of Construction Workers in Miami

Construction Accident Injuries Are Always a Risk

Until recently, Miami construction activity was white hot, and while it has slowed down recently due to the Pandemic overall construction in the area is expected to rise by 4.9% in 2021 as the economy begins its rebound, according to Cumming Management Consulting.

Building activity ranges from ultra modern condominiums on Miami Beach to commercial buildings on Brickell Ave. in and around City Centre. Although it’s good for the city, construction sites expose workers to work-related injuries. The Industry is among the most dangerous, even with OSHA regulations, with one out of every five worker deaths being construction related.

As you are well aware, if you are a construction worker, you are subjected to physical work most of the time. You might also come into contact with heavy machinery such as cranes and cement mixers or climb to great heights on girders or scaffolding, or perform other work-related tasks which put you in harm’s way.

Common Injuries on Job Sites

Depending on your role on the jobsite – whether it be foreman, carpenter, equipment operator or general laborer, you are exposed to different risks. In South Florida, two construction workers sustain injuries daily while at work. Here are some of the most rampant causes of injuries:

1. Falls

You might fall from the top of a building or from the machinery to the ground, sustaining serious injuries. You might also fall into a hole or ditch on the site. Although OSHA has strict rules regarding the stability of scaffolding, accidents can still happen. When scaffolding collapses, a worker can fall, leading to death or get severe injuries.

2. Electric Shock

Construction workers may use generators or other power tools. In the process, they might suffer electrical burns.

3. Motion Injuries

Some construction projects might go on for years. Therefore, the workers’ bodies do the same work repetitively. As a result, their muscles and soft tissues might get damaged, leading to pain and limited mobility.

Besides these causes, construction workers might get involved in traffic accidents while at work, or accidents caused by equipment errors.

What are your Options?

Job site injuries might lead to huge medical bills that need to be settled. Besides, if you sustain some injuries, you might be forced to stay out of work for some time or quit whatsoever. Raising money for medical bills while you’ve lost your income might be overwhelming.

However, the laws in Florida have been put in place to ensure that you don’t bear the burden alone. An injury lawyer can help you weigh your options.

If you sustain injuries on the job, you are entitled to workers’ compensation. The compensation covers medical costs, as well as lost wages. If you become disabled, either temporarily or permanently, you are also entitled to disability benefits. You can get full disability benefits if you can no longer work after the accident. You cannot sue your employer for a construction injury. However, you can take action against them by claiming your compensation.

However, you can sue someone else, other than your employer, if they led to your construction accident. For instance, if an architect’s negligence led to the accident, you might stand a chance in court. You can also sue a manufacturer if its defective tool or machine led to the accident.

Find an Experienced Accident Attorney

If you or a loved one in the Miami construction industry gets hurt while on the job, it would be best to hire a top rated construction injury lawyer. They will give you comprehensive legal advice and help you gather the evidence required to prove your eligibility for compensation. In case of any conflicts, a personal injury attorney would be in a better position to negotiate a settlement with the responsible parties. A to Z Injury Law offers all the legal representation you need. At A to Z Injury Law in Miami, “we’re with you…all the way!”