3 Construction Injury Facts

Construction jobs are among America’s most dangerous. Construction workers are constantly surrounded by machines and vehicles that need to be working properly to prevent malfunction and other problems that can lead to an injury. Additionally, a simple safety error or moment without focus can leave construction workers vulnerable to severe harm.

If you have been injured on the job, you may be entitled to pursue workers’ compensation benefits. Given the expense of medical care and the impact of missed work time, a successful worker’s comp claim can be critically important for a family. For assistance, contact the Philadelphia workers’ compensation lawyers of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C., at 215-238-1130.

Understanding the Dangers

Though most people are aware that construction work is dangerous, many fewer have some degree of understanding regarding the nature of the dangers that workers face. The following construction injury facts can help to bring some light to this subject.

Non-fatal construction injuries account for 9 percent of private sector injuries

The construction industry is one of the most hazardous for American workers. With 9 percent of all private sector injuries in 2004, 401,000 workers were injured in non-fatal construction accidents. Many of these workers required emergency medical care, which can drastically increase the overall cost of the injury.

Strains and sprains are the most common type of injury

Many workers may not realize how much strain construction jobs subject their bodies to on a regular basis. Eventually, this stress can cause muscle, ligament, or other connective tissue injuries. These injuries account for 37 percent of all non-fatal construction injuries. Often linked to inflammation, these injuries can sometimes take considerable amounts to time to fully recover from.

Overexertion is the leading cause of injury

Overexertion accounted for 20 percent of all non-fatal injury cases in 2004. These injuries can have a substantial impact on a worker’s ability to perform, often requiring some days off to recover.

Contact Us

If you sustained an injury while working on a construction site, benefits may be available to assist you during your recovery. For more information regarding your filing options, contact the Philadelphia workers’ compensation attorneys of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C., by calling 215-238-1130.