Construction Site Injuries and Workers’ Compensation in Maryland
Working construction in Maryland is a tough job. Construction sites are bursting with activity—workers, electricians, contractors, inspectors, all trying to perform their jobs in a limited amount of space and racing to meet deadlines. It's one of the most dangerous jobs in the United States. Injuries from these types of accidents tend to be more severe than other types of workplace accidents. Workers may suffer long-term or permanent disabilities, leaving them unable to work, pay medical bills, or provide for themselves and their families. Workers' compensation benefits can help, and, if you have been injured on the job, you are entitled to workers compensation benefits.
Why is construction so dangerous?
Per the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), 5,190 construction workers were killed on the job in 2016. That's more than 14 deaths every day. Construction sites are hazardous for even the most cautious workers, and they can suffer life-changing injury if someone else on the site behaves in a negligent or reckless manner. Unsafe equipment can also lead to worksite injury.
Some issues that lead to danger on the worksite include:
- Defective or improperly designed construction equipment
- OSHA violations
- Reckless behavior on construction site
- Falling debris
- Malfunctioning fall protection or other faulty safety equipment
- Unguarded ledges
- Reckless or negligent operation of construction vehicles
- Electrical accidents and fires
These can lead to workplace injuries like broken bones, back and neck injuries, burns, head injuries, spinal cord injuries, and eye injuries. Physical injury can take a worker off the job from weeks to months, leaving them with mounting medical and household bills.
Workers’ compensation or personal injury: what kind of claim should you make?
Workers' compensation law provides valuable benefits to construction workers injured on the job. There are three types of workers' compensation: temporary total disability, temporary partial disability, and permanent partial disability. The type of compensation you can collect depends on the type and severity of the injury.
Once you file for workers' comp, you cannot sue your employer for any liability for your injuries. However, on a construction site, things can get complicated. Sometimes liability lies with a third party that is not your employer. Negligence may lie with an outside contractor, or the manufacturer of faulty equipment. It's in your best interest to consult with a personal injury lawyer to investigate all of your options.
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a Maryland construction site accident, Plaxen Adler Muncy, P.A. can help. Our lawyers understand the ins and outs of the filing process and can cut through any red tape you may encounter. We want you to get the compensation you deserve. To learn more, or to schedule a free consultation, please call 410-730-7737 or fill out our contact form.
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Bruce Plaxen was honored as the 2009 Maryland Trial Lawyer of the Year by the Maryland Association for Justice. For more information on his legal background, please visit his attorney bio.