Construction Industry Fatalities: The ‘Fatal Four’ And Your Rights In Filing A Claim
Construction is one of the most dangerous industries, and construction accidents are also those most likely to result in fatalities. Our Issaquah construction accident attorney explains four common causes, known as the ‘fatal four’, and the rights of grieving families in filing a wrongful death claim.
Most Common-And Dangerous-Construction Site Accidents
Work-related injuries can happen in any occupation. However, they are most common in the construction industry and have the greatest potential to result in the death of employees, contractors, or others on the job site.
Construction sites are obviously dangerous places, with heavy tools, complex machinery, building materials, and debris. But, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), there are certain types of accidents that are likely to happen and result in fatal injuries. These accidents are so widespread and claim the lives of so many construction workers each year, they are known as the ‘fatal four’:
- Slip and fall accidents: Slips and falls are the most common type of accident in general. Considering that many construction workers are required to perform tasks at heights as part of their daily jobs, it is not surprising they hold the top spot in terms of fatal injuries.
- Getting struck by objects: These accidents often involve mishaps with cranes, dump trucks, other construction vehicles, material handling equipment, and falling tools. They are the second leading cause of fatal construction site accidents.
- Getting caught in or between objects: Fatal injuries can happen due to getting caught in or between machinery or motor vehicles, as well as due to collapses in trenches and excavations.
- Electrocutions: Construction workers routinely perform tasks around live wires. While electricians are most at risk for fatal injuries, these can impact anyone working on a construction site.
Filing A Wrongful Death Lawsuit: Your Rights To Compensation For Fatal Construction Site Accidents
According to the Washington State Department of Labor and Industry, fatal work-related accidents claim the lives of more than 50 workers each year. While their surviving family members may be entitled to workers’ compensation death benefits, this is not always an option in the construction industry.
Many construction workers are independent contractors, meaning they are not covered by workers’ comp. Even if they are covered, these benefits rarely make up for the total amount of medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs grieving families incur as a result.
Filing a wrongful death lawsuit in Washington may be an option. It can provide a sense of justice by holding those at fault accountable and entitle families to additional amounts of compensation, including:
- Coverage of outstanding medical costs;
- Funeral expenses;
- Lost wages;
- Future losses in earnings and benefits;
- Additional amounts for pain, suffering, and lost companionship.
Contact Our Issaquah Construction Accident Attorneys Today
At Injury Law Group NW, we are here to help grieving families when fatal construction accidents happen. To get the caring support and professional legal representation you need, call or contact our Issaquah construction accident attorneys online and request a consultation today.
Sources:
osha.gov/sites/default/files/publications/construction_hazards_qc.pdf
lni.wa.gov/safety-health/preventing-injuries-illnesses/workplace-injuries-fatalities/#fatality-summaries
