Although construction sites are inherently dangerous and workers know the hazards of their jobs, construction accidents lawyers serving Indianapolis, IN know that construction companies still have a responsibility to protect their employees and provide a reasonably safe environment. If they don’t, a very serious injury or wrongful death may occur due to the large equipment and materials involved. To see if you can take action against reckless or negligent individuals or organizations after a construction accident impacts your family, call the compassionate construction accidents lawyers at Ward & Ward Personal Injury Lawyers in Indianapolis, IN today.

What Are the Top Construction Site Safety Hazards?

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, nearly 6.5 million workers are employed at more than 250,000 construction sites around the U.S. on any given workday. Given the number of workers operating heavy equipment on dangerous sites on a daily basis, it is perhaps unsurprising that so many construction workers suffer injuries on the job. Even the most conscientious workers are exposed to dozens of situations on a daily basis that could lead to injury. And unfortunately, not all employers and site managers are conscientious when it comes to worker safety. According to the most recent available data, OSHA has identified several “top hazards” that are frequently involved in injurious work-related accidents. It is therefore particularly important that employers and workers alike are aware of these hazards and take proper precautions when navigating situations involving these construction elements. Although numerous safety regulations already impact these situations, some explicit safeguards are often inadequate when it comes to preventing injury. Proactive behavior on behalf of everyone affected by these situations can go a long way towards preventing potential accident scenarios. Because of fall-related risks, scaffolding, ladders and working at great heights are particularly hazardous. In addition, excavation scenarios and electrical work contribute to a staggering number of accidents annually. Finally, inadequate head injury prevention, ineffective or incomplete communication about hazard risks, failure to utilize personal protective equipment and ignoring repetitive stress scenarios lead to many preventable injuries as well. As a result, it is important to pay particular attention to these challenges on worksites. Of these potential hazards, inadequate and/or ineffective communication deserves special attention. Most construction workers are well-aware of the fact that they are risking their wellbeing every day that they show up to work. As a result, they tend to be eager to follow necessary safety precautions provided that important safety-related information is relayed to them effectively. For example, wearing a particular mask may be inconvenient, but if a worker is properly educated about the potentially fatal consequences of not wearing that mask, he or she will likely treat it with proper respect. Too often, employers and site managers fail to provide workers with the safety-related information they need in the language, amount of detail or context necessary for that information to prove to be truly effective.

Legal Assistance Is Available in Indiana

If you have been injured in a construction-related accident, please consider reaching out to an experienced construction accidents lawyers serving Indianapolis, IN families. You may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits and/or it may be appropriate for you to file a personal injury claim. No two construction worksite accidents are exactly the same. So please consult with an attorney before committing to a plan of action, even if a co-worker or loved one has suffered as a result of a similar experience and is offering well-intentioned advice on how you should move forward. Once you have spoken with a construction accidents lawyer for Indianapolis, IN about your situation, you will be able to make an informed decision about your unique situation.

What are the high-risk industries?

People who work in the field of construction tend to be at a higher risk for injuries than those in other industries. A particularly high-risk area is transportation. In fact, the most common workplace fatalities are transportation related, accounting for about half, and issues include brain injuries, spinal cord injuries and accidents related to falls, slips and trips. The staggering rate of transportation-related injuries not only relates to employees who are driving, but also to those who are surrounded by other drivers. The most common injuries within transportation are motor vehicle crashes, pedestrians struck by vehicles and the overturning of mobile equipment and machinery.

Compensation after a construction accident

It should be noted that the Workers’ Compensation and Occupational Diseases Act has undergone and is continuing to undergo revisions that will affect the process for filing claims and receiving compensation.  Despite the changes, a smart construction accidents lawyers at Ward & Ward Personal Injury Lawyers in Indianapolis, IN will still know the right way to proceed. Current changes as of July 1, 2013 include the creation of a fee schedule for medical service providers and facilities, a revamping of the filing fee and the adoption of a single definition of what it means to be an independent contractor versus a formal employee. As the individual seeking compensation for personal injuries, you should be aware of your eligibility to receive workers’ compensation. Most businesses are required by law to have workers’ compensation insurance, and there is no minimum time period for which you can be covered. If you are injured at work, the first thing you should do is inform your employer within 30 days of the incident, even if the injury seems minor. This establishes a record of the incident, which may be extremely valuable if you need to file a claim with a Indianapolis, IN construction accidents lawyer in the near or distant future.

Asbestos and Mesothelioma exposure at construction sites

Employers in the construction industry are responsible for ensuring their employees’ safety when it comes to exposure to asbestos. Because the material is so hazardous, there are very specific federal standards in place for asbestos exposure and removal, including:

• Employees cannot be exposed to airborne concentration of asbestos in excess of 0.1 fiber per cubic centimeter (f/cc) in an eight-hour period.
• Employers must assess all asbestos-related operations for the potential to generate airborne fibers.
• Employers must use exposure monitoring data to assess employee exposure to asbestos.

The laws related to construction accidents and asbestos exposure are complex, so be sure to retain the services of experienced construction accidents lawyers in Indianapolis, Indiana to stay informed of your options.

Work with a skilled construction accident lawyer in Indianapolis

If you’ve been involved in a construction accident, seek the compensation you need and deserve by working with the construction accidents lawyers at Ward & Ward Personal Injury Lawyers. From our downtown Indianapolis office, we serve individuals and families throughout central Indiana. For a free initial consultation with one of our construction accidents lawyers serving Indianapolis, IN, give us a call or contact us online.

5 Reasons Construction Lawyers Can Help

Indianapolis, IN construction accident lawyers can help you get the compensation and closure you need, and the specialists at Ward & Ward Personal Injury Lawyers are ready to walk you through the process. Shopping for a lawyer can be tough, so here are five points to keep in mind when you’re looking for legal representation:

• Depth Of Experience

In the legal realm, experience is invaluable. A law firm that has decades of experience has likely dealt with a myriad of cases and encountered numerous scenarios. This breadth of exposure often translates into a deeper understanding of the nuances and intricacies of legal processes, particularly in areas like construction accidents.

• Client-Centered Philosophy

A good law firm places its clients at the heart of its practice. This involves not only understanding the legal facets of a case but also recognizing the emotional and personal challenges a client might be facing. Such a firm would offer more than legal representation—it provides support, reassurance, and guidance throughout the legal journey.

• Broad Network Of Resources

Legal cases, especially those dealing with construction accidents, often require insights from industry experts, medical professionals, and accident reconstruction specialists. A reputable Indianapolis construction accidents lawyer should have a robust network of such professionals, allowing it to bolster a case with expert opinions and testimonies. From investigation to litigation, your lawyers should have you covered every step of the way.

• Clear And Transparent Communication

The legal world can be filled with jargon and complex processes. Fortunately, your lawyers can translate all the paperwork into something that’s easy to digest and understand. An excellent law firm ensures that clients are not overwhelmed by this complexity. Instead, it prioritizes clear communication, ensuring clients are always informed, updated, and involved in their case’s progression.

• Commitment To Justice

At the core of every dedicated law firm is an unwavering commitment to justice. Such a firm doesn’t merely go through the motions but actively seeks to ensure that the wronged get their rightful due, and the responsible parties are held accountable.

Get In Touch With Ward & Ward Personal Injury Lawyers Today

While there are many firms to choose from, some stand out for their dedication to excellence and client satisfaction. Among them is Ward & Ward Personal Injury Lawyers. With a rich history of serving its community, Ward & Ward Personal Injury Lawyers combines the best of the above qualities, providing unparalleled legal representation. Our commitment to transparent communication, a client-centric approach, and a robust network of resources ensures that clients get top-notch service. If you’re seeking a blend of experience, dedication, and passion for justice, Ward & Ward is a firm that truly embodies these principles.

Navigating the aftermath of a construction accident requires the support of professionals who understand the legal landscape. When selecting a law firm, it’s essential to consider the factors mentioned above. And if you’re looking for a firm that ticks all the boxes and then some, consider reaching out to the dedicated team at Ward & Ward Personal Injury Lawyers: our team of Indianapolis construction accidents lawyers are standing by and ready to help.