Construction Accidents in Ohio
Construction workers face serious injury risks every day. Falls from heights, being struck by objects, electrocution, and caught-in/between accidents are the "Fatal Four" that account for the majority of construction fatalities. When a construction accident occurs, multiple parties may be responsible, including general contractors, subcontractors, property owners, and equipment manufacturers.
Workers' compensation covers most workplace injuries, but it limits your recovery to medical expenses and a portion of lost wages. If a third party (someone other than your employer) was responsible for the accident, you may have a separate personal injury claim that can recover full damages including pain and suffering.
Common Construction Accidents
Falls from Heights
Falls from scaffolding, ladders, roofs, and elevated platforms are the leading cause of construction fatalities. OSHA violations often contribute to these accidents.
Struck by Objects
Falling tools, materials, and equipment can cause severe head injuries, fractures, and death. Proper safety protocols and equipment are required to prevent these accidents.
Electrocution
Contact with live electrical wires, inadequate grounding, and failure to de-energize equipment before maintenance are common causes of construction electrocution deaths.
Caught-In/Between
Workers caught in or between machinery, equipment, or materials suffer catastrophic crush injuries. Trenching collapses are a particularly deadly form of this hazard.
Defective Equipment
Malfunctioning cranes, forklifts, power tools, and safety equipment can cause serious injuries. Manufacturers may be liable under product liability law.
Toxic Exposure
Exposure to asbestos, lead, silica dust, and other hazardous materials on construction sites can cause serious long-term health conditions.
Workers' Comp Is Not Your Only Option
If a third party (contractor, equipment manufacturer, property owner) caused your injury, you can pursue a personal injury claim in addition to workers' compensation.
OSHA Violations as Evidence
OSHA citations and violations are powerful evidence of negligence in construction accident cases. We investigate OSHA records as part of every construction case.
Preserve Evidence Immediately
Construction sites are quickly cleaned up after accidents. Photographs, witness statements, and equipment records must be preserved immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sue my employer for a construction accident?
Generally, workers' compensation is the exclusive remedy against your employer. However, if a third party (another contractor, equipment manufacturer, or property owner) caused your injury, you can sue them in addition to collecting workers' comp.
What is a third-party construction accident claim?
A third-party claim is a personal injury lawsuit against someone other than your employer who contributed to your accident. These claims can recover full damages including pain and suffering, which workers' comp does not cover.
What OSHA violations are relevant to my case?
OSHA violations related to fall protection, scaffolding, electrical safety, and equipment guarding are frequently relevant in construction accident cases. We investigate OSHA records and inspection reports as part of our case evaluation.
What if I am an independent contractor?
Independent contractors are generally not covered by workers' compensation, but they can pursue personal injury claims against negligent parties. The classification of your employment status is an important early issue in construction accident cases.
How long do I have to file a construction accident lawsuit?
The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Ohio is two years. However, evidence preservation is urgent in construction cases, so contact an attorney as soon as possible after your accident.