Bentonville, AR Construction Injury Attorney

If you have ever wondered why construction workers have to wear those bright hard hats, it is because the construction industry and construction sites are some of the most dangerous places for workers. Even the most careful worker can fall victim to a falling tool, or to a crane tipping over. Even though there have been stringent safety regulations put into place, accidents happen almost every day in the construction industry.

For help with a construction accident, contact our Bentonville, AR construction injury attorney today.  Ken Kieklak, Attorney at Law, represents injury victims and their families in injury cases and fights to get them the compensation they need for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.  Call us at (479) 316-0438 to set up a free legal consultation.

Causes of Construction Accidents in Bentonville, AR

Bentonville construction accidents can be caused by many different types of errors, malfunctions, and accidents.  Some of these causes of injury are much more common for workers at construction sites, while some might be possible for passers-by.

The Bureau of Labor statistics has compiled a set of statistics that reveal an alarming amount of construction workers are injured every year. In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics there were a total of 3.6 injured workers for every 100 full time construction workers. The overall incidence rate of nonfatal occupational injury and illness cases requiring days away from work to recuperate was 107.1 cases per 10,000 full-time workers in 2014, down from the 2013 rate of 109.4.

• Inadequate supervision
• Defective equipment
• Crane and lift accidents
• Scaffolding collapse
• Improperly handled toxic chemicals
• Unprotected holes
• Collapsed structures
• Burns

A very common injury amongst Bentonville, AR construction workers are burn injuries. Specifically, injuries from welding is a common reason why a construction worker may sustain a serious injury. Welders in particular are exposed to a diverse and hazardous array of job related injuries. Welders and other construction workers may face severe burns to the skin and even to their eyes from defective or improperly maintained welding devices.

Power Tool Accidents

Construction workers and contractors often use power saws, jackhammers, and other power tools that could cause serious injuries if mishandled, improperly stored, or subject to malfunctions.  Victims of these types of injuries could include the individual using the tool themselves, or victims could be injured by someone else misusing the tool.

Electrocution

Workers on construction sites could be seriously injured if the site’s power is not properly managed.  Accidentally contacting a live wire with a tool can cause injury or death.  Electricians working on sites could also be injured if there are serious dangers with the site’s electricity.

Explosions and Fires

Construction workers often use gasoline, propane, acetylene, and other flammable substances, and they store these substances on-site in tanks.  Problems with storage or handling can cause explosions that could injure anyone in the immediate area, including workers or even passers-by.  Neighbors to the construction site could also be killed or injured, especially if fires spread to their homes or businesses.

Scaffolding and Ladder Injuries

Falls from scaffolding and ladders can leave workers and contractors with serious or permanent injuries.  Scaffolding and ladders could also collapse, which could be a huge danger to those on the ground.  If the scaffolding collapses onto a sidewalk or public space, that could cause serious injury or death.

Falling Tools and Debris

When workers are up on scaffolding or ladders, they should have tool straps and nets to catch falling tools and debris.  If they do not, debris could hit other workers below them or fall into public areas where passers-by could be hurt.

Crane Accidents

Cranes are used in many building projects.  Accidents involving cranes often occur when operators lack the proper training or skills to properly operate the crane.  This could end with injuries to workers, people who live near the site, or even people passing nearby.

Suing for Construction Injuries in Bentonville, Arkansas

When you are injured in an accident involving a construction site in Bentonville, you might be entitled to sue for your injuries.  Your right to sue might be different depending on whether you worked at the site and what your relationship with the employer there is, but our attorneys can guide you through your fight for compensation for your injuries in any case.

People who have no relation to the construction site, such as people passing through the area or neighbors to the construction zone, can sue whoever caused the accident.  In some cases, this means suing the individual worker, but more often than not, the construction firm or lead contractor can be held responsible for their employees’ negligence.  This means that if you were injured near a construction site or while lawfully passing through it, you could be entitled to sue the construction company and get compensation for your injuries.

If you worked at the site, your right to sue might be limited in some cases.  Employees of the construction firm or contractor in charge of the job might not be able to sue their employer under Workers’ Compensation rules.  However, if the accident was caused by a contractor or some other third party, you might be entitled to sue them.  You can also sue for other injuries caused by intentional acts, such as fights on a job site.

If you worked as a contractor in Bentonville, Arkansas, you should be able to sue the construction firm for your injuries.  As a contractor, you are not usually included in the construction company’s Workers’ Compensation plan, and as such, you usually have the right to file a lawsuit for injuries instead.

Compensation for a Bentonville, AR Construction Accident

Construction workers have an alarmingly high rate of injury and a downright scary rate of occupational deaths. However, when you have been injured you do not have to bear the burden yourself.  In some construction site accident cases an injured worker must file their claim under the Worker’s Compensation Act, however in other cases there may be one or more third parties who are responsible for an accident and therefore can be held liable. In a construction accident many different people may be held accountable.

If you were injured at or near a construction site in Bentonville, you might be entitled to compensation for any of the effects the injuries caused.  This can include compensation for medical bills and lost wages in addition to compensation for pain and suffering.

Medical bills can be expensive, especially after serious on-the-job injuries that might include amputation or other permanent disabilities.  The required hospitalization, follow-up appointments, and ongoing physical therapy bills should be covered in full by the at-fault party.

If you cannot work because of your injuries, you should be entitled to have your lost wages paid.  The person who caused your injuries and made you unable to work should be responsible for reimbursing you.

While pain and suffering are often abstract concepts that you cannot firmly show to someone else with hard evidence, pain and suffering damages can be some of the biggest parts of an injury case.  Talk to a lawyer about proving these damages and getting the compensation you need.

Contact a Bentonville Construction Accident Attorney If You Were Injured on a Construction Site

If you were injured in a construction accident in Bentonville, AR, call Ken Kieklak, Attorney at Law today.  Our Bentonville, AR construction injury attorney represents construction injury victims and fights for financial coverage for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages after a serious accident.  For a free case consultation, call us today at (479) 316-0438.