Oklahoma Construction Accidents that Result in Permanent Disabilities
A construction site accident can result in extremely serious injuries that may result in permanent or lifelong disabilities. According to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), construction is the most dangerous industry in the United States. Construction sites have the potential for serious accidents, including falls, slip-trip-and-falls, trench cave-ins, scaffold collapses, falling debris, and equipment malfunctions. Construction accidents can result in catastrophic injuries such as limb amputations, blindness, head injury causing brain damage, spinal cord injuries (paralysis, quadriplegia, or paraplegia), shattered bones, or loss of hearing.
When workers suffer serious injuries on the job, they can seek compensation through the employer’s workers’ compensation insurance. However, often, Oklahoma workers’ compensation benefits may be inadequate when it comes to compensating those who are catastrophically injured and may never be able to work again. If the injuries were caused by a third party other than the employer, the worker can also file a third-party claim. Examples of third parties include: general contractors, sub-contractors, equipment maintenance firms, property owners, or manufacturers of defective products.
It is the employer’s legal obligation to maintain a safe workplace and ensure that the workers are properly trained to do their jobs. Employees must also receive training pertaining to safety standards at the work sites. All work sites should be inspected properly to make sure there are no hazards.
Whether you are a crane operator, painter, electrician, iron worker, or sheet metal worker, the experienced Oklahoma construction accident attorneys at The Maples Law Firm can help you better understand your legal rights and options if you are injured on the job. Please contact us at (405) 705-5050 for a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation.