Common Causes of Construction Accidents & Injuries in Oklahoma

Construction is one of the most inherently dangerous industry sectors in the United States. Each year, the construction industry reports some of the highest numbers of workplace injuries and fatalities. If you work in this industry, it’s important to know the common causes of construction accidents & injuries in Oklahoma and what to do if you sustain an injury while working. An Oklahoma construction accident attorney in Oklahoma is an invaluable asset in this situation.

Common Causes of Construction Accidents & Injuries in Oklahoma

Construction is dangerous work in many ways. In 2023, the Oklahoma Department of Labor reported 16,200 workplace injuries and illnesses that resulted in missed days of work, required job transfers, or required duty restrictions for affected workers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the construction industry had the highest workplace fatalities of all industry sectors in the United States, with 1,075 deaths in 2023 alone.

A few of the most commonly cited causes of construction accidents and injuries in Oklahoma include:

• Falls, which are the most commonly reported workplace accident overall in the United States each year. Falls are not only the leading cause of injuries in the construction industry but also the leading cause of fatal accidents.
• Electrocutions. These injuries can have catastrophic injury or fatal consequences. Electrocution can cause severe burns, nerve damage, and even damage to cardiovascular function. Many victims of these injuries suffer significant long-term or permanent complications.
• Struck by accidents, meaning accidents involving a worker suffering an injury from being struck by an object. This can occur from dropped tools or materials. Even when a hard hat is worn, it can only mitigate the damage from a head injury caused by a falling object.
• Caught in-between accidents, meaning an accident in which a worker is hurt when they become caught in between objects. For example, a forklift could back up and push a worker into a wall, causing crushing injuries.
• Injuries from heavy equipment. Construction requires the use of various inherently dangerous tools. When heavy equipment is misused or malfunctions, the result could be a serious injury that causes long-term or permanent harm.
• Repetitive stress injuries. These are a commonly reported workplace injury that manifests gradually over time from performing the same physical tasks each day at work.
• Toxic exposure. Construction workers are sometimes exposed to harmful chemicals, corrosive substances, and environmental hazards that can cause severe illnesses like cancers, respiratory infections, and various other harm. An attorney can help you prove that you faced toxic exposure at work and determine the full scope of your legal options.
• Vehicle accidents. It’s possible for a vehicle accident to cause severe injuries, and depending on how and where the accident happened, it is possible for the injured victim to have grounds for legal recourse against an at-fault driver.

In Oklahoma, most employers in the construction sector are required to have workers’ compensation insurance, and most regular workers are covered by this insurance when they are hurt on the job. Workers’ compensation benefits can include full coverage of all medical expenses related to the injury, as well as ongoing disability benefits during the time the victim is unable to work while they recover.

An Oklahoma construction accident attorney can help you file a workers’ compensation claim after a construction accident. Additionally, your attorney can also help you prepare a personal injury case if a third party outside of your work caused your injury. You could have grounds to claim substantial compensation for your damages, but you need the right attorney on your side to have the greatest chance of succeeding with your recovery efforts.

FAQs

Do You Need to Prove Fault for a Construction Accident in Oklahoma?

You do not need to prove fault for a construction accident in Oklahoma for the purposes of filing a workers’ compensation claim if you have been hurt on the job. This insurance functions on a no-fault basis. However, if you plan to file a personal injury case against another party who caused your accident, success with this case requires that you prove liability, and a skilled attorney can gather the evidence you will need to accomplish this.

How Much Can I Receive in Workers’ Compensation Benefits?

The amount you can receive in workers’ compensation benefits depends on the severity of your injury, how long it will take for you to recover, your usual income prior to the injury, and whether the injury prevents you from working. A successful workers’ compensation claim in Oklahoma usually provides full coverage of your medical expenses, along with ongoing disability benefits during the time you are unable to work after the accident.

What Damages Can I Claim in a Personal Injury Case for a Construction Accident?

The damages you can claim in a personal injury case for a construction accident include any economic losses you suffered, such as your medical bills and lost income, and you also have the right to seek compensation for lost future earning capacity if you are unable to work in the future due to the injury. A plaintiff may also claim compensation for their pain and suffering, and their attorney can help them determine a suitable amount to seek with their claim.

Why Should I Hire a Construction Accident Lawyer?

You should hire a construction accident lawyer to have a better chance of success with your case. Your attorney can help you file a workers’ compensation claim, file a personal injury case, and accurately determine the full scope of the damages you are eligible to claim for the accident. You are more likely to succeed with your legal efforts and more likely to maximize your compensation with the right attorney representing you.

The team at Fulmer Sill believes in empowering injured people, and we have a long record of successful personal injury representation for clients throughout Oklahoma. The aftermath of a construction accident can be confusing and traumatic, and the right attorney can be an invaluable asset in this difficult situation. Contact us today and schedule a free consultation with our team to learn how we can help with your recovery.