According to a report from 12 News, a worker was rescued after suffering an injury in a construction accident in Tempe. A crane was used to rescue the worker who was trapped on a high floor in a building. Thankfully, his injuries are not life-threatening. It was not immediately clear why the wall fell. The accident is still under a more comprehensive investigation. Within this article, our Tucson workers’ compensation attorney provides an overview of what we know about the incident and explains the risks that construction workers face.
Construction Accident Caused Worker Injury in Arizona
As confirmed by 12 News, a construction worker in Tempe was rescued from the fourth floor of a job site. He was reportedly struck by a wall and then became trapped. Due to limited access, the Tempe Fire Department’s Technical Rescue Team had to coordinate with a crane operator in order to safely extract the injured worker. The incident happened at a construction site near the intersection of Apache Boulevard and Rural Road. Despite the challenging conditions, the rescue was successful. Fortunately, the worker’s injuries were determined not to be life-threatening. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment. The construction accident is still under investigation.
Construction Work Can Be Extremely Dangerous
Construction is one of the more dangerous industries in the United States. According to data from the Center for Construction Research and Training, more than 1,000 construction workers have been killed in job-related accidents nationwide each year since 2016. Whether building new structures or renovating old ones, workers often face a variety of serious safety risks every day on the job site. Heavy machinery, elevated work areas, and powerful tools all contribute to a high rate of serious accidents. Here are three key safety risks facing construction workers in Arizona:
- Working at Heights: Falls are the leading cause of workplace deaths in Arizona. Many construction jobs require workers to perform tasks on scaffolding, ladders, or unfinished buildings. Falls from even modest heights can lead to broken bones, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), or fatalities.
- Heavy Machinery and Equipment: Cranes, forklifts, bulldozers, and other machinery pose crushing and collision risks. Notably, improper use or mechanical failure can lead to catastrophic injuries. Workers must be trained on how to use these machines. The equipment itself should also be properly maintained.
- Electrical Hazards: Electrocutions are a serious safety hazard on many construction sites in Arizona. A worker making contact with live wires or unfinished electrical systems can result in serious shocks, burns, or even death.
- Exposure to Hazardous Materials: Construction workers often encounter toxic chemicals, asbestos, or silica dust. Without proper protection, exposure can cause long-term health issues like respiratory disease or cancer.
- Overexertion Injuries: Sprains and strains are a big risk. Lifting heavy materials, using vibrating tools, and repeating the same motions can cause chronic injuries like muscle strains, back problems, or carpal tunnel syndrome.
Here is the good news: Construction accidents are largely avoidable. The vast majority of serious construction site accidents could and should have been prevented with the proper safety precautions. Given the inherent risks, employers must follow strict safety protocols, put strong training programs in place, and provide the right protective equipment to all construction workers.
Construction Accident Injury Cases: Options for Injured Workers
Were you or your family member hurt on a construction site in Arizona? It is imperative that you understand the options that are available for getting justice and financial compensation. Here is an overview of the two main options for injured construction workers in Arizona:
- Workers’ Compensation Claim: In Arizona, most injured construction workers are entitled to file a workers’ compensation claim through their employer’s insurance. The system is designed to provide no-fault benefits to injured workers. That means that a worker hurt on a construction site in Arizona can receive compensation even if no one was directly to blame for the accident. Workers’ compensation may cover medical bills, a portion of lost wages, and temporary or permanent disability benefits. With that being said, it does not provide compensation for pain and suffering. If you have any questions about a workers’ comp claim or workers’ comp appeal, our Arizona construction accident lawyer can help.
- Third Party Liability Claim: If someone other than the worker’s employer or a co-worker caused the accident, such as a subcontractor, equipment manufacturer, or property owner, the injured worker may be eligible to file a third-party liability claim. Unlike workers’ compensation, a third-party claim can include compensation for full lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. For example, if a worker is injured due to the improper installation of scaffolding by a contractor, they may have a lawsuit against that company. If you have any questions about a third-party liability lawsuit, our Arizona construction accident attorney is here as a resource.
Note: You can file both a workers’ compensation claim and a third-party liability claim in Arizona. All construction workers should start with a workers’ comp claim after an accident.
Why Trust Arizona’s Work Injury Firm for a Construction Site Accident in Arizona
A construction accident can be catastrophic. It can cause serious or even life-threatening harm to injured workers. At Arizona’s Work Injury Firm, we fight tirelessly for people who were hurt on the job. Our firm has experience with both workers’ compensation cases and third-party liability lawsuits. An initial consultation with our Arizona work injury lawyer is free, completely confidential, and carries absolutely zero additional obligations.
Consult With Our Arizona Workers’ Comp Lawyer Today
At Arizona’s Work Injury Firm, our Arizona workers’ compensation attorneys are always prepared to go the extra mile for injured workers. If you or your loved one was involved in a construction accident, we are here to help. Call us at 602-532-4985 or contact us online for a free consultation. We represent injured workers throughout Arizona, including in Phoenix, Tucson, Tempe, Yuma, Glendale, Scottsdale, Mesa, and Lake Havasu City.