Seattle Construction Accident Lawyers

How Construction Accidents Happen

Construction sites are inherently dangerous places. Workers are often tasked with operating heavy machinery, working at great heights, and performing other tasks that require extreme caution. Even when workers are being as careful as possible, accidents can still occur.

Construction workers are required to follow safety protocols and wear the appropriate safety equipment. However, these rules are often ignored, which can lead to injuries and even death. Workers may be instructed to work in hazardous conditions or may not be given the proper training and equipment.

Common types of construction accidents include:

• Falls: Falls from heights are one of the leading causes of construction accidents. These can occur from ladders, scaffolding, roofs, or elevated work platforms. Lack of fall protection equipment, improper use of safety harnesses, or unstable working surfaces contribute to these accidents.
• Machinery Accidents: Improper use of heavy machinery, equipment malfunctions, and inadequate training can result in accidents involving bulldozers, excavators, cranes, and other construction equipment.
• Electrical Accidents: Construction sites often involve electrical work, which can lead to accidents. Electric shocks, burns, and fires can occur due to contact with live wires, faulty equipment, or unsafe electrical installations.
• Struck-by Accidents: These accidents happen when workers are struck by moving objects or vehicles. Common examples include being hit by falling tools, equipment, or construction vehicles such as forklifts or cranes.
• Caught-in or Caught-between Accidents: These accidents occur when a worker is trapped, caught, or crushed between heavy machinery, equipment, or materials. Trench collapses, equipment rollovers, and getting caught in moving parts of machinery are examples.
• Trips and Slips: Uneven surfaces, debris, wet conditions, or poor housekeeping can lead to slips, trips, and falls on construction sites, causing injuries.
• Fire and Explosions: Construction sites may have flammable materials, welding operations, or gas lines, increasing the risk of fires and explosions. Inadequate safety measures can result in severe injuries or fatalities.
• Strains and Overexertion: Construction work often involves heavy lifting and repetitive tasks, which can lead to musculoskeletal injuries, strains, sprains, or overexertion injuries.
• Structural Failures: These accidents involve the collapse of buildings, walls, scaffolding, or trenches due to structural defects, poor construction practices, or inadequate shoring.
• Hazardous Materials Exposure: Workers may be exposed to hazardous materials like asbestos, lead, or toxic chemicals during demolition or renovation projects. Improper handling or inadequate protective measures can lead to health problems.
• Confined Space Accidents: Working in confined spaces, such as tanks, tunnels, or sewers, can be dangerous due to limited entry and exit points, poor ventilation, and the risk of hazardous gases.
• Noise and Vibration-Related Injuries: Prolonged exposure to high levels of noise and vibrations from heavy machinery and equipment can result in hearing loss and other health issues.
• Heat and Cold Stress: Outdoor construction work can expose workers to extreme weather conditions, leading to heatstroke, hypothermia, or frostbite if proper precautions are not taken.

Recovering Workers' Compensation Benefits After a Construction Accident in Washington

If you've been injured in a construction accident, your health and safety should be your top priority. Seek immediate medical attention for your injuries. Ensure that the healthcare provider is aware that your injury is work-related.

Notify your employer about the accident as soon as possible. In Washington, you are required to report the injury within one year of its occurrence. Provide your employer with details of the accident and injuries, and make sure to document the date, time, and individuals you spoke with.

If there were any witnesses to the accident, try to obtain their contact information and statements about what they observed. Collect any evidence that can support your claim, such as photos of the accident scene or equipment involved.

In Washington, workers' compensation claims are administered by the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I). To initiate your claim, you can do one of the following:

• File online through the L&I website (preferred method).
• Visit your local L&I office and submit a paper claim form.
• Call the L&I Claims Assistance Center at 1-877-561-3453 for guidance.

You will need to complete various forms as part of the claims process. These forms may include the Worker's Report of Accident (Form F207-011-000) and the Application for Benefits (Form F242-073-000).

If your claim is approved, you may be eligible for various benefits, including medical care, wage replacement, vocational rehabilitation, and permanent partial disability benefits, depending on the extent of your injuries.

If your claim is denied or you are dissatisfied with the decision, you have the right to appeal. Consult with an attorney experienced in workers' compensation cases to guide you through the appeals process.