On Wednesday, September 16, 2020, two cranes collided at a construction site in the Mueller community of Austin, leaving at least 22 people injured.
Austin-Travis County EMS responded to calls that two cranes had become entangled at the 1600 block of Robert Browning St. and have transported at least seven people to local hospitals. Authorities are currently investigating exactly how the collision occurred and rescue teams are working to reach the crane operator.
If you or a loved one was injured as a result of this or any other construction site accident, the Villareal & Begum Law Firm can help. Call our Austin crane accident attorneys at (512) 800-0000 for a free consultation.
It should come as no surprise that one of the most dangerous industries to work in is construction. Heavy machinery, massive heights, holes, and much more all make it easy to be injured on the worksite. Even the smallest mistake can lead to lead to someone getting seriously injured. However, construction companies and other entities running construction projects have a responsibility to keep both a worksite itself and close-by areas free of hazards. But if you’re on-site, or near a construction project, what should you look out for to keep yourself safe?
Always be on the lookout for falling debris. Sometimes, debris is difficult to contain. However, when a project is well above street level, the people running the project have a duty to keep the area safe. Falling debris poses a real danger to pedestrians and other workers below. If something falls and obstructs a common walking area, those in charge of the project have a responsibility to clear the walkway. If someone falls or trips as a result of the debris, they could face a lawsuit. in
During any kind of excavation project, it’s important to keep barriers and visual warnings in place. If these hazards are not properly marked, a person can easily fall in and suffer an injury. Many people are surprised by how easy it is to fall into a hole. Even if you’re paying attention, holes can be easy to miss. Falling into them can pose a risk for serious injuries. If there isn’t any warning, those responsible can face a serious lawsuit.
It is well-known that construction sites are one of the places where accidents happen most frequently. Construction businesses have to work hard to maintain a safe environment for their employees. Unfortunately, this is difficult to do, since this line of work is fraught with hazards that can cause many types of accidents.
There is no shortage of dangerous situations and materials that can cause fatal accidents on construction sites. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 1,008 deaths due to construction accidents in 2018.
Here are the most common ways employees are hurt or killed on construction jobs.
People have died more on construction jobs by falling than anything else. In 2018 alone, 338 people experienced a fall that led to their death.
The second most common accident on constructions sites is people being hit by objects. According to OSHA, 112people died due to this. There were also 55 people who were killed after getting caught in between 2 objects
This same report indicates that 86 workers died due to electrocution in 2018.
People have been hurt or killed by tools and materials falling on site. An object such as a hammer falling from high above could result in serious harm to someone below.
The more weight a tool has, the greater its potential to be deadly.
Electrical jobs that are left incomplete can spark a fire or even an explosion. When employees are overworked and tired, they are more likely to make mistakes, leading to more accidents.
Car accidents aren’t just common on the open road; they happen on constructions sites too.
These things break down and cause large machines to fall on workers who are stuck there.
While there have been many changes over the years that make construction sites a better place, it is still one of the most dangerous work environments.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 100 fatal construction injuries happened in Texas during 2019 alone with more job-related fatalities rising year over year. After a construction site accident, injured workers often believe that their employer or workers’ compensation will take care of their medical bills. However, this isn’t always the case. If injuries are severe, workers’ compensation may not completely cover the costs of the necessary medical treatment and rehabilitation. Additionally, serious injuries typically lead to lost wages and diminished earning capacity. A qualified attorney can protect your best interests and determine if negligence was a factor in the accident and if OSHA’s construction standards were met by your employer to get the compensation you need and deserve.
When bystanders are injured, the need for an attorney is even greater. Since bystanders were not on the job, they are not eligible for workers’ compensation. The only recourse they have is to file a personal injury claim, even if their injuries are minor. Without an attorney, dealing with a larger company or insurance company puts you at a distinct disadvantage. Our attorneys can help level the playing field. We can match the resources that insurance companies have at their disposal and compel them to treat you fairly and compensate you justly.
The construction companies, site owners, and insurance companies have likely already begun their investigation into this accident. If you or a loved one was injured, you need an attorney on your side as quickly as possible. They may send investigators to the hospital to get a recorded statement and attempt to minimize your injuries. Our personal injury attorneys in Austin will protect your rights and fight for the compensation that you need to recover.
Contact our Austin construction accident attorneys online or call (512) 800-0000 today for a free and confidential case evaluation.
