Everybody has the right to a safe workplace. However, work injuries are not uncommon in and around the Los Angeles area. Recently, a major incident took place at SoFi Stadium that raised concerns about worker safety, particularly for those in the construction industry. At Koszdin, Fields & Sherry, our Los Angeles work injury attorneys want to discuss this incident and use it as a springboard to highlight the need for continued construction worker safety awareness.
What happened in this incident?
You may have seen news stories about the recent crane collapse in the parking lot of the SoFi Stadium that is under construction in Inglewood. Thankfully, nobody was hurt in the incident. However, it is easy to see how badly construction workers could have been hurt. Photos from the incident show a mangled twist of steel that could have easily taken workers’ lives if they had been struck by the falling crane.
You can be sure the CalOSHA will be investigating this incident to determine what went wrong. However, we need to point out that construction workers are injured every day and in much less dramatic fashion.
Construction injuries can be severe
According to the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), approximately 21% of all workplace deaths during the latest reporting year in the US happened in the construction industry. OSHA goes so far as to name the top four causes of death in the construction industry the “Fatal Four:”
- Falls (33.5%)
- Struck by Object (11.1%)
- Electrocutions (8.5%)
- Caught-in/between (5.5%)
What many people do not think about is how many thousands of construction workers are injured and survive. They are left dealing with the consequences of what are sometimes disabling injuries that keep them from working or living a normal life. Some of the most common injuries that construction workers sustain include:
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Traumatic Brain Injuries
- Broken or Dislocated Bones
- Hearing and Vision Loss
- Respiratory Problems
- Severe Lacerations or Amputations
- Repetitive Stress Injuries
Nearly all workplace injuries are preventable. It is vital that employers provide their workers with appropriate training and safety gear. When there are third parties involved in a construction project, they should also adhere to appropriate safety standards.
Let us get to work on your case
If you or somebody you care about has been injured any construction accident but are struggling to receive the compensation you are entitled to, seek legal assistance immediately. At Koszdin, Fields & Sherry, our Los Angeles workers compensation attorneys have vast experience helping injured workers recover the compensation they need, including:
- Coverage of all medical bills related to the incident
- Any lost income due to missed workdays
- Potential disability payments
- Loss of future earnings and earning potential
If the work injury was caused by a negligent third party, punitive damages may also be available. When you need a Los Angeles work injury attorney, you can reach out to us for a free consultation by clicking here or calling 800-747-3447.
