The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) states that the fatal injury rate for the construction industry is higher than the national average for all industries. Workers in the construction industry face a variety of hazards every day on the job, and various kinds of negligence by other parties can lead to innocent workers suffering severe or possibly fatal injuries.
Victims in construction accidents are frequently unable to return to work for several months or possibly even years. In some cases, injured workers are permanently unable to maintain any gainful employment.
As a result, construction accident victims and their families struggle to pay medical bills because of lost income. When an accident is the result of another party’s negligence, the victim can be entitled to damages for these hardships.
Fatal Four Construction Accidents in South Carolina
When it comes to construction accidents, the annual list of workplace fatalities is often topped by what OSHA has come to refer to as construction’s “Fatal Four.” The leading causes of deaths in the construction industry were:
- Falls — Often the result of unprotected sides, improperly constructed scaffolds, or holes in floors, among other causes;
- Struck by object — May include falling objects or vehicles;
- Electrocution — Possibly involving contact with power lines or misuse of certain electrical equipment; and
- Caught between objects — Usually involving a lack of or failure to inspect a protection system.
The above list is by no means exclusive. Construction workers can suffer several other debilitating injuries as the result of accidents on the job. Whether a person is injured in a Fatal Four incident or another kind of accident, other common injuries may include burn injuries, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), or spinal cord injuries.
Third Party Claims Arising from South Carolina Construction Accidents
Because of South Carolina’s “exclusivity doctrine,” employees who receive workers’ compensation from their employers are prohibited from filing lawsuits against those employers. Workers’ compensation rarely provides enough financial resources for victims to meet their many needs.
In some cases, it may be possible that another party other than the employer bears liability for a victim’s injuries. Possible examples of third parties that could be held liable include:
- Manufacturers of defective products or machinery;
- Project managers;
- Engineers;
- Architects;
- Subcontractors; or
- Drivers of other vehicles.
Victims can file lawsuits against negligent third parties while receiving workers’ compensation from their employers. It is important for any person injured in a construction accident to retain legal counsel as soon as possible to immediately commence an investigation that can identify all possible negligent parties.
Find a Construction Accident Attorney in South Carolina
If you sustained serious injuries or your loved one was killed in a construction accident in South Carolina, you will want to quickly seek legal representation. The Nye Law Group has an office in Bluffton but serves communities all over South Carolina.
Our experienced personal injury lawyers will fight to make sure that you receive all of the compensation you are entitled to. We offer a free consultation when you call 855-636-9277 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.
