Some of the most dangerous jobs in the country are within the construction industry. For example, in 2019, OSHA reported that out of 5,333 worker fatalities in all industries, 1,061 were in construction. This means that roughly one in five worker deaths in the U.S. were in construction.
At the Olsinski Law Firm, PLLC, our dedicated team of wrongful death lawyers have a long history of representing families in cases involving fatal construction accidents. We understand what your family is going through and how to help guide you through the recovery process to minimize your grief and anxiety while maximizing your chances of recovery.
Top Causes of Fatal Construction AccidentsThe construction industry is fraught with potential dangers, most of which can be addressed. However, ensuring worker safety comes at a significant cost, and, unfortunately, many construction companies fail to give this issue the attention it deserves. As our experience handling fatal construction accidents in Charlotte, the following types of accidents, known as the “Fatal Four,” are responsible for more than half of all construction fatalities:
Falls from Height: One of the leading causes of fatalities on construction sites, falls can occur from scaffolding, ladders, roofs, or any elevated work area. Inadequate fall protection or lack of safety training can exacerbate the risk.
Being Struck by Objects: Workers can be fatally injured by falling objects, machinery, or even vehicles moving around the site. Proper safety gear, such as hard hats, can mitigate but not completely eliminate this risk.
Electrocutions: With numerous electrical sources on a construction site, from power tools to overhead lines, electrocution remains an ever-present threat. Proper training and equipment checks are vital to protect workers.
Caught-In/Between: Construction workers can get trapped between equipment, crushed in collapsing structures, or caught in machinery. Proper machine guarding, safety protocols, and ongoing training can prevent such tragedies.
It's crucial to recognize that many of these accidents can be prevented with stringent safety protocols, regular training, and adequate supervision. If you or a loved one has been affected by a construction accident, seeking legal advice from the dedicated Charlotte injury lawyers at the Olsinski Law Firm, PLLC, can ensure that your rights are protected.
Should Families Pursue a Wrongful Death Lawsuit or a Workers’ Compensation Claim?Following a fatal construction accident in North Carolina, surviving family members may have the option to file a wrongful death claim or pursue benefits through a workers' compensation claim. Which claim to file (or whether to file both) depends on the specific circumstances of the accident.
For example, workers' compensation typically covers all work-related injuries and fatalities regardless of fault. This means that if a loved one dies in a work-related accident, you can usually recover workers' compensation death benefits without proving that your loved one’s employer was at fault.
Unlike workers' compensation, a wrongful death claim typically requires you to prove that someone's negligence, recklessness, or intentional wrongdoing caused your loved one’s death. This could be the employer, a co-worker or a third party (like a subcontractor or equipment manufacturer). Wrongful death cases provide for a wider range of potential damages, which makes these cases preferable in many cases. However, wrongful death claims are generally more complex and may take longer to resolve than workers' compensation claims.
It is essential to consult with an experience workers’ compensation and wrongful death lawyer to ensure you make the right decision on which type of claim to file.
Have You Lost a Loved One in a Workplace Accident?If you recently lost a family member as a result of a tragic on-the-job accident, reach out to the Olsinski Law Firm, PLLC, to learn more about your options. We’ve been handling all types of workers’ compensation and wrongful death cases for more than two decades, including many claims involving fatal construction accidents. To learn more, and to schedule a free consultation with a Kannapolis fatal construction accident lawyer, give us a call at 704-405-2580. You can also reach our Cabarrus County work injury attorneys at 704-918-4747. We represent clients in Kannapolis and Concord, as well as in Mecklenburg, Gaston, Iredell, Rowan, and Union Counties.