Thanksgiving is over, which means construction workers face even more aggressive deadlines and great workloads to finish projects at construction sites by the end of the year.
Whether your employer wants to debut the tallest building in Los Angeles by January 1, 2018, or simply get yet another shopping mall up and running in the area, performing your job duties in a hurry may result in a catastrophic injury or even death.
Not to mention that with the rise of construction sites in Los Angeles, many employers adopt unsafe and unlawful practices that lead to even more injuries and fatalities among Los Angeles workers.
Fact: in 2013 (the most recent data available in 2017), Los Angeles construction workers suffered 102 fatal injuries on construction sites, which is one of the highest fatality rates in the U.S.
In fact, construction fatalities are on the rise compared to previous years, as the fatality rate among construction workers was below 100 in 2012.
Statistics show that construction accounts for most worker fatalities in private industries in California (more than 20%). As for the most common causes of construction fatalities in Los Angeles, our construction accident attorneys name the top four that account for more than half of all construction deaths:
- Falls
- Getting struck by a heavy falling object
- Electrocution
- Getting caught-in-between
Fact #2: falls remain by far the most common cause of construction fatalities in the U.S.
Most common questions about construction accidents in California
Every week, our construction accident attorney here at the Law Offices of Howard Kornberg receive dozens of questions from injured and concerned construction workers who want to know more about their rights and how to file a construction accident claim in Los Angeles.
Today, our Los Angeles construction accident lawyers answer your most common question.
Q: “How do I know that my employer is violating the law and putting my life in danger?”
A: Under federal and state laws in California, every construction employer is required to ensure safe conditions in the workplace for construction workers. Regulations by the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) require employers to:
- Remove all potential hazards from the construction site
- Inspect the construction site on a daily basis to detect potential hazards
- Provide safe and operational tools and equipment
- Provide employees with safety and injury prevention training upon hiring
Q: “Isn’t it illegal to keep me working 12 hours per day on a construction site?”
A: Construction workers usually work up to 45 hours per week. However, anything over 40 hours qualifies for overtime.
Studies show that construction accident and injury rates are 18% greater during evening shifts, and 30% greater during night shifts. Also, studies found that working 12 hours per day or more poses a 37% increased risk of injury.
Q: “How do I file a construction injury claim?”
A: First of all, seek immediate medical help to treat and document your injuries. You need to have a full medical report documenting your injuries and damages.
If you have been injured at a construction site due to negligence on the part of your employer, contractor or property manager, seek the legal advice of our experienced construction accident attorney to find out your best course of action.
You will have to provide your employer with a written report documenting the accident and your injuries, but only after consulting a Los Angeles construction accident attorney, like specifics of writing the report may vary from one case to another to maximize your compensatory damages.
Q: “What damages can I recover in a construction injury claim?”
A: When filed properly and with the help of a skilled attorney, construction injury claims may result in settlements to cover: medical bills, lost wages, temporary or permanent disability, pain, and suffering, and other damages depending on your particular case.
Consult our construction accident lawyer in Los Angeles at the Law Offices of Howard Kornberg to maximize your compensation today by calling our offices at 310-997-0904. We offer a free initial consultation.
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