5 Most Common Winter Commercial Construction Accidents
The challenges of construction intensify with the onset of winter. Developers always want their projects done as soon as possible and for crews to make progress year-round, but doing so increases the risks of something going wrong due to cold, snow, and ice. Walking from one part of a project site to another and being outside can lead to illness, injuries, or worse. Winter commercial construction accidents are unfortunately too common.
Should your construction project lead to an accident that causes harm, you may find yourself in the market for the best commercial construction attorneys you can find. Cokinos | Young has extensive experience representing owners, developers, contractors, subcontractors, and others in construction law, including defending personal injury cases involving accidents or injuries.
Here are some of the most common types of winter commercial construction accidents, including an explanation of who is at risk, how to know if an accident qualifies for legal compensation, and how to identify the best commercial construction attorneys to help address the issue inherent in the case.
Common Winter Commercial Construction Accidents
Construction work involves risk the entire year, but the dangers become more acute in winter. According to the Centers for Disease Control, risk is widespread, with one study showing that construction workers alone accounted for 17% of workplace fatalities nationwide. Among the skilled trades, carpenters, electricians, and general laborers face higher fatalities. Here are among the most common winter commercial construction accidents:
- Slips, trips, and falls: Construction sites collect large quantities of supplies and offer improvised routes around the site. Slips, trips, and falls are expected when the weather turns bad.
- Hypothermia/frostbite: Working outdoors during winter puts workers at risk of cold weather conditions such as hypothermia or frostbite.
- Vehicle accidents: Building large structures requires heavy trucks and other equipment. In the snow and ice, the risk of significant vehicle accidents rises.
- Carbon monoxide poisoning: Accumulated snow can block exhaust from trailers where project managers and workers gather for heat, causing a risk of poisoning.
- Downed power lines: Winter conditions can wreak havoc with power lines or other power sources, increasing the risk of electrocution.
Personal Injury Actions From Construction Accidents
Injuries from construction accidents can significantly impact a person’s life. It may lead to the filing of a personal injury lawsuit, in which an injured person seeks compensation. These cases are common to the construction industry and often involve claims that someone acted recklessly or negligently in their duties, causing harm. Personal injury plaintiffs can sue to recover lost wages, the cost of medical care, and pain and suffering, among other injuries.
If a worker becomes a defendant in a personal injury lawsuit, they’ll need the services of experienced commercial construction lawyers. One of the best ways to find an attorney is through referrals. Ask partners or others in the same field for recommendations. For potential candidates, consult legal practice directories such as Super Lawyers or Best Lawyers.Cokinos | Young commercial construction attorneys have experience in resolving personal injury cases for owners, developers, contractors, subcontractors, and other entities involved in the project. Our offices in Houston, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Austin, and San Antonio provide statewide and national coverage to clients wherever they or their projects are situated.