Construction sites are often highly dangerous locations. These sites are inherently unstable as there are structures in various stages of development and completion. Construction sites often involve trenches, scaffolding, heavy machinery, and other dangerous circumstances that can result in injury to both construction workers and passersby. One of the most common injuries that results from construction site accidents is a
traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Construction-related Causes of TBI
Traumatic brain injuries result from direct trauma to the head or a jolt of the head severe enough to rattle the brain inside the skull. This can happen in many situations, including the following:
Falls from heights — Construction sites often involve people working in high places, including ladders, rooftops, scaffolding, and more. If proper safety precautions are not taken, if safety equipment fails, or if workers are careless, they can easily fall from a great height to the ground. It is very common to hit your head in such a serious fall and to suffer trauma to the brain tissue, resulting in a TBI. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls are the leading cause of TBI in the United States.
Falling objects — Just as people can fall from heights, so can their tools and other objects. When workers are on scaffolding or higher levels, they can drop heavy tools or building materials. These objects can fall and land on either other workers or people who may be walking past the construction site. If such tools land on your head, it is likely you can suffer a serious TBI.
Equipment accidents — Many construction crews use heavy equipment and machinery including cranes, dump trucks, among many others. If equipment malfunctions or is not operated properly, large pieces of building material can be dropped or can swing uncontrollably and can hit someone, causing serious head and brain injuries.
Motor vehicle collisions — Many construction sites exist on roads and highways. If a construction vehicle collides with another motor vehicle passing by, the resulting crash can be serious. The CDC reports that motor vehicles are also a leading cause of brain injury in the U.S.
TBIs sustained in construction site accidents can range from mild concussions to severe and permanent brain damage. No matter what severity of injury you suffer, however, anyone with a TBI should always seek medical attention and will likely face medical bills and a recovery period. If you believe that someone on the construction site was responsible for causing your TBI, you should discuss your legal rights to financial recovery with a qualified personal injury attorney.
Contact a New Jersey Personal Injury Lawyer for a Free Consultation
At Wilton Law Firm in New Jersey, our experienced personal injury attorneys understand how significantly a traumatic brain injury can affect your life and the lives of your family members. While these cases can be complex, our team has thorough knowledge and experience handling claims arising from TBIs. If you would like to discuss a possible claim, please call our office at 732-275-9555 today.
