Indiana Construction Worker Injuries Attorney

Construction workers have a tough job. They often work long hours in difficult environments. Construction workers also face many risks on the job. It is no surprise that working in construction is one of the most dangerous occupations in the United States.

Every day, approximately 12 construction workers in the United States are killed on the job. Around one-fifth of worker deaths in our country occurs in construction. At Coriden & Coriden, LLC, we have years of experience in handling cases involving occupational injuries and illnesses. We offer legal assistance to those involved in all levels of workplace injury disputes and make sure their best interests are represented.

Construction Worker Injuries and Fatalities in Indiana

According to data from the Indiana Department of Labor, from 2011 to 2014, there were an average of 18 workplace fatalities in Indiana every year. Hundreds more workers suffer injuries and illnesses that require at least some time from work, per the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

How Construction Worker Injuries Happen

Construction workers can be injured in many ways, though a few types of events are notorious for causing serious worker injuries. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) refers to the top four causes of construction worker fatalities as the Fatal Four. They are:

  • Falls
  • Electrocutions
  • Being Struck by or Against an Object
  • Being Caught in or Between Two Objects, Pieces of Equipment or Structures.

The Fatal Four represent some of the most serious injuries workers suffer on a construction site, but they by no means include all the ways in which construction workers suffer injuries. Other common construction worker injuries include:

  • Repetitive Stress Injuries
  • Burns
  • Injuries from Lifting Heavy Objects
  • Contact with Poisonous Plants (either through contact or inhalation)
  • Exposure to Dangerous Toxins or Chemicals (such as asbestos or dangerous pesticides)
  • Eye Injuries
  • Hearing Loss
  • Heat Stroke
  • Frostbite

Falls in Construction

Falls deserve a special mention in any discussion about workplace injuries. They are one of the most common adverse events in construction. They occur due to scaffolding collapses, slips, falls and unsecured harnessing, to name just a few causes. When a construction worker falls, they often fall from great heights, either from a roof or from several stories high. Falls can cause serious, debilitating injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken hips or death.

These Injuries are Usually Preventable

Most workplace injuries are preventable. OSHA offers employers many tools and programs that can help reduce the number of construction worker injuries and illnesses. These programs enable employers to identify and control on-the-job hazards, while also aiding compliance with existing regulations. Unfortunately, workers who have already suffered a workplace injury must deal with the fallout of an injury or illness.

Consequences of a Workplace Injury

Workplace injuries and illnesses are painful and cause a great deal of physical suffering, but the consequences can go well beyond physical harm. Injured workers also face large medical bills, missed time at work and, in some cases, loss of work capacity that could plague them for the rest of their lives. Families of a fatally injured worker encounter many of the same challenges, in addition to end-of-life costs, such as funeral and burial costs.

How We Can Help

The attorneys at Coriden & Coriden, LLC have years of experience in workplace injury disputes. We bring that wealth of experience to the work we do for our clients. Our firm understands how important these cases are to our clients, and we are happy to assist them in matters related to worker’s compensation or occupational injuries and illnesses. If you have questions or would like to speak to one of our attorneys, contact Coriden & Coriden, LLC today to learn more.

Attorney Terry Coriden

Terry Coriden practices worker’s compensation law as a Partner at Coriden & Coriden, LLC. His entire professional career as an attorney has been committed to worker’s compensation law and making a difference in his community. He is also highly experienced in mediation. Terry is a member and past president of the Bartholomew County Bar Association, a member of the Indiana State Bar Association, and a former board member of the Indiana Continuing Legal Education Forum (ICLEF). [ Attorney Bio ]