Accidents on construction sites account for one in five workplace deaths and one in ten nonfatal on-the-job injuries in the United States. Construction is one of the nation’s most dangerous professions, with a rate of 15.2 deaths per 100,000 workers.

In 2008, West Virginia experienced 53 work-related fatalities in the construction industry, including twelve involving equipment and six accounting for falls. In 2007, the state reported 252 nonfatal work-related injuries or illnesses in construction workers.

Leading causes of death among construction workers are falls, car accidents, electrocution, toxic chemicals, overexertion, machinery defects, and falling objects. The deaths and injuries lead to lawsuits for injury compensation, filed by a construction accident lawyer. However, most of these injuries are preventable.

Construction employers can limit the number of workplace accidents by:

• Replacing worn or broken equipment regularly
• Monitoring workers’ use of drugs and alcohol, forbidding these substances on site and dismissing workers found under the influence
• Limiting horseplay and deliberately risky behavior
• Appropriately training workers in all aspects of their jobs and in all aspects of workplace safety
• Encouraging workers to get enough sleep
• Marking equipment and tools with safety precautions
• Preventing hazardous working conditions, for example, by building guardrails on scaffolds
• Establishing procedures that require workers to report unsafe conditions and practices to their supervisors.
• Following all OSHA, state Division of Labor, city and county safety regulations
• Cooperating with safety inspections and repairing violations immediately

A West Virginian who has been injured on a construction job should immediately consult a qualified construction accident lawyer for representation. A personal injury law firm that specializes in construction law is familiar with safety regulations, worker compensation laws, and the state’s definition of an unsafe workplace.

An experienced construction accident lawyer can help secure the maximum compensation for lost wages, medical expenses, physical and emotional rehabilitation, general pain and suffering, and funeral costs. The attorneys at The Masters Law Firm have the expertise and experience to provide the best representation to seek the settlement that each client deserves.

The Masters Law Firm is one West Virginia law firm that specializes in construction law. The seven expert premises liability lawyers will perform research into whether employers have conducted themselves appropriately, and pursue compensation for the injured party. If you’re seeking the assistance of a qualified West Virginia law firm, then contact The Masters Law Firm.

The Masters Law Firm, L.C.
181 Summers Street
Charleston, West Virginia 25301
Phone: (800) 342-3106
Fax: (304) 342-3189
Email: mwm@themasterslawfirm.com
Website: www.themasterslawfirm.com