Why Construction Site Accidents Are Particularly Dangerous in Houston

Houston is growing fast, and with that kind of growth comes nonstop construction. Skyscrapers, roads, residential areas — you name it, it’s being built somewhere. But with all of this development, Houston construction site accidents happen more often than a lot of people realize. Workers, pedestrians, and even drivers passing by a site can be at risk when safety measures fail.

Construction sites are inherently dangerous places. Add in the city’s inclement weather, heavy traffic, and the sheer scale of some of these projects, and the risks only multiply.

If you’ve been hurt in a construction accident, you might be able to collect compensation. Call Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law now at (713) 973-8888 or toll-free 1 (800) 444-5000 to discuss your potential case.

Why Construction Site Accidents in Houston Are So Severe

Construction sites are dangerous regardless of where they are, but Houston presents some unique challenges. A number of factors can lead to devastating accidents.

The Scale of the Construction Projects

Houston is the fourth-largest city in America, and it’s one of the fastest-growing metro areas in the country. That means bigger projects, more construction workers, and lots of heavy machinery. When something goes wrong in this type of environment, the consequences can be catastrophic for those caught up in the accident.

Falls, collapses, and equipment malfunctions often cause serious injuries. A worker who is operating a crane or forklift in a busy urban area has to stay aware of their surroundings at all times. Even a small mistake can have fatal consequences — not just for the worker but for those nearby. With construction booming in downtown Houston and expanding outward into the suburbs, there are more work sites (and more risks) than ever before.

High-Risk Work Environment

A lot of construction sites in Houston involve work being done in high places, deep trenches, and confined spaces. A single misstep or equipment malfunction in these conditions can easily cause catastrophic injuries. The presence of electrical systems, heavy machines, and power tools only increases the danger.

As an example, scaffolding failures are among the leading causes of serious injuries on construction sites. When scaffolding isn’t secured properly, or when workers aren’t given adequate protection against falls, someone can get seriously hurt. Even a short drop can break bones and cause head trauma or spinal damage that permanently alters a person’s ability to live and work normally.

Weather Conditions

Houston’s weather is another major factor. Extreme heat causes fatigue, and that can cause workers to lose focus. Sudden storms create slick surfaces and dangerous wind conditions, putting both workers and equipment at risk. Even on clear days, the heat can affect everything from the stability of the pavement to how machinery performs.

The risks get even worse during hurricane season. Anything left unfinished or unprotected can collapse in high winds, and flooding makes these already treacherous work sites even more dangerous. Even outside of hurricane season, the city’s humidity and frequent thunderstorms add an unpredictable element to construction work.

Traffic and Roadside Construction

There’s always some kind of road construction project going on in Houston, and that forces workers to be near high-speed traffic. Drivers who are distracted, speeding, or just not paying attention can cause deadly accidents. Even properly marked work zones don’t always stop reckless motorists from putting construction workers’ lives at risk. Beyond worker injuries, accidents that involve passing cars can lead to pileups that cause injuries for both drivers and construction crews.

Who’s Responsible for a Construction Accident?

When an accident does happen on a construction site, it’s rarely a simple thing to figure out who is responsible. Several parties could play a part, including:

• Employees and contractors
• Property owners
• Equipment manufacturers
• Another company working on-site
• Careless drivers.

Figuring out liability is critical to securing compensation after an accident. A construction site injury case often involves investigating contracts, safety records, and witness statements to pinpoint who was at fault. It can get complicated very quickly since there are usually multiple companies working on any given site.

Construction workers have rights, and if you’ve been hurt, you don’t have to figure everything out on your own. Legal help is available.

What to Do After a Construction Site Accident

Take the following steps after you experience an accident on a construction site.

Report the Accident Immediately

Tell your supervisor or site manager about the accident so there’s an official record of what happened. Any delays in reporting could give insurance companies an excuse to reduce or even deny your claim altogether.

Get Medical Help

Even if you feel okay, it’s best to get checked out at the hospital. Some injuries like head trauma and internal bleeding take time to show up, and by the time you realize there’s a problem, you’ll be worse off than if you’d had it taken care of sooner. Seeing a doctor also creates medical records that will help prove your case later.

Collect Evidence

If you’re able to, take pictures of the scene, your visible injuries, and any factors that might have contributed to the accident. If someone saw what happened, ask for their contact information so you can get a statement from them later. The more evidence you have, the stronger your case will be.

Don’t Sign Anything

Your employer or an insurance company might try to get you to sign documents that could limit your ability to file a claim. Don’t agree to sign anything, even if you feel certain you know what the document says. The language could be vague enough to cause problems for your case later. Get legal advice first.

Talk to a Lawyer

A strong legal team can help you understand your options and take action before deadlines expire. Most workers assume that workers’ compensation is their only option, but some cases benefit from personal injury lawsuits against third parties.

Compensation for Construction Injuries

Every case will be different, but injured construction workers may be able to collect compensation through a lawsuit to cover:

• Medical costs (present and future)
• Lost wages (if you miss work because of your injury)
• Diminished earning potential (if you can’t go back to work in the same capacity or even at all)
• Pain and suffering (physical and emotional)
• Disability.

If an employer offers workers’ compensation, it might cover your medical bills and part of your lost wages. However, it doesn’t always account for the full extent of your losses. If another party played a part in your injury, a third-party claim could allow you to go after additional compensation.

Other Dangers of Construction Sites in Houston

Given the danger of construction sites, Houston workers aren’t the only ones at risk. Drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians can also be affected when safety precautions aren’t followed. Unsecured equipment, falling debris, and improper signage can all trigger serious accidents for anyone just passing by the worksite.

For workers, the dangers go beyond just one bad day on the job. Serious physical trauma can cause long-term disabilities and massive medical bills, and when the employee can’t work, it makes the financial strain even tougher to deal with. These workers deserve justice when contractors and construction companies don’t follow their duty to keep their employees safe on the job.

Don’t Wait to Take Action

If you’ve been hurt in a construction accident, you need legal help now. The longer you wait, the harder it can be to find the evidence you need to build a strong case.

Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law has the experience to fight for the compensation you deserve. Call (713) 973-8888  or toll-free 1 (800) 444-5000 now for a free and confidential consultation.