Construction Zone Accidents for Workers

Highway maintenance workers regularly appear on a list they’d rather avoid: the 25 most dangerous jobs in America. Every year, around 120,000 accidents occur in road work zones and over 20,000 workers are injured. In fact, it seems construction zone accidents happen more often than not. According to a 2021 industry survey, the majority (60%) of highway contractors reported crashes in their work zones.

The road is a hazardous place to work–and so is construction. Also making the list of most dangerous jobs? Truck drivers, delivery drivers, crossing guards, construction workers, crane operators, and cement masons. All of that adds up to one conclusion: a road construction zone can be a very dangerous site for workers.

Road workers face a host of hazards on the job. Over half of work zone injuries occur when individuals slip/trip or make contact with objects or equipment. Like everyone else on the road, workers also fall victim to drivers who are impaired, inattentive, or impatient. In their long hours outdoors, maintenance crews confront further environmental dangers such as heat, rain, snow, noxious fumes, and toxic substances.

Sometimes work zone accidents turn lethal. Transportation-related incidents are by far the most common cause of road worker deaths, responsible for three-quarters of fatalities. Besides being hit by passenger cars and tractor-trailers, employees die when they’re struck by dump trucks, backhoes, and other construction vehicles. The deadly dangers don’t end there–a quarter of construction zone deaths are caused by workers slipping and falling, being struck by objects or equipment, being caught in machines, and being electrocuted.

If you’ve sustained a road construction injury in Massachusetts, you most likely qualify for a worker’s compensation claim. If you’re not seriously hurt and you’re confident your benefits will cover your medical expenses and lost wages, worker’s comp may be sufficient.

When worker’s compensation just isn’t enough, you may consider other legal options. Injured road construction workers in MA can file personal injury lawsuits in situations such as the following:

• Your road work accident involved a motor vehicle crash.
• A third party, such as a subcontractor or property owner, contributed to your construction zone injury.
• Your work zone accident involved a defective product (for example, malfunctioning tools, machines, materials, or equipment).

In addition, although you generally can’t sue your employer for personal injury, an attorney can help you determine whether you qualify for enhanced worker’s compensation amounts or other financial benefits.

The experienced Boston construction zone accident lawyers at Altman & Altman LLP can help you understand your rights as an injured employee. We will evaluate your MA work injury case and help you seek compensation from any party who may be liable.

A full-service law firm, Altman & Altman LLP can handle whatever type of claim is best for your road construction accident case–worker’s compensation, product liability, personal injury, or wrongful death. So call us today at 617.492.3000 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.