Slips, Trips, and Falls in Construction Work Zones
There are many hazards that lurk in construction zones. Pedestrians are at an increased risk of injury when traveling through them because they don’t have an outer protective layer (like vehicle occupants) and may not know when danger is about to hit.
Some of the most common dangers for pedestrians in construction zones include:
- Falling objects. Objects of any size can be extremely dangerous hazards for pedestrians when dropped from heights, and falling debris such as nails, tools, construction materials, or rocks can lead to severe or fatal injuries.
- Heavy machinery. Operators of earthmoving equipment like bulldozers and excavators may have difficulty seeing individual pedestrians and hearing commands or verbal warnings.
- Uneven walkways. Construction sites often deter pedestrian walkways by building temporary detours, which may be uneven surfaces. Additionally, a sidewalk that is broken, cracked, or partially removed may be present in construction areas,
- Slippery surfaces. Muddy or wet construction zones can lead to slip-and-fall accidents for pedestrians.
- Other vehicles. Vehicles that are passing through the construction zone pose a risk to pedestrians if drivers misinterpret certain road signs.
Knowing What To Look Out For
Avoiding a construction zone altogether is obviously the safest option, but we know that avoidance is not always possible. Here are some safety tips that you can utilize to reduce your risk of accidents and injuries:
- Keep your eye out for posted warning signs. Keep your distance from anything that could pose a risk to your safety; make sure to look for temporary barriers and signs that let you know where to go.
- Watch your step. Always glance down as you walk so that you avoid any potential slips.
- Make sure equipment operators can see you. As you pass a heavy piece of machinery, make sure that the operator can see you by making eye contact before continuing on.
- Get through quickly. It’s natural to let your mind wander with curiosity while walking through a construction zone, but it’s important that you focus on being cautious, avoid cutting corners and get through the site quickly.
Liability for Pedestrian Construction Zone Injuries
There are multiple parties who may be held liable for a pedestrian who was hurt while walking past a construction site. If an owner, contractor, subcontractor, or another party on the site created a hazardous condition — or knew about a danger and failed to remedy it — they may have been negligent. In some cases, a construction site passer-by may also be able to file a suit against an architect or engineer if the accident arose due to a building defect.
There are many different kinds of injuries a pedestrian can suffer in connection with walking past an unsafe construction site. Depending on the circumstances surrounding the incident, a pedestrian may have sustained head injuries, lacerations, traumatic brain injury, or concussion from a falling or flying object. Other injuries can include broken bones or spinal damage caused by a trip and fall near the site, and electrocution due to contact with unsecured live wires.
Can You Sue for Injuries Sustained While Walking Past a Construction Zone?
An injured pedestrian may be entitled to recover economic damages for lost wages, unreimbursed medical expenses, out-of-pocket expenses, and future medical expenses. They may also be awarded non-economic damages in a personal injury action for the pain and suffering they endured in connection with their construction site passerby injuries.
If you’ve been the victim of a construction site injury by no fault of your own, call the Las Vegas Personal Injury experts at (702) 852-6688 for a free consultation. Willoughby Shulman Injury Lawyers have recovered millions for our clients and you will never pay legal fees unless we win your case. You can easily schedule an appointment online to begin your case today.