Construction Accidents

In many ways, construction is the backbone of this country. Construction workers put in long hours and take on plenty of personal risk to build and repair roads, put up new commercial buildings, and bring dream homes to life. However, construction is an inherently risky job. Workplace fatalities are on the rise, and construction workers make up a significant chunk of those deaths. Additionally, over 200,000 construction accidents leave workers injured every single year.

If you have been injured while working on a construction site, you may be able to seek compensation from your employer or a third party. To talk about your case in greater detail, call Reeves & Mestayer at 228-374-5151.

Types of Construction Accidents

A wide range of accidents can lead to serious or fatal injuries for construction workers. Some of the most commonly reported construction accidents include:

• Slip and fall accidents. These are the most common cause of construction fatalities. There are two main types of falling accidents. Same-level falls occur when someone falls down to the same level that they are currently standing on. Falls from heights occur when someone falls to a much lower height than where they are currently standing. Both can cause serious injuries but falls from heights often cause more severe injuries.
• Ladder and scaffolding accidents. This type of work is naturally dangerous, as you can lose your balance or fall at any time. The risk increases with inclement weather, untrained equipment users nearby, and inexperience.
• Injuries caused by heavy equipment. Heavy machinery is one of the main causes of serious injuries on construction sites. In many cases, user inexperience is the culprit. An untrained, inexperienced, or careless worker can cause injuries to those working in nearby areas. However, equipment malfunctions can also have the same result.
• Falling objects. Falling objects are an ever-present risk on construction sites, often leading to traumatic brain injuries and other serious injuries for those walking on lower levels.
• Explosions. The misuse or mishandling of hazardous materials can lead to explosions. Victims may suffer permanent injuries, scarring, and disfigurement.
• Electrocution. Electrical currents and power lines pose constant risks to nearby workers, particularly when safety precautions are not taken.

Common Construction Accident Injuries in Mississippi

Construction sites are among the most active and physically demanding workplaces in Mississippi. While these projects build our communities and infrastructure, they also present significant risks to the men and women on the job. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the United States sees over 200,000 construction-related injuries every year. A large portion of these incidents occurs during the construction of both residential and nonresidential buildings.

When an accident happens on a job site, the physical and financial consequences can be overwhelming. Understanding the common types of injuries and the legal landscape in Mississippi is the first step toward recovery.

The Reality of Construction Site Hazards

Mississippi construction workers face a variety of hazards daily. From heavy machinery and power tools to high-elevation scaffolding and exposed electrical wiring, the potential for an accident is always present. While safety regulations exist to protect workers, lapses in protocol or equipment failure can lead to life-altering events. Because construction work often involves high-energy environments, the injuries sustained are frequently more severe than those found in typical office settings.

Traumatic Brain Injuries and Concussions

Head injuries are a primary concern on any construction site. Even with the consistent use of hard hats, workers are at risk from falling objects, slips, or falls from heights.

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can range from a mild concussion to severe, permanent cognitive impairment. A concussion might seem minor at first, but it is a form of brain injury that requires medical attention and rest. More severe TBIs can result in memory loss, mood changes, and loss of motor skills. In many cases, these injuries prevent a worker from returning to the construction field entirely, necessitating a complete change in career or long-term disability support.

Spinal Cord Damage and Paralysis

Falls from ladders, scaffolding, or roofs are leading causes of spinal cord damage in the construction industry. The spinal cord is the communication highway of the body; when it is damaged, the results are often permanent.

Victims may suffer from partial or total paralysis, depending on the location and severity of the injury. This can manifest as paraplegia (affecting the lower half of the body) or quadriplegia (affecting all four limbs and the torso). Beyond the loss of mobility, spinal injuries often lead to secondary health complications, requiring a lifetime of medical monitoring and adaptive equipment.

Broken Bones and Orthopedic Fractures

Broken bones are perhaps the most common injuries reported after a Mississippi construction accident. The heavy nature of materials like steel beams, concrete blocks, and lumber means that a crushing accident or a fall can easily snap a bone.

While some fractures heal with a simple cast, many construction-related breaks are “compound” or “comminuted,” meaning the bone has shattered or pierced the skin. These injuries often require surgery, the insertion of metal pins or plates, and months of physical therapy. Even after healing, workers may struggle with chronic pain or a reduced range of motion that limits their ability to perform heavy lifting.

Amputations and Loss of Limb Injuries

The use of powerful cutting tools and heavy machinery creates a risk of traumatic amputation. An arm, leg, finger, or toe can be lost instantly in a machinery accident, or a limb may become so severely crushed that it must be surgically removed to save the patient’s life.

The loss of a limb is a catastrophic event that changes every aspect of a person’s life. In addition to the physical recovery and the need for prosthetic devices, there is a significant psychological impact. Workers who suffer these injuries often require extensive vocational rehabilitation to find new ways to support themselves and their families.

Burns and Permanent Scarring

Construction sites are filled with thermal, chemical, and electrical hazards. Workers may suffer severe burns from:

• Electrical Arcs: Exposed wiring or contact with power lines.
• Chemical Spills: Corrosive substances used in masonry or finishing.
• Fires and Explosions: Leaking fuel or pressurized tanks.

Severe burns (third-degree or higher) often result in permanent scarring and “contractures,” where the skin tightens so much that it restricts movement. These injuries are incredibly painful and frequently require skin grafts and long-term wound care.

Internal Injuries and Organ Damage

Not all construction injuries are visible from the outside. Blunt force trauma—such as being struck by a vehicle or falling against a hard surface—can cause internal bleeding and damage to vital organs like the lungs, spleen, or kidneys. Because these injuries are not always immediately apparent, they are particularly dangerous. If left untreated, internal bleeding can be fatal. This is why immediate medical evaluation is vital following any high-impact accident on a job site.

The Financial Burden of Medical Treatment

The costs associated with the injuries mentioned above are staggering. In Mississippi, a worker might face:

• Emergency room and ambulance fees.
• Surgical costs and hospital stays.
• Prescription medications for pain and infection.
• Physical and occupational therapy.
• Medical devices like wheelchairs or prosthetics.

When these costs are coupled with the loss of weekly wages, many families find themselves in a precarious financial position. This is where the legal process becomes a necessary tool for recovery.

Workers’ Compensation

For many injured construction workers, workers’ compensation is the only way to seek compensation. Workers’ compensation is a system that seeks to benefit both employees and employers. Employees are able to get money for their medical expenses and lost wages without having to prove negligence on the part of their employer, and employers can meet their employees’ financial needs without putting themselves at risk of personal injury claims.

You may wonder if you can get additional benefits if your employer or coworker was, in fact, negligent in causing your injuries. You cannot. That is the one downside of workers’ compensation. Even if someone in your company directly caused your injuries through their own negligence, you are limited to partial wages and medical expenses.

In MIssissippi, the Workers’ Compensation Commission determines the amount paid and the medical benefits received by injured workers. Medical benefits extend to all treatment related to the workplace injury, as long as it is considered reasonable.

Wage loss payments are based on your average weekly wage but are limited by a statewide maximum. The amount you receive will be as much as two-thirds of your average weekly wage.

Third Party Claims

There is one more option that is available to some injured construction workers—a third party personal injury claim. If your injury was caused by someone who is not your coworker or employer, you may be able to seek compensation from them with a personal injury claim.

This is somewhat common in the construction industry, since many construction sites have employees from a variety of companies and contractors not employed by any one company. Additionally, your construction site might have employees from the power company, water company, and other service providers.

This also applies to people who aren’t even working on the construction site. Consider, for example, a construction crew working on a highway. A negligent driver swerves into the construction site while texting and strikes a construction worker. In this situation, the construction worker can seek compensation from the negligent driver.

The main benefit of a third-party claim is the fact that you can recover more than just medical expenses and partial wages. You can ask for compensation for full lost wages, future medical expenses, pain and suffering, disability, disfigurement, and other related expenses. However, you will have to prove that the other party was negligent. Because of this, negotiating a fair settlement can be much more challenging with a third-party claim.

How We Can Help

Whether you plan on seeking compensation via workers’ compensation or a third-party claim, it is crucial to discuss your options with an attorney. In many situations, workers’ compensation is easy and straightforward. But there are times that employers or workers’ compensation insurance providers try to keep employees from filing claims or falsely claim that an injury isn’t covered by insurance. This leaves injured workers unsure what to do and worried about losing their job.

At Reeves & Mestayer, we have extensive experience in both workers’ compensation and personal injury cases. We understand that these cases are often very complicated and require a hands-on approach. Whether workers’ compensation, a personal injury claim, or a combination of both is the best option for you, we’re here to help you explore your options and plan for your future.

Choose Reeves & Mestayer for Your Construction Accident Claim

Construction injuries can change your career path, and severe injuries can even impact the course of your life. You need an attorney you can trust during these difficult times. Schedule a consultation with Reeves & Mestayer now by calling us at 228-374-5151 or contacting us online.