Construction sites can be home to many different dangerous accidents, especially during demolition projects. These accidents are terrifying, potentially fatal, and unfortunately common.
Knowing what to do in the event of a demolition accident can help limit the damage and ensure that proper records are in place for any potential legal action.
What To Do When a Demolition Accident Occurs
When an accident occurs during a demolition project, take action as soon as possible. Try to follow these steps to protect yourself and those around you.
1) Call for Medical Attention Immediately
If anyone was injured during the demolition, immediately call for medical attention so they can get the care they need. Call 911 or ensure that another competent person on the scene does so.
Even if someone who was injured insists that they are fine or just have minor injuries, a medical professional should still examine their injuries to check whether they need additional care. Some injuries from demolition accidents can be mostly internal and not show up right away, but they’re still dangerous. Emergency medical providers call these hidden injuries, and they take them very seriously. Inhaling demolition debris, for example, can cause long-term damage to your lungs that you might not notice immediately.
Medical records are evidence that the people who suffered injuries in the demolition accident received medical treatment and tests for those injuries. These records could play a significant role in any court cases or investigations that follow. Plus, if workers on the site want to submit workers’ compensation claims, they will need these records.
2) Report the Accident From a Safe Distance Away From the Demolition Site
Many construction accidents go unreported. Workers who are not legal residents may worry about jeopardizing their immigration status, and even those who are legal residents may be subjected to pressure from their superiors not to report accidents. Unethical construction companies can try to avoid penalties and OSHA violations by covering up accidents when they happen. Even so, the right course of action is to report any demolition accidents as soon as possible.
Report the accident to your supervisor, foreman, or another individual in charge of the demolition site once everyone is a safe distance away from the accident. This will ensure that they’re aware of the potentially ongoing dangers and can report the accident to the necessary authorities. If possible, put the accident report in writing and request a copy for your own records. If you can’t get a written copy of the report, make sure you note who took your report and when you submitted it. This information could be relevant in legal action down the line.
3) Take Photos and Gather Witness Accounts
After the injured individuals receive medical care and someone reports the accident, the next step is to gather evidence of the demolition accident. Take photos of the accident scene before it changes. Record any damage the accident caused. If faulty equipment or unsafe conditions seem to have caused the accident, make sure to get some pictures of the source of those issues.
These photos are essential evidence. Even just a few photos from your smartphone can make a big difference in the investigation into the accident and any lawsuits that arise as a result. If you are injured and cannot gather this information, ask someone else on the scene to gather it for you.
Timely witness accounts may also be very important to future legal action. You can ask people who witnessed the accident to offer their accounts of what happened, but don’t push them to do so. If they hesitate to share their experience, just ask for their contact information instead. Make note of each witness’s name, address, and phone number so your attorney can contact them later if necessary.
4) File a Personal Injury Claim
When you suffer injuries during a demolition accident, you may be entitled to compensation through a personal injury claim. Filing a personal injury claim can ensure you receive the compensation you deserve to cover your medical expenses, wage loss, and other damages.
Contact an experienced personal injury lawyer so you can focus on your recovery rather than your legal case. Your lawyer will handle the paperwork and investigation required for your personal injury claim so you can concentrate on feeling better.
What About Fatal Demolition Accidents?
The most devastating possible outcome of a demolition accident is for someone to lose their life. Unfortunately, demolition accidents can be fatal when someone falls, is struck by an object, or is caught between objects, among other possibilities. A premature collapse or an unintended progressive collapse can cause fatalities to a construction worker on the site.
Other individuals on the scene of demolition crashes should still call for medical care, report the accident, and gather photos and eyewitness accounts of what happened when fatal accidents occur. The key difference between fatal and nonfatal demolition accidents is that in fatal accidents, the victims are not able to file personal injury claims for themselves. However, their loved ones can still sue on their behalf with a wrongful death lawsuit. Settlements for wrongful death suits from construction accidents can be millions of dollars and help support grieving families.
Hire the Right Construction Accident Attorney
If you or someone you know was harmed in a demolition accident, a qualified attorney can help you uphold your legal rights. Your attorney may reach out to witnesses, uncover evidence like the demolition plans and demolition permit, and locate safety experts to speak on your behalf. They will hold the liable parties responsible and assist you in getting the compensation you deserve.
Reach out to Roth & Roth, LLP to speak to one of our experienced construction accident attorneys about your case today.