A terrible construction accident in New York City in February has once again put the spotlight on the heightened risk construction workers are at for suffering traumatic brain injuries.
In this accident, a worker was rendered unconscious after being hit on the head by a falling block of concrete as he worked on the 20th floor of a Madison Avenue building in the process of being demolished. The still unconscious worker was lowered through shaft in a dramatic rescue, and then rushed to Bellevue hospital, where he was listed in critical condition.
Whether this particular injured worker was diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury is not reported, but given the description of the injury – and his profession – it seems likely. Our team at the Ivan Diamond Bronx Personal Injury Attorney has seen traumatic brain injury accidents arising out construction accidents similar to this situation.
Construction Workers & Traumatic Brain Injury
A Traumatic Brain Injury (aka, TBI) is caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head or a penetrating head injury that impairs the normal function of the brain, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Resulting injuries can be as mild as a concussion or as severe as a coma or extensive memory loss.
Construction workers sustain a greater number of fatal and nonfatal traumatic brain injuries across all US industries, according to a March 2016 report by the National Institute of Occupation Safety and Health (NIOSH).
The report found that during the period 2003 – 2010, more than 2,200 construction workers died of traumatic brain injury while on the job. Moreover, those deaths represented 25% of all construction fatalities and 24% of all traumatic brain injury fatalities during the period. Nearly 50% of these fatal accidents were caused by falls, especially from roofs, ladders and scaffolds.
Other statistics indicate that being hit by falling objects is another leading cause of traumatic brain injuries and death on a construction site. A 2014 OSHA report states that almost 10% of fatalities in the construction industry were due to falling objects striking a worker.
Signs and Symptoms of TBI
- Difficulty thinking clearly
- Feeling slowed down
- Difficulty concentrating
- Difficulty remembering new information
- Headaches that grow increasingly worse and won’t go away
- Weakness, numbness or decreased coordination
- Repeated vomiting or nausea
- Slurred speech
- Loss of consciousness
Anyone who has suffered a head injury and has experienced any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. An untreated head injury could lead to greater physical problems, identity changes, permanent disability or even death.
Consequences for Traumatic Brain Injury Victims
The consequences for the victim and family members of traumatic brain injuries can be devastating.
Victims often experience significant physical discomfort and psychological and emotional distress due to their injuries. In addition, victims must often contend with frequent medical appointments, mounting medical bills, a decreased ability (or inability) to perform their job, lost income and the fear of job loss.
This is unfair, particularly when the accident is the fault of another.
How We Help Construction Worker Accident Victims
At the Ivan Diamond Bronx Personal Injury Attorney, we help construction workers who have suffered traumatic brain injuries and other injuries recover compensation for injuries and financial losses caused by third parties. A third party claim arises when a construction site (or other workplace) injury occurs because of the negligence of someone other than your employer or a co-worker.
If you’re wondering whether your traumatic brain injury or that of a loved one was the fault of a third party, call experienced Bronx construction accident attorney, Ivan Diamond today at 877-960-1702 for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Ivan takes the time to carefully review the facts of your situation and help identify any third parties that may be responsible for your injury. If you are within your rights, he is ready to help hold those responsible accountable and put you on the path to fair compensation. Contact him today to discuss your situation.
Photo Credit: Clinton Crumpler cc
