What Are the Most Common Types of Construction Accidents?
Even with regulations and safety standards established by OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration), construction sites remain among the most dangerous workplaces in the United States. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (
BLS) reports that nearly 1 in 5 workplace deaths occur at a construction site. In a fast-growing city like Lakeland, Florida, the continuous development of homes, businesses, and infrastructure puts construction workers at increased risk of injury, often due to preventable hazards like poor training, inadequate oversight, or faulty equipment.
Here are some of the most common types of construction accidents reported in Lakeland and the surrounding areas:
Falls from Heights
Falls remain the number one cause of death and serious injury in the construction industry. These incidents often involve:
- Scaffolding collapses
- Ladder slips or breakage
- Unsecured rooftops or platforms
- Lack of fall arrest systems or guardrails
Whether it's a multi-story commercial project or a single-family home, the absence of proper fall protection can lead to catastrophic injuries or fatalities.
Struck-By Accidents
Struck-by incidents occur when a worker is hit by an object or equipment, such as:
- Falling tools or debris from above
- Dislodged construction materials
- Moving vehicles like forklifts or dump trucks
- Swinging crane loads or suspended materials
These accidents often result in head injuries, bone fractures, or internal trauma.
Electrocution
Construction workers are routinely exposed to electrical hazards. Electrocution can result from:
- Contact with exposed or energized wires
- Accidental interaction with power lines
- Faulty power tools or temporary wiring
- Inadequate grounding or poor equipment maintenance
These incidents can lead to severe burns, heart damage, or fatal outcomes.
Caught-In/Between Accidents
These types of accidents occur when workers become pinned, crushed, or trapped between objects. Common scenarios include:
- Trench or excavation collapses
- Workers pinned between heavy equipment and walls
- Limbs caught in moving machinery
- Collapsing walls or materials
Injuries from caught-in/between accidents are often severe, including amputations and fatalities.
Equipment Malfunctions
Heavy machinery plays a critical role on construction sites, but it can also pose significant risks. Equipment-related accidents may involve:
- Cranes tipping over
- Defective power tools
- Brake or hydraulic system failures
- Poorly maintained forklifts or backhoes
These failures can lead to crushing injuries, ejections, or being struck by machinery parts.
Slip and Falls (Same-Level Falls)
Falls, slips, and trips accounted for
22% of all workplace fatalities in Florida in 2023, according to the BLS. Not all falls involve heights. Many injuries occur due to simple slip or trip hazards, including:
- Wet or uneven surfaces
- Loose tools or construction materials
- Poor lighting in work zones
- Unmarked holes or floor openings
These incidents may seem minor but often result in concussions, broken bones, or serious joint injuries.
Whether working on a major infrastructure project or a smaller residential development, construction workers in Lakeland face serious hazards every day. When accidents happen, they can lead to long-term medical treatment, loss of income, and lasting disability. At Kemp Injury Law, we are here to help injured workers understand their rights and pursue the compensation they need to move forward.
Common Injuries in Lakeland Construction Accidents
Construction sites are inherently dangerous environments, and even with proper safety protocols, accidents can result in severe and lasting injuries. The physical demands of construction work, combined with the presence of heavy machinery, elevated workspaces, and electrical systems, mean that when something goes wrong, the consequences are often serious.
Some of the most common injuries sustained on Lakeland construction sites include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Falls from heights or being struck by falling objects can lead to concussions or more severe brain trauma. TBIs may result in memory loss, impaired motor function, and long-term cognitive challenges.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spine from falls, collapsing structures, or equipment-related accidents can cause partial or complete paralysis. These injuries often require lifelong care and can permanently limit a worker’s mobility and independence.
- Fractures and Broken Bones: Arms, legs, ribs, and hips are particularly vulnerable during falls or crush injuries. Fractures may require surgery, casting, and months of rehabilitation.
- Burns and Electrical Injuries: Exposure to live wires, faulty tools, or flammable chemicals can lead to severe burns, nerve damage, or internal injuries. Electrical accidents can be fatal or leave workers with long-term complications.
- Lacerations and Amputations: Sharp tools and malfunctioning machinery can cause deep cuts, disfigurement, or traumatic amputation of fingers, hands, or limbs, often requiring extensive surgery and prosthetic support.
- Soft Tissue and Joint Injuries: Sprains, strains, and repetitive stress injuries affect muscles, tendons, and ligaments. While sometimes overlooked, these injuries can worsen over time and significantly impact a worker’s ability to perform physically demanding tasks.
Many of these injuries require extensive medical treatment, including emergency care, surgeries, and physical therapy. The recovery process can be financially and emotionally draining, not just for the injured worker but for their entire family. At Kemp Injury Law, we understand the long-term impact of these injuries and are committed to helping you seek the compensation necessary to support your recovery and future well-being. Call us today to see how we can make a difference in your Lakeland construction accident case.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Lakeland Construction Accident?
If you’ve been injured on a construction site in Lakeland, your first thought may be that workers’ compensation is your only option. And while workers’ comp can provide essential benefits like medical treatment and partial wage replacement, it often falls short, especially when the injury is severe or permanently life-altering. Additionally, workers’ comp typically bars employees from suing their direct employer, even when unsafe working conditions contributed to the accident.
However, not all construction site accidents are the sole responsibility of an employer. Many involve third-party negligence, which opens the door to filing a personal injury claim in addition to your workers’ comp benefits. A third-party claim allows you to pursue broader compensation, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, full lost wages, and loss of earning potential, that are not available under Florida’s workers’ compensation system.
Here are some examples of third parties who may be held liable in a Lakeland construction accident:
1. General Contractors and Subcontractors
Construction sites in Lakeland typically involve multiple contractors working together or alongside each other. If a general contractor or subcontractor created unsafe working conditions, failed to follow safety protocols, or did not properly supervise their crew, they may be held liable for resulting injuries. For instance, if a subcontractor left tools or debris in walkways or failed to secure scaffolding, that negligence could directly lead to a fall or a struck-by accident.
2. Property Owners
In some cases, especially on private construction sites or renovation projects, the property owner may be responsible for maintaining safe conditions. If a known hazard, such as unstable flooring, exposed wiring, or hazardous materials, is ignored, and a worker is injured as a result, the owner could be held legally accountable under premises liability laws.
3. Equipment and Tool Manufacturers
Many construction injuries are caused by defective or malfunctioning equipment, such as faulty power tools, collapsing scaffolds, or heavy machinery with defective parts. If the product had a design flaw, manufacturing error, or lacked adequate safety warnings, the manufacturer, or even the distributor, could be held liable under product liability law.
4. Third-Party Vendors and Delivery Drivers
Construction sites often rely on deliveries of materials and supplies. If a third-party vendor, driver, or contractor operates negligently, such as speeding through a job site or improperly unloading materials, they can be held liable for any resulting injuries.
In these situations, pursuing a third-party claim is not only your legal right but often the only way to receive full and fair compensation. These cases can be complex, especially when multiple parties are involved or share fault. At Kemp Injury Law, we conduct thorough investigations to identify all liable parties and build a strong case designed to hold them accountable. If you’ve been injured on a job site in Lakeland, our team is ready to fight for the financial recovery you need to move forward.
Is My Lakeland Construction Accident Covered by Workers' Compensation?
Yes, in most cases, construction workers injured on the job in Lakeland are entitled to file a workers’ compensation claim through their employer’s insurance. Florida law requires most employers in the construction industry to carry workers’ compensation coverage, even if they have just one employee. This system is designed to ensure that injured workers can quickly receive necessary medical treatment and wage replacement benefits without having to prove fault.
What Benefits Does Workers’ Compensation Provide for Lakeland Construction Workers?
If you’ve been injured on a Lakeland construction site, Florida’s workers’ compensation system may offer several key benefits:
- Medical Coverage: This includes emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, medications, and follow-up appointments, so long as they are authorized by the insurance carrier.
- Partial Wage Replacement: Workers typically receive 66 2/3% of their average weekly wage while they are unable to work, up to a weekly maximum set by the state.
- Temporary Total Disability (TTD): If your doctor determines you are unable to work at all during recovery, you may qualify for TTD benefits.
- Temporary Partial Disability (TPD): If you can return to work in a limited capacity but earn less, TPD can make up part of the difference.
- Permanent Impairment Benefits: If your injuries cause lasting limitations, you may receive additional compensation based on a disability rating assigned by your physician.
- Vocational Rehabilitation: For workers unable to return to their previous trade, the system may provide training and job placement assistance.
Workers’ Compensation Is a No-Fault System
One of the primary advantages of Florida’s workers’ comp system is that it’s no-fault. This means that even if the accident was either partially your fault or no one’s fault, you can still qualify for benefits. You do not have to prove your employer acted negligently, which helps expedite the claims process.
The Challenges Workers Often Face
While the system is meant to protect injured workers, many valid claims are delayed, underpaid, or denied by insurance carriers seeking to limit payouts. Some common issues include:
- Disputes over whether the injury occurred on the job
- Arguments that your condition was pre-existing
- Delays in authorizing treatment or selecting doctors
- Pressure to return to work before you’re medically ready
- Confusion around impairment ratings and eligibility for benefits
In severe cases, such as when a worker suffers a permanent disability or can no longer perform construction work, it becomes even more important to ensure you’re receiving the maximum benefits available under Florida law.
If your claim is being challenged or if you're unsure about what benefits you're entitled to, consulting with an experienced Lakeland construction accident attorney can make all the difference. At Kemp Injury Law, we advocate for injured construction workers in Lakeland to help ensure that their rights are protected and that they receive the full compensation they need to recover and move forward.
How Can an Attorney Help After a Lakeland Construction Accident?
After a Lakeland construction site injury, you may be facing costly medical bills, missed paychecks, and pressure from insurance companies, all while trying to recover. A skilled attorney can step in to protect your rights, guide you through the legal process, and ensure you're not taken advantage of.
At Kemp Injury Law, we take a hands-on approach to every case. Our team will:
- Investigate the cause of your accident, collect evidence, and identify all liable parties.
- Assist with your workers’ compensation claim, ensuring paperwork is filed correctly and appealing any unjust denials.
- Pursue third-party claims against contractors, property owners, or equipment manufacturers when appropriate.
- Consult with medical professionals in Lakeland to fully understand the long-term impact of your injuries.
- Negotiate aggressively with insurers to help you secure the full compensation you’re entitled to.
Whether your case resolves through a settlement or requires trial, our goal is always the same: to get you the financial support you need to focus on your recovery and your future.
At Kemp Injury Law, we have experience with all kinds of personal injury cases in Lakeland and throughout Polk County, helping injured victims with:
If you have lost a loved one in a Lakeland construction accident, our team is also available to discuss pursuing a
wrongful death claim. Our team offers compassionate support for our clients every step of the way, helping guide you through challenging times and seeking justice for your loved one.
Contact Kemp Injury Law Today if You've Been Injured in a Lakeland Construction Accident
A serious construction injury in Lakeland can turn your life upside down, leaving you unable to work, facing mounting medical bills, and uncertain about your future. At Kemp Injury Law, we understand how overwhelming this situation can be for both victims and their families, and we’re here to help you take back control.
Whether you’re struggling to get your workers’ compensation benefits or believe a third party may be responsible for your injuries, our Lakeland team will fight to secure the compensation you need to heal and move forward. We’ll handle the legal process so you can focus on your recovery, not paperwork, delays, or denied claims.
If you’ve been hurt on a job site in Lakeland or anywhere in Polk County, don’t wait to get the personalized care and support you deserve.
Call us today to speak with a Lakeland construction accident attorney and discuss your case.
Am I Limited to Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim for My Construction Accident Injuries?
In the State of Florida, an injured worker is limited to benefits under an employer’s workers’ compensation insurance unless one of the following applies:
- The employer’s intentionally wrong conduct caused or contributed to the worker’s injuries.
- A third party’s negligent or wrongful conduct caused or contributed to the accident.
For example, if the negligence of the general contractor, property owner, or equipment manufacturer contributed to the accident that caused your injuries, you may be entitled to pursue additional compensation through a traditional personal injury lawsuit. An experienced Lakeland construction accident lawyer can evaluate the circumstances surrounding the accident and explain your legal options to you.
Get Reliable, Experienced Legal Help with Your Lakeland Construction Accident Case
A construction site accident can leave a victim with lasting injuries or leave survivors to grieve the wrongful death of a family member. Lakeland construction accident lawyer Adam Kemp understands the devastating impact a construction accident can have on everyone involved, which is why he is dedicated to pursuing full and fair compensation for injured victims and family members in the case of a fatal accident. Attorney Kemp leverages the skills honed as an associate at one of America’s leading personal injury firms and as a former prosecuting attorney in his quest for justice for the victims of construction accidents and wrongful death cases.
If you suffered injuries in a Lakeland construction accident or lost a loved one in a fatal construction accident, contact an experienced Lakeland construction accident lawyer at Kemp Personal Injury Law to discuss your legal options. Our mission is to ensure that victims of preventable construction accidents are fully and fairly compensated by the responsible parties. Reach out to our team today for a complimentary initial consultation by calling 863-225-0254 or by filling out our convenient online contact form.
