Excavation is a common construction site activity. Unfortunately, there are many dangers associated with excavation. Due to the power of excavation equipment and the nature of construction sites, injuries resulting from excavation accidents are often catastrophic. If you’ve been injured in an excavation accident in New York, you should contact the experienced excavation accident attorneys of Dell & Dean, PLLC, as soon as possible.
Types of Excavation Accidents
Unfortunately, excavation accidents are common on construction sites. Common types of excavation accidents in New York include the following:
Trench Collapses
When an excavation site’s walls cave in, workers often end up buried in the rubble and suffer severe injuries.
Falls
It is also common for workers on excavation sites to fall and be struck by falling objects. In fact, slip and falls on excavation sites happen at an estimated rate of approximately 32 per 10,000 construction workers.
Equipment Malfunction
Equipment malfunctions during excavation activities can also result in catastrophic injuries to employees. Equipment malfunctions are often due to the failure of employers to perform proper maintenance and inspections.
Fires and Explosions
Excavation activities on construction sites sometimes cause fires and explosions. Sometimes, this is due to improper zoning, which can potentially lead to gas leaks and issues with underground utilities. These types of situations often involve flammable materials, which can pose risks of serious injuries to workers.
Electrocution
Finally, electrocution is another serious type of accident caused by excavation activities. Underground utilities and exposed wires often pose significant hazards to employees on excavation sites, potentially resulting in serious harm to construction workers.
Excavation Accident Causes
Excavation accidents have many possible causes, including:
Overloading
When the load capacity of excavating equipment or trench boxes is exceeded for an excavation project, this increases the risk of equipment failure or collapse.
Lack of Protective Systems
A lack of appropriate sloping, shoring, or benching installation is another common cause of excavation accidents.
Improper Equipment Operation
Insufficient training of employees can result in the misuse of equipment, such as backhoes, excavators, and other machinery, which in turn can result in excavation accidents.
Excavation Near Structures
When excavation work is conducted near preexisting structures, it is important to adhere to zoning regulations and implement protective measures and adequate support systems. Failing to do this could result in trench collapses and structural damage.
Poor Management of Site
Finally, the poor supervision and management of excavation activities increases the likelihood of construction accidents.
Types of Excavation Accident Injuries
Excavation accident injuries are often catastrophic. Fortunately, the victims of excavation accidents may be entitled to significant financial compensation for their injuries by contacting an experienced excavation accident attorney.
Crush Injuries
Being struck by heavy objects or caught in a trench collapse can result in crush injuries. Common crush injuries include broken bones, muscular damage, and neurological damage.
Asphyxiation and Suffocation
Suffocation or asphyxiation sometimes occurs during excavation activities due to exposure to toxic gases or lack of oxygen caused by striking a gas pipeline or being overcome by fumes.
Burns
Contact with hazardous materials or electrocution during excavation activities can result in severe burn injuries.
Amputations
One danger of excavation activities is the possibility of a limb being caught in the moving parts of a machine, which can result in amputation.
Head and Spinal Cord Injuries
When a construction worker is struck on the head by an object during excavation activities, serious head and spinal cord injuries can occur. Such injuries can result in brain damage, paralysis, or even death.
How an Excavation Accident Attorney Can Help
If you’ve been injured in an excavation accident in New York, our experienced lawyers can help you in several ways. When you come to us for help, we will:
- Review the facts of your case
- Identify the responsible parties
- Plan a case strategy
- Value your case
- File all necessary claims and paperwork
- Aggressively seek financial compensation on your behalf
Contact an Excavation Accident Attorney
If you have been hurt in an excavation accident in New York, Dell & Dean, PLLC, is on your side. At Dell & Dean, PLLC, our highly experienced New York excavation accident attorneys will provide you with legal assistance during this difficult time, doing everything in our power to obtain financial compensation on your behalf. Please contact us today to arrange an initial consultation with a talented New York excavation accident attorney.
