Construction job sites are rarely more perilous than when they include a trench or excavation project. When you’re working in an excavation or trench, you deserve to know your safety is a priority on the job site. The potential for injuries is high when site managers or subcontractors fail to implement OSHA-mandated safety measures for worker protection.
If you’ve been hurt in a trenching or excavation accident, you may be facing substantial bills and expenses, wondering how you can provide for your family while you’re off work and recovering from your injuries. You may have legal options to receive compensation for your missed work, medical expenses, and pain and suffering. Corban Gunn has been representing Mississippi victims of construction site accidents for years, and can help you get the money you need to provide for your family while you get back on your feet after a workplace accident. Contact his office today to discuss your options for recovery.
Common sources of trench and excavation accident injury
There are numerous sources of danger when working on a trench-digging or excavation job. Project managers must take care to ensure that excavation walls are at the proper angle to avoid collapse, and that appropriate reinforcements are used to keep trench walls from collapsing. Additionally, workers who have not been provided with utility plans and maps may unwittingly strike power lines or pipes when digging. Objects or excavated soil allowed to remain too near the opening of a trench can fall in or place pressure on fragile trench walls, causing them to collapse.
Injuries can include:
- Suffocation under soil
- Head impact injuries from falling objects
- Electrocution from contact with utility lines
- Asphyxiation or inhalation of toxic fumes while working in enclosed spaces
Workers’ Compensation isn’t always enough
Getting hurt at work can leave you struggling to provide for your family. While you may be eligible to receive Workers’ Compensation payments, these benefits provide only a portion of the wages you could’ve been making, had you been able to keep working. Under the Workers’ Compensation system, employees are generally unable to make a legal claim directly against a negligent employer. However, if there is some other reason that worker was injured, such as a faultily-manufactured piece of safety equipment, or defective trench wall reinforcements provided by an independent contractor, then that employee may be eligible to file a claim against that third party for the costs of their injuries and lost work.
Help is Available for Serious Gulfport & Biloxi Construction Site Accidents
You deserve to be compensated fully for all your expenses relating to a workplace injury. Corban Gunn has the legal knowledge, experience, and determination to help you receive that compensation, and to care for your family and yourself after an accident. From anywhere in the Gulf Coast region of Mississippi, including Biloxi, Gulfport, Gautier, Pass Christian, and Saucier, contact the law office of Corban Gunn for a consultation on your case, at 228.284.6805.
