Broken Bones on a Construction Site
Construction sites are some of the most dangerous workplaces in the United States, and New York City is no exception. Workers face daily hazards, including heavy machinery, high elevations, falling objects, and unsafe working conditions.
Among the most common and serious injuries suffered on construction sites are broken bones, which can lead to long-term disabilities, lost wages, pain and suffering, and costly medical treatments. In many cases, these injuries result from employer negligence, violations of safety protocols, or faulty equipment. When a construction worker suffers a broken bone due to unsafe conditions, they need a highly skilled construction accident lawyer to recover the full compensation they are entitled to.
"The Bull" Fights for Injured Construction Workers
Michael S. Lamonsoff, a leading New York construction accident attorney, has built a reputation for aggressively taking on insurance companies and negligent employers. Often called upon by top media outlets for his legal insights, he is known for his no-nonsense approach in and out of the courtroom. Clients refer to him as "The Bull" because he never stops fighting for injured workers.
Lamonsoff has assembled a team of aggressive attorneys, knowledgeable paralegals, and industry experts to take on powerful insurance companies and construction firms that try to evade responsibility. His firm also offers support in multiple languages, including Portuguese and Spanish, ensuring that every injured worker has access to top-tier legal representation. If you have suffered a broken bone injury on a construction site, Michael Lamonsoff and his team will not stop until you receive maximum compensation.
Types of Broken Bone Injuries in Construction Accidents
Not all fractures are the same, and the severity of a broken bone can significantly impact a worker’s ability to return to their job. Construction workers face a high risk of severe fractures due to the physically demanding and hazardous nature of their job. Below are the most serious types of fractures that construction workers may suffer:
Compound Fractures – Also known as open fractures, these occur when a bone breaks through the skin, leading to a high risk of infection. The exposure of the bone makes these injuries particularly dangerous, often requiring immediate surgery and antibiotic treatment.
Comminuted Fractures – The bone shatters into multiple fragments, making treatment complicated. These injuries frequently require surgical intervention, including the use of metal plates, rods, or screws to stabilize the bone. Recovery time is extensive, usually requiring months of physical therapy and rehabilitation.
Displaced Fractures – When a bone breaks and moves out of alignment, it often necessitates surgical intervention to realign and secure the bone. Failing to properly treat a displaced fracture can result in long-term mobility issues and chronic pain.
Stress Fractures – Small cracks in the bone caused by repetitive force or overuse are common in construction workers who perform repetitive tasks such as jackhammering, drilling, or carrying heavy loads. These fractures may not be immediately apparent but can worsen over time if left untreated.
Spiral Fractures – A break caused by a twisting force, frequently seen in falls or machinery accidents. These injuries can be particularly challenging to heal due to the nature of the break, often requiring surgical fixation.
Crush Fractures – Occur when bones are crushed under heavy objects, leading to permanent deformities or even amputations in severe cases. Crush injuries can cause complications such as compartment syndrome, where pressure builds up in the muscles, cutting off blood flow and requiring emergency surgery.
Pelvic and Hip Fractures – Particularly dangerous for workers, as they often require long-term rehabilitation and can lead to permanent disability. These fractures may necessitate multiple surgeries and prolonged periods of immobility, severely impacting a worker’s ability to return to their job.
Causes of Broken Bone Injuries on Construction Sites
Construction workers are at constant risk of suffering broken bones due to a variety of hazards present on job sites. The following are some of the most common causes of serious fractures:
- Falls from Heights – Falls from scaffolding, ladders, or roofs are among the leading causes of broken bones on construction sites. These falls can result in fractures of the spine, legs, arms, or skull, often requiring extensive medical treatment.
- Falling Objects – Tools, debris, or materials falling from above can cause serious fractures, especially when they strike the head, shoulders, or limbs. Despite safety protocols requiring hard hats, the force of impact can still lead to severe injuries.
- Slip and Fall Accidents – Uneven surfaces, wet floors, and improperly maintained walkways and stairways contribute to falls that result in broken bones. Construction sites are generally littered with hazards that increase the risk of slips and trips, leading to fractured wrists, ankles, or hips.
- Heavy Machinery Accidents – Forklifts, cranes, and bulldozers can cause crushing fractures if a worker is pinned or struck by heavy equipment. Improper operation, lack of training, or mechanical malfunctions can all contribute to these serious incidents.
- Trench Collapses – When trenches collapse, workers can suffer multiple fractures due to the immense weight of dirt and debris. These accidents are particularly dangerous, often trapping workers under thousands of pounds of material, leading to severe trauma.
- Vehicle Accidents – Construction vehicles moving through sites can hit or run over workers, leading to severe fractures. Large trucks, dump trucks, and backhoes pose significant risks, especially in congested work areas with limited visibility.
- Defective Equipment – Malfunctioning tools, safety harnesses, or scaffolding can cause accidents resulting in broken bones. Equipment failure can result from manufacturing defects, improper maintenance, or wear and tear, making regular inspections and adherence to safety protocols essential.
Broken bones on construction sites can have life-altering consequences, leading to lost wages, extensive medical bills, and permanent disabilities. Awareness of the severity of these injuries and the common hazards that cause them is vital for workers. Legal action may be necessary to ensure injured workers receive financial compensation to cover their medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.
OSHA Safety Laws to Prevent Broken Bone Injuries
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has strict regulations to prevent injuries on construction sites. Employers are required to follow these guidelines to reduce the risk of broken bones and other injuries:
Fall Protection
Falls from heights are one of the leading causes of broken bones in construction. OSHA mandates that employers provide fall protection systems, such as safety harnesses, guardrails, and safety netting, for workers operating at heights above six feet. Employers must also train workers on proper harness usage and ensure fall arrest systems are regularly inspected.
Scaffold Safety Standards
Scaffolding collapses can result in devastating injuries, including multiple fractures. OSHA requires that all scaffolding be properly designed, installed, and maintained. Scaffolds must be capable of supporting at least four times the maximum intended load, and guardrails must be installed to prevent falls. Regular inspections are also mandated to identify structural weaknesses.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Protective gear is essential for minimizing injury risks. OSHA requires employers provide workers with personal protective equipment (PPE), including hard hats to protect against falling objects, steel-toed boots to prevent crush injuries, and gloves to reduce hand fractures. PPE must be properly maintained and replaced as needed.
Hazard Communication
Many construction injuries occur due to a lack of awareness of workplace hazards. OSHA mandates that all hazardous areas be clearly marked with warning signs. Employers must provide hazard communication training to ensure workers can identify risks and follow safety protocols to prevent accidents.
Trench Safety Regulations
Trench collapses can bury workers under thousands of pounds of soil, leading to severe fractures or fatalities. OSHA requires that trenches deeper than five feet have protective systems such as trench boxes, sloping, or shoring to prevent collapses. Employers must also provide safe entry and exit points.
Equipment Maintenance
Defective or poorly maintained machinery is a major cause of construction injuries. OSHA mandates routine inspections and maintenance of heavy equipment, including cranes, forklifts, and power tools, to prevent mechanical failures that could lead to broken bones.
Housekeeping Standards
A cluttered work environment increases the likelihood of slip and fall accidents, a leading cause of fractures. OSHA requires that work areas be kept clean and free of debris, spills, or unsecured tools to reduce tripping hazards.
By enforcing these OSHA regulations, construction companies can significantly reduce the risk of broken bone injuries and create a safer work environment for all employees.
Choose Our Top-Rated Construction Accident Attorney for Your Broken Bone Injury Claim
Broken bones on construction sites can have devastating consequences, leaving workers with long-term pain, financial struggles, and uncertainty about their future. If you or a loved one has suffered a broken bone due to a construction site accident, you need an aggressive and experienced lawyer to fight for your rights.
Michael S. Lamonsoff, "The Bull," has a proven track record of securing maximum compensation for injured workers. His high-powered litigation strategy and refusal to back down against powerful insurance companies make him the best choice for your case. Don’t let negligent employers and insurers dictate the outcome of your claim—reach out to the Law Offices of Michael S. Lamonsoff today. To schedule your free consultation, call us at 212-962-1020 or fill out this online contact form.