Most people are generally aware that construction work is one of the most high-risk professions. Construction workers are regularly exposed to various hazards ranging from operating heavy machinery to operating at high elevations.
Accidents at a construction site can result in catastrophic consequences. Unfortunately, some injuries are so severe that they result in permanent disabilities. Such injuries can affect a worker’s ability to continue in their chosen profession and dramatically alter their quality of life. Construction workers should be aware of the types of construction injuries that may result in permanent disabilities so that they can approach their work in more informed ways.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
TBIs are one of the most devastating construction-related injuries, which can result in permanent disabilities. TBIs can occur when a construction worker:
- Gets struck by a falling object
- Falls from a height
- Suffers a blow to the head due to a construction-related accident
These injuries can interfere with the communication channels in the brain and result in:
- Cognitive impairments
- Memory loss
- Speech difficulties
- Paralysis
In severe cases, a TBI may require lifelong care and rehabilitation, leaving the construction worker permanently disabled and unable to work.
Spinal Cord Injuries (SCIs)
Spinal cord injuries are another catastrophic group of injuries that workers can sustain at construction sites. Workers may injure their spinal cord if they fall from:
- Scaffolding
- Ladders
- Roofs
These injuries can also result from the spinal cord being struck and damaged by heavy machinery. SCIs may result in:
- Partial or complete paralysis
- Loss of motor function
- Chronic pain
These injuries can lead to permanent disability, preventing the injured person from performing physical labor and even impacting their ability to engage in everyday activities.
Construction workers who sustain permanent disabilities from a work-related accident may wonder how to make ends meet. With the guidance of a compassionate legal group, such workers can access the guidance they need when applying for workers’ compensation.