Pedestrian Construction Accidents

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Construction sites pose many dangers to its workers, including falling objects, moving machinery, loose debris, and collapses. The construction industry is often cited as one of the most dangerous industries to work in, and the threat of accidents and severe injury is always present. This danger is also apparent for pedestrians or innocent bystanders who may be required to travel near a construction site in order to get to their destinations. Each year, upwards of 100 pedestrians are killed in the United States due to accidents occurring at construction sites, and many more are seriously injured. The most common cause of pedestrian injury is due to a falling object, which is almost always the result of negligence on the part of the construction worker or the employer. It is inevitable that some construction projects will take place in a highly populated area where people will be walking. Therefore, all construction projects are required by law to take into account the safety of pedestrians and bystanders in order to avoid injury.

If you have been injured near a construction project due to an on-site accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Please contact our Boston personal injury lawyers in one of our Boston, Cambridge, or Quincy offices today at 617-225-2100 for a FREE evaluation of your case.

Workers’ Compensation Or Personal Injury?

If you are injured in an accident while working at a construction site, then you will likely file a Workers’ Compensation claim with your employer. Please see our Construction Accidents page for more information on the various types of accidents and resulting civil suits that can follow. On the other hand, a pedestrian or innocent bystander who is injured in a construction accident will likely file a personal injury claim, which often includes negligent actions on the part of a construction worker or product liability on the part of the manufacturer.

Negligent actions at a construction site may lead to injuries. The responsibility falls on all parties, including the construction workers, contractor, subcontractor, and property owner to insure that all pedestrians are not in any danger. There should be signs clearly stating the presence of construction work and warnings on entrances indicating that only workers with construction hard hats are allowed inside. Fencing off the entire construction zone is another way to protect the public. The workers must then keep all cranes and other machines elevating materials inside the fenced-in area, such that if something were to fall, there would be no risk to the public below. Pedestrians must be able to walk safely around heavy machinery and materials. Often, the presence of a police officer performing traffic detail is required around heavy machinery, to assist vehicles and pedestrians in navigating the area safely. Failure to adhere to these guidelines may be evidence of negligence and can open the construction site up to liability for severe injuries to pedestrians.

Causes Of Injuries

Most pedestrian construction accidents occur when a bystander is struck by a falling object, such as a tool, a nail, or a piece of wood. Another common accident takes place when a bystander is struck by a construction vehicle such as a crane or truck. More often than not, these injuries are avoidable, and are the result of negligent actions. If you were injured in a construction accident, our lawyers will examine all details of the case to work towards compensating you for medical bills, pain and suffering, lost income, and more.

Contact the experienced Boston personal injury attorneys at Bellotti Law Group, P.C. to discuss your options and for a free, no obligation consultation at 617-225-2100.