What makes these materials so dangerous?
Construction accidents often occur in California. In fact, the construction industry in California has one of the highest fatality and injury rates of any industry in the state. In 2022, for example, construction accidents that resulted in an injury or fatality were the third highest of any industry in the state, according to workplace accident data compiled by the State of California.
But did you know that many construction injuries and illnesses in California involve concrete and cement? California construction accident attorney at Robert A. McLaughlin, APC in San Diego explains.
Concrete vs. Cement
First, it’s important to understand the difference between cement and concrete. Cement is an ingredient used to make concrete. And to make cement, you often need at least limestone and clay.
However, other materials and components are often used to make cement and concrete. Many of these components, such as silica and iron oxide, can be potentially hazardous chemicals. If these components are not handled carefully, construction workers can sustain serious injuries.
Common injuries involving cement and concrete
As briefly explained above, many construction accident injuries or illnesses involving concrete or cement involve exposure to harmful components. Examples include:
- Lung cancer and other respiratory illnesses caused by inhaling dust, silica, and other hazardous chemicals.
- Eye injuries due to dangerous particles getting into someone’s eyes.
- Chemical burns caused by hazardous materials in cement or concrete coming into direct contact with a construction worker’s skin.
- Back injuries and spinal cord injuries caused by lifting or moving concrete or cement, which can be extremely heavy.
- Bone fractures and broken bones caused by concrete or cement falling onto a construction worker at a construction site.
- Head injuries, including skull fractures or traumatic brain injuries, caused by slipping, tripping, or falling due to wet cement or unmarked hazards involving concrete.
Causes of accidents involving concrete or cement
In general, construction accidents involving concrete or cement fall into two categories:
- Injuries and illnesses due to long-term exposure to hazardous chemicals.
- Single accidents that cause such injuries, especially in cases involving bone fractures and eye injuries.
In either case, cement and concrete injuries or illnesses often occur due to the negligence of another party. Examples of construction company negligence involving cement or concrete include:
- Not providing construction workers with safety equipment, such as respirators, protective eyewear, and gloves.
- Not training construction workers on how to safely use cement or concrete.
- Using poor quality concrete or defective cement, resulting in a building collapse or another cement-related accident.
- Not clearly marking dangerous chemicals or unmarked hazards at construction sites.
- Not having a safety plan in place for how to deal with a construction accident involving concrete or cement.
Seeking legal help after a construction accident
Construction accidents involving concrete or cement in California can quickly become complicated legal cases. This is because several at-fault parties may be involved, including the construction company, the company that manufactured the cement, or the party that mixed the concrete or cement at the construction site. In many cases, those responsible for the accident will deny doing anything wrong. As a result, you might have a hard time getting the financial compensation you rightfully deserve for your injuries.
Whatever the circumstances of your work injury or illness, Robert A. McLaughlin, APC can help you every step of the way. Our law firm understands how challenging these legal cases can be for injured construction workers. We want to work with you to create the strongest possible injury claim or lawsuit so you can focus on healing.
Get a law firm that knows what to do if you get hurt at work. Contact us and schedule a free case review with a California construction accident attorney ready to build a strong legal case for you. We have three California office locations in San Diego, Chula Vista, and Temecula.