Pedestrian Accidents Near Construction Zones
Although most pedestrian accidents occur with motor vehicles, many other threats can affect pedestrians. For example, poor property maintenance can result in slip and fall accidents that may cause serious injuries. Construction zones are also hazardous for pedestrians. Building and maintenance work can be extremely dangerous to those working in those areas and for pedestrians traveling nearby.
Common Construction Zone Accidents that Involve Pedestrians
Construction and maintenance zones often require the use of heavy equipment and machinery. Equipment often poses a threat to anyone nearby, including pedestrians. Pedestrians most often receive injuries in the following situations.
- Crane and forklift accidents
- Slips and falls
- Falling objects
- Accidents that involve ladders and scaffolds
- Electrocutions
- Exposure to toxic substances
Of course some accidents occur because a pedestrian is traveling in a construction zone where he or she should not be. However, pedestrian accidents also happen when someone is simply walking by a zoned off construction area.
Legal Liability to Pedestrians Near Construction Zones
Sometimes it is difficult to determine who has the legal obligation to maintain a construction site. However, either the property owner or general contractor is usually responsible. Whoever it may be must ensure that they take precautions to make the construction site and the surrounding area safe for both workers and passersby. A failure to meet this legal obligation can result in the responsible party being responsible for pedestrian injuries.
Perhaps the best evidence of a property owner’s inability to fulfill their legal duty is a showing that the person responsible for the area did not comply with federal or state safety requirements. For example, many construction zones are specifically required to be zoned off so that pedestrians cannot walk through the area unknowingly. If this type of barrier is not implemented, it could be a violation of federal or state law.
Even in situations where the property owner has not violated any particular law, he or she may still have legal liability. The general contractor may also share this responsibility where the sloppiness or carelessness of their employees or workers resulted in the pedestrian’s injury. Even the individual who manufactures or maintains equipment may be partially at fault if a mechanical failure caused the injury.
Types of Injuries in Pedestrian Construction Accidents
You may be entitled to compensation if you have suffered damages as a result of being near a construction zone. Common injuries that may occur in these situations include:
- Head and brain trauma (traumatic brain injury or TBI)
- Burns
- Broken bones
- Lacerations or cuts
- Internal damage
- Spinal cord trauma
It is not uncommon to incur significant medical expenses after an injury in a construction zone. You may also face other damages such as lost wages, long-term disability, and even mental anguish. The pain and suffering alone with severe injuries can be debilitating.
If you are a loved one has been involved in a pedestrian accident in a construction zone or near a work area, you may be entitled to compensation related to your injuries. Find out more by contacting Williams Elleby Howard & Easter LLC today at 833 – LEGALGA.
