Florida Workplace Injuries: Trench Collapse Accident

Trench collapse accidents are some of the most common causes of injury on construction sites. Trenches are typically necessary for installing utility lines, and accidents can occur for many reasons. If you are injured in a trench collapse accident, you should first file a Workers' Compensation claim with your employer and then contact a Jacksonville Workers' Compensation lawyer for further help.

Causes of a Trench Collapse Accident & Injuries

There are safety standards provided by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to regulate the construction, operation and maintenance of trench systems at construction sites. Unfortunately, a failure to comply with these standards can cause a trench collapse accident. Other causes for trench collapse accidents include accidents by other workers and natural occurrences. Injuries sustained in a trench collapse accident while on the jobsite could result in the need to file a Workers' Compensation claim.

Trenches collapse when the supporting walls become unstable and fall into the trench, often trapping or crushing workers inside.

A trench collapse accident can result in serious injuries, including:

• traumatic brain injury (TBI);
• spinal cord trauma;
• broken bones; and
• soft tissue damage.

Utility lines also pose potential hazards to workers, including risk of electrocution, drowning and inhalation of toxic chemicals.

Improper safety measures are normally the cause of a trench collapse accident when the construction crew does not properly dig and secure the trench before workers are allowed access. Workers should be provided with OSHA required safety equipment and trained in the operation of all safety measures. Absence of OSHA compliance is a critical piece of evidence in a Workers' Compensation claim.

Natural occurrences can also contribute to a trench collapse accident, even with proper creation and protection of the trench. Mudslides, flash floods, sinkholes and other hazardous natural occurrences cannot be prevented, but the employer should take care to cease construction in the face of poor conditions.

Filing a Workers' Compensation Claim After a Trench Collapse Accident

When you sustain serious injury from a trench collapse accident, you will most likely be faced with medical bills, lost wages because of your inability to work, and in some cases even permanent disability. You are also eligible to claim damages related to the pain and suffering you endured from your accident.

A Workers' Compensation claim is your answer to obtaining a settlement to provide for financial stresses. To file a successful Workers' Compensation claim, you first must notify your employer. In cases where you are unfairly denied or given the run-around, contact a Jacksonville Workers' Compensation attorney who understands workplace injuries in Florida.

Your Workers' Compensation claim will benefit greatly from good evidence of your trench collapse accident, including medical reports, photographs of the site and witness testimony. The more documentation you provide for your claim, the better your chances for a favorable settlement.

Contacting a Jacksonville Workers' Compensation Attorney

A Jacksonville Workers' Compensation attorney from Sullivan & Hepler can help you to develop a solid case for your Florida Workers' Compensation claim. To get started with your claim, contact us today at 904-384-8808 or 800-295-4193.