Connecticut Workers’ Compensation & Heavy Machinery Accidents
Construction accidents involving heavy machinery are not the most frequently occurring, but they are often some of the most severe, simply because of the long-term, potentially life-changing nature of the injuries they can cause. Overall, the construction industry is one of the most dangerous in the United States, and if a construction worker is injured on the job, they will almost always be eligible to recover workers’ compensation. If you have been injured on a construction job, it is a good idea to consult an attorney to ensure that your claim is compensable.
It is not uncommon for construction sites to be dangerous places; in 2021 (the most recent available year of data), 5 of the top 10 most common violations on the Occupational Health & Safety Administration (OSHA) list were from the construction industry. In Connecticut, every employer (with very rare exceptions) is required to carry workers’ compensation insurance if they have one or more employees.
Accidents involving heavy machinery are common, most often seen in the “struck-by” type of collision when a worker is struck by a driven vehicle. Another type of accident that can involve machinery is that which happens when an employee accidentally encounters a working vehicle – for example, if a driver makes a wrong turn and their vehicle is struck by a paver or other machine used for road work. As one might imagine, these accidents can be extremely serious or even fatal.
If you have been involved in this type of accident on the job, it is important to be aware of who caused your injuries specifically. Connecticut law does not allow a worker to file suit against their employer for a work injury, even if they were negligent, because workers’ compensation is intended to be an employee’s “exclusive remedy” for injuries or harm. However, if you were harmed because of a third party’s negligence, you may be able to file suit against them and recover compensation – no ‘bargain’ exists between an employee and the third party, only the employee and employer.
Contact A Stratford, CT Workers’ Compensation Attorney
The Connecticut workers’ compensation process can be time-consuming or even confusing, and if this is happening to you, contacting a knowledgeable attorney to get your questions answered can make all the difference. A Stratford workers’ compensation attorney from the Morizio Law Firm can help. Contact our office today at 475-338-3505 for a free consultation.
Sources:
osha.gov/data/commonstats
codes.findlaw.com/ct/title-31-labor/ct-gen-st-sect-31-275/
