Construction workers belong to one of the most vulnerable groups for back injuries and neck injuries. The list of jobs that put people at risk of injury is extensive and those operating in this industry may suffer accidents or occupational diseases on a daily basis due to the physical demands of their work.
In this regard, many construction workers are prone to back and neck injuries that can last for weeks, months, years or even a lifetime, especially if they are involved in heavy activities, frequent twisting, overexertion or handling industrial machinery and vehicles. But there is a lot to know about it.
What is a back and neck injury: Types and seriousness
In this category, different types of injuries are listed, but the most common are:
Whiplash
Also known as neck strain, this is the most common spinal injury. Depending on its severity, whiplash can cause loss of spinal mobility, associated neurological disorders such as muscle pain and vertebral fractures, permanently disabling those who perform physically demanding work, such as construction workers.
This injury is usually caused by rear-end accidents or collisions that suddenly push a person’s neck forward faster than the body, generating a “whiplash” motion in the cervical vertebrae and causing injuries that affect the neck muscles, ligaments, cervical spine and soft tissues of the neck.
Whiplash, whose injuries affect the neck muscles, ligaments, cervical spine and soft tissues of the neck, can range from mild to severe and its symptoms include headaches, fatigue, reduced mobility, numbness or blurred vision.
Lumbar spine or low back injury
In the lumbar region of the spine that supports the weight of the human body, there are five large vertebrae supported by the musculature of the hips, lower back and abdomen. Injuries that occur in this area, usually referred to as sprains or strains, stretch or damage these important muscles.
A worker suffering from this injury may experience pain in the area, swelling and tenderness. In addition, symptoms may interfere with movement and limit the ability to perform daily activities.
Thoracic spine injuries (mid-back, chest and rib area)
Other common back injuries are to the thoracic spine and are often severe, resulting in permanent nerve damage in some cases. These injuries usually occur when the body suffers high-energy impacts from the forehead, back or crushing.
Injuries can range from mild to moderate, including symptoms such as sudden change in posture, stiffness, reduced range of motion, numbness, weakness and pain in the ribs, neck, legs, arms or fingers.
Spinal cord injuries
The most serious and costly injuries include those involving the spinal cord. Generally, these injuries result from traumatic blows that cause severe damage to vertebrae, spinal discs, ligaments or directly to the spinal cord.
Some of the symptoms that can occur are severe pain and, in the worst cases, total or partial paralysis. In addition, spinal injuries can lead to medical complications and require serious or high-risk surgery.
Herniated disc
Herniated discs in the spine are also among the most common group of injuries. Herniated, ruptured or deviated discs occur when the soft space ruptures or when a disc shifts or moves and puts pressure on nerves or nerve endings.
In terms of severity, herniated discs can cause low intensity pain or debilitating shooting and stabbing pain. In addition, sufferers may experience muscle weakness, tingling and burning sensations.
Other common injuries
In addition to the five neck and back injuries already mentioned, other types of injuries due to accidents at work may include:
- Fractured vertebrae
- Neck sprain
- Cervical fractures
- Cervical dislocation
- Muscle tension
- Spondylolisthesis
- Cervical radiculopathy
- Spinal stenosis
Most common back and neck injuries in construction workers
Employees of construction companies or companies working in construction areas must be aware of the dangers present in their workplace as the slightest mistake can result in drastic consequences and disability.
In the worst cases, construction workers can suffer permanent back or neck injuries following an occupational accident. The most common injuries usually result from:
- Strikes by falling objects: The victim may be injured by tools or debris and the momentum of the falling object can result in severe or fatal injuries.
- Tripping, falling and slipping accidents: These are among the most common accidents and can be disabling or fatal.
- Falls from scaffolding and ladders: When falling from heights, workers can suffer severe back and neck injuries.
- Accidents involving machinery: Workers can be injured if there is negligence in the operation of the machinery, with accidents including being struck, crushed, among others.
Compensation for damages: How long should I wait to contact lawyers?
If you have suffered an accident or have been injured while performing work activities, it is important to seek medical attention and legal help as soon as possible. Early diagnosis is essential to determine the extent of the injury and to identify the basis of the legal claim for compensation.
By knowing the extent and severity of your injury, experts will be able to stipulate your needs for treatment, medication, rest and other essential aspects of the compensation and recovery process.
In addition, medical examinations and tests can provide specific information for the treatment of injuries caused by construction incidents and for claims for compensation for occupational injuries or illnesses, especially if you are considering a lawsuit.
In some cases, lawyers will need access to the scene of the accident to collect evidence that may be critical to their case, usually requiring them to request plans, permits and other documents within a reasonable time after the injury occurred.
If you believe you need legal assistance or information for workplace injuries, illnesses or injuries, schedule your consultation with construction accident lawyers.
Why people’s lawyers are the best choice for this type of injury.
Gorayeb, The People’s Attorneys can provide you with the help you need to pursue workers’ compensation claims if you are a construction worker who has suffered an accident. Gorayeb assists you with coordinating your medical treatment and finding the appropriate specialist for your injuries. In addition, he also assists you in coordinating transportation to your medical appointments.
Gorayeb, The People’s Attorneys specialize in construction accidents and enforce your rights regardless of your immigration status. If you or someone you know has been injured on a construction site, call Gorayeb & Associates, at 212-267-GANE for a free consultation. We are here to defend you.
If you or someone you know has been injured on a construction site call Gorayeb & Associates at 646-906-9897 for a free consultation.
