It seems as though there are always roadways here in Texas under construction. The situation can be inconvenient and frustrating as a driver as you navigate through cones, barriers and more. However, as one of the people working on the roadway, you are incredibly vulnerable to injury — not just from the equipment and construction vehicles but also from those motorists trying to get through the construction zone.
Fatalities in your line of work are a very real danger. The problem is so prevalent that several federal agencies gather information regarding deaths of road construction workers over the years. A review of some of that information could help you identify where your risk is highest.
The numbers aren’t good
The bulk of the data analyzed looks at accidents involving fatalities of road construction workers from 2003 through 2017. The information below comes from that data:
Even if your employer provides you with all of the safety equipment and training available, it’s nearly impossible to account for bad drivers. You could escape harm from construction equipment and vehicles, but one driver who fails to consider your safety in a road construction zone could cause you significant harm. Your injuries could keep you from working for some time and you may need extensive medical care.
As you recover from your injuries, your thoughts turn to how you will support yourself and your family during this time. You expect workers’ compensation benefits to be there without question, but that isn’t always the case. Insurance companies work hard to find a reason to deny your claim, but fortunately, you can appeal that decision. You could also work with an attorney from the start in order to increase your chances of receiving benefits as soon as possible and to explore whether you also have a third party claim.