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Construction Accidents And Paraplegia

The construction industry is one that is fraught with danger and peril. There are a number of different ways that construction workers can be injured on the job site. Companies have tried to offset this through the use of safety training but even the best training doesn't prevent all accidents.

Making real the consequences of accidents can also deter slipshod workmanship, preventing accidents caused by carelessness. It has been shown through research that people who are aware of the consequences that may befall them in the event of a work-related accident are less likely to make careless mistakes or have lapses in concentration levels on the job.

However, accidents, by nature of being accidents, are often unpreventable, and will occur at any site. And while taking preventative measures is important, it's equally important that you are prepared for what to do after they happen. Workplace accidents can lead to many different injuries. One of the most severe of these is a condition known as paraplegia.

Paraplegia
Paraplegia is a condition whereby a person permanently loses the use of their leg muscles. Paraplegics have to navigate and travel around to different places through the use of a wheel chair. Paraplegia is usually the result of some kind of brain or spinal chord damage and where the damage is specifically located determines whether the person becomes paraplegic or quadriplegic unable to use their legs and arms.

Construction Accidents and Paraplegia
Here are the two most likely accidents that would result in injury to the brain or spinal cord:

Head First Fall: Construction workers are often required to work in areas where the risk of a fall is great even if they are careful. Regulations require most workers to wear hard hats most of the time, in an effort to prevent head injuries. Harnesses and improved safety devices on scaffolding, ladders, or any raised areas can also lessen the number of on-site injuries. However, a fall with enough impact can still cause non-fatal brain or spinal cord damage event with the use of proper safety equipment which can result in paraplegia.

Head Impact Injury: During the course of construction work, head trauma may also occur, as materials are moved, trucks and other vehicles are used, or any number of other scenarios occur. Any time there is trauma to the head or spine, there is a risk of paraplegia.

Legalities
If you're involved in an accident, there are a few steps you need to take to make sure you are compensated for losses. Workers' compensation is available for most on-site injuries, and an attorney might be able to help you file suit and collect damages from the liable party, making sure you recover lost wages, medical costs, and any other expenses you incurred because of your accident.

It is important that the cause of the accident is determined. Was it the result of unsafe working conditions? If the answer is yes, you might want to consider suing your employee for negligence. It is entirely possible that this accident and your injury could have been prevented, and you deserve compensation for your losses.

Contact a lawyer and discuss the situation with them in great detail. A lawyer will be able to help you through this difficult period in your life by telling you exactly what your options are as well as what they believe you should do given the current situation you are in. Heed this advice carefully when considering your next step, as the outcome of your case might rest on your choice of legal counsel.