The U.S. Department of Labor recently released the numbers for construction fatality accidents from 2018. The DOL reported 101 fatalities for that year in Florida, an increase from 78 in 2017 and 2016, 68 in 2015 and 63 in 2014. In 2011 there were just 42 construction fatalities, meaning fatality rates for the construction industry in the state have increased by 140 percent since 2011.
The increase in construction accident deaths over these three years can be attributed in part to a construction boom in Florida. Here are some specific statistics from 2018:
- 40 accidents were a result of slips, trips or falls, including 38 falls from a height to a lower level, nine of which were falls through a surface or opening.
- 23 accidents were transportation-related, including nine that involved pedestrians. The rest involved only vehicles.
- 20 fatalities were a result of exposure to harmful substances or environments, including 13 that were a result of exposure to electricity.
- 13 fatalities were caused by contact with equipment or objects, including five people who were killed by falling objects on construction sites.
- 3 fatalities were a result of fires or explosions on construction sites.
- 2 fatalities were officially ruled homicides.
The families of victims of fatal accidents have two legal options: file a worker’s compensation claim or a wrongful death lawsuit. A wrongful death case is only an option if there is a legitimate chance the death was a result of another person or entity’s negligence. Workers’ compensation is an option for if the victim was liable for their own accident, or if no one was liable at all.
For more information about the common causes of construction accidents and the legal avenues available to you if you have been injured in one, contact an experienced Bradenton, FL personal injury lawyer at Goldman, Babboni, Fernandez & Walsh.