As the weather begins to warm up for the spring and summer seasons, new construction, city projects and home renovations are all about to start up again in earnest. Throughout Pennsylvania, new buildings will be going up, winter damage to highways will be repaired and homeowners will begin serious renovation and remodel projects. Unfortunately, the activity can lead to risk of serious injury.
Construction workers face danger during every shift of every project no matter the scope. Even a simple drywall repair can lead to toxic inhalation, falling material and slip-and-fall injuries. Serious impact to the head, neck and back, however, can lead to the loss of sensation or muscle control to various parts of the body. This condition is referred to as paralysis and there are numerous types, including:
- Monoplegia: This type of paralysis generally only affects one arm or leg.
- Hemiplegia: This type of paralysis affects one arm and one leg on the same side of the body.
- Paraplegia: This type of paralysis affects both legs.
- Quadriplegia: Also called tetraplegia, this type of paralysis affects both arms and both legs.
Based on the type of damage and the position on the spinal cord, the paralysis could be either temporary or permanent. Additionally, the internal organs could be impacted by the injury as well as the limbs.
Workers need to exercise caution when working on ladders, on scaffolding or in areas where heavy tools or machinery are stored high overhead. In addition, supervisors and managers must provide the appropriate safety equipment such as harnesses and helmets to keep workers safe.
If you or a loved one was injured in a construction accident, do not hesitate to discuss your case with a legal professional. Based on your accident and injuries, you might be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits as well as monetary compensation from a third-party liability personal injury claim.