Construction Injury and Fatality Statistics

Construction is one of the most important industries in Texas, employing nearly 700,000 people and contributing over $100 billion to the state’s economy every year. However, construction is the most dangerous industry in America, with thousands of injuries and hundreds of worker deaths every year. Construction injury and fatality statistics reveal the severe consequences of construction accidents, and workers need to know their rights if they have been injured on the job. 

How Common are Construction Fatalities?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 4,764 people died due to on-the-job injuries in 2020. Workers in transportation, material moving, construction, and extraction accounted for nearly half of all fatal occupational injuries, more than all other industries combined. The occupations with the most fatal injuries were:

• Fishing and hunting
• Logging
• Roofers
• Construction helpers and assistants
• Aircraft pilots and flight engineers
• Refuse and recyclable collection
• Structural iron and steel workers
• Drivers and truck drivers

In Texas, the construction industry accounted for 127 worker deaths in 2020. Construction fatality statistics in Texas show that deaths were due to:

• Transportation incidents: 43
• Falls, slips, and trips: 37
• Contact with objects and equipment: 21
• Exposure to harmful substances or environments: 19

The most fatal Texas construction occupations are:

• Specialty trade contractors
• Heavy and civil engineering construction
• Foundation, structure, and building exterior contractors
• Building equipment contractors
• General building construction

The construction industry relies on the use of “heavy equipment”, which can be another source of accidents and injury. According to heavy equipment accident statistics, the three most common causes of heavy equipment fatalities are:

1. Worker behind heavy vehicle as it backed up
2. Falling while getting on or off of machinery
3. Getting pinned between a wall and a piece of machinery

What are the Most Common Construction Accident Injuries?

The most recent construction injury statistics reported by The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicate that the most common non-fatal construction accident injuries are:

• Sprains, strains, and tears: 4,290
• All other injuries: 3,230
• Soreness and pain: 2,830
• Fractures: 2,580
• Cuts and lacerations: 2,040

What Kind of Recovery is Possible in Construction Accident Lawsuits?

Construction injury accident statistics prove that construction job sites are frequently hazardous workplaces, and accidents and injuries can be caused by a wide range of factors. In fact, construction fatality and injury statistics show that accidents are frequently caused by several factors at once. 

A person injured in a construction injury in Texas has several possible ways to recover their damages, including:

• Workers’ compensation claims. A worker is entitled to claim workers’ compensation if they are injured on the job. If the employer does not have workers’ comp insurance, the employee may make a claim against their employer’s private insurance, or sue for personal injury. 
• Personal injury claims against a third party. If a construction injury was caused by the negligence of a third party, like an equipment manufacturer, job site supervisor, or hazardous materials company, they may also be held liable for the injury. 

If a construction accident was fatal, surviving family members may make a workers’ compensation claim, file a wrongful death lawsuit, or both. 

How Can Aaron Allison Help?

Construction industry accident statistics show that these types of accidents are complex, and there are often several parties partially at fault. A qualified construction accident attorney can help you understand your legal options and recover for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. 

Whether you are filing a construction injury workers’ comp claim, or have lost a loved one and need to pursue a construction accident wrongful death lawsuit, Aaron Allison has the experience to fight for your rights. We offer free consultations and work on a contingency basis, so you pay nothing until we recover money for you. Contact us today to understand your construction accident rights.