The Help You Need After A Trench Collapse
Excavation and trench work is a necessary part of many construction projects. When on a construction site, no one wants to be the one who has to work in the trenches. They are hot and cramped and make for a challenging day on the job. Construction trenches are also extremely dangerous, often resulting in serious injuries or the wrongful death of construction workers assigned to work the trenches. Fatalities are twice as likely in trenches as they are in other construction areas.
For those who have been injured in trench accidents, the most important thing to do is talk with an experienced lawyer. At Bashein & Bashein Company, L.P.A., we represent clients in Cleveland, Ohio, and the surrounding areas.
Our attorneys know how to handle construction accident claims for our clients. We will determine the cause of your accident and fight to get you full and fair compensation for the injuries and losses you have suffered.
Common Causes Of Trench Collapses
Trench collapses and cave-ins can be caused by:
- Improper sloping: When the trench is not sloped properly, it creates significant risk of increased instability and potential for collapse.
- Unstable soil: The soil itself is another factor that increases the risk of collapse. It is critical to do engage in proper soil testing before excavation and at various times throughout the project to make sure the soil will be stable enough to support the work safely.
- Flooding: Obviously, a major flood running through a trench site will cause the floor to become unstable and the walls to cave in.
- Negligence: Almost any of the causes of trench collapses can be avoided or remedied by proper oversight and precaution on the job. Gas lines leaking and exploding and any other problem should be a cause of constant concern for those overseeing or managing a trench job.
Trenches are commonly dug out near construction sites to run cables, pipes and equipment underground and beneath buildings. For a dug-out area to be considered a trench, its depth has to be at least as large as its width.
Injuries Caused By Trench Collapses And Cave-Ins
Trench cave-ins can result in a number of serious injuries, including:
- Broken bones
- Lost limbs
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Brain damage from suffocation
- Exposure to dangerous gases
- Wrongful death
Our lawyers will seek out all available options for obtaining compensation on your behalf. Whether we obtain benefits from the workers’ compensation system, from a just verdict or settlement agreement, we will do everything possible to help you cover your medical bills, lost wages and other damages. Further, we are not just interested in getting you compensation for your immediate short-term losses, but for the costs and damages you will sustain for the rest of your life.
OSHA Violations And Trench Collapses
At Bashein & Bashein, we are committed to researching and investigating all aspects of our clients’ cases, including the possibility of OSHA violations leading to accidents.
Construction accidents are complex cases. You need serious legal counsel. Talk with one of our lawyers as soon as possible if you’ve been hurt in a trench collapse. Call 216-771-3239 or 800-771-4457 toll-free, or send us an email to schedule a free initial consultation.