How Orthopedic Injuries Occur in North Carolina Construction Accidents

Construction sites are among the most dangerous workplaces, with workers constantly exposed to heavy machinery, hazardous materials, and high-risk environments. When accidents occur, they often result in severe orthopedic injuries, which can have long-term consequences on a worker’s mobility, ability to earn a living, and overall quality of life.

At Dewey, Ramsay & Hunt, P.A., our Charlotte personal injury lawyers understand the devastating impact of construction accidents and fight for the injured to receive the compensation they deserve. Here’s what you need to know about how orthopedic injuries happen on construction sites in North Carolina and what you can do if you’ve been hurt.

Common Causes of Orthopedic Injuries on Construction Sites in North Carolina

Orthopedic injuries, including bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, and tendons, affect the musculoskeletal system. These injuries often require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and, in severe cases, surgery.

Some of the most common causes of orthopedic injuries on North Carolina construction sites include:

• Falls from Heights

Falls from scaffolding, ladders, and rooftops are leading causes of broken bones, spinal fractures, and joint dislocations. Even with proper fall protection, workers can suffer severe orthopedic trauma when landing on hard surfaces or debris.

• Falling Objects & Struck-By Accidents

Construction sites often have overhead work, making falling tools, building materials, and heavy equipment a serious hazard. A falling object can cause crushed bones, fractures, or traumatic joint injuries, especially if it lands on the head, shoulders, or extremities.

• Heavy Machinery & Equipment Accidents

Forklifts, cranes, and bulldozers are essential for construction but pose a high risk of crushing, pinning, and impact injuries. Workers can suffer broken arms, shattered knees, or severe soft tissue damage from being caught between machinery or struck by equipment.

• Slip-and-Fall Accidents

Uneven surfaces, wet or icy walkways, loose wiring, and construction debris create slip-and-fall hazards that can result in sprained ankles, torn ligaments, and fractured wrists or hips. These injuries can require months of physical therapy and may never fully heal.

• Overexertion & Repetitive Motion Injuries

Lifting heavy materials, using power tools, and performing repetitive tasks strain muscles, joints, and tendons excessively. Over time, this can cause serious orthopedic issues like rotator cuff tears, herniated discs, and carpal tunnel syndrome, impacting a worker’s ability to continue in their trade.

• Trench Collapses & Structural Failures

Trenches and unstable structures can cave in or collapse, trapping workers under heavy debris. These accidents often lead to multiple fractures, spinal compression injuries, and severe crush injuries, which can require extensive surgeries and long-term medical care.

Legal Options for Construction Workers with Orthopedic Injuries

Construction workers injured in North Carolina may have multiple legal options for pursuing compensation.

Depending on their role at the time of the incident and the liable party, that may include:

• Workers’ Compensation Claims

Most construction workers are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits, which cover:

• Medical expenses.
• Wage replacement for lost time.
• Permanent disability benefits (if applicable).

However, insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, making it essential to work with a skilled attorney who can ensure you receive the full benefits you deserve.

• Third-Party Liability Claims

In some cases, another party’s negligence—such as a contractor, equipment manufacturer, or property owner—may have caused or contributed to the accident.

When this happens, injured workers may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit to recover additional damages, including:

• Full compensation for medical expenses.
• Lost earning capacity.
• Pain and suffering.

An experienced lawyer is crucial in pinpointing the liable parties in a construction accident. We can thoroughly investigate the circumstances, gather evidence, and determine which third parties contributed to the injury.

How Our North Carolina Construction Injury Attorneys Can Help

At Dewey, Ramsay & Hunt, P.A., our experienced Charlotte personal injury lawyers advocate for injured construction workers throughout North Carolina.

We:

• Investigate the cause of your injury and identify all liable parties.
• Work with medical experts to document the severity of your orthopedic injuries.
• Handle workers’ compensation claims, appeals, and third-party lawsuits.
• Negotiate aggressively with insurance companies to secure maximum compensation.

If you or a loved one has suffered an orthopedic injury on a construction site, don’t wait to get legal help. Contact Dewey, Ramsay & Hunt, P.A. today by calling 704-377-3737 or online for a free consultation, and let us fight for the justice and financial recovery you deserve.

We provide unique legal services tailored to each client’s needs and do not get paid unless you do.

Your Injury, Our Fight. How can we help you take a stand?

Because every case is different, the description of awards and issues previously managed by our law firm does not guarantee a similar outcome in current or future cases.

Related Links:

• Why Traumatic Orthopedic Injuries May Require Long-Term Care
• The Importance of Medical Evidence in Orthopedic Injury Claims in North Carolina
• Understanding “Third-Party Liability” in North Carolina Construction Accidents
• How to Prove Negligence in North Carolina Construction Accident Cases