Construction Injuries Involving Concrete in Tampa: Can I Get Compensation?

Most major construction projects today involve concrete. This material is durable, widely available, and ideal for high-rises or commercial structures. A growing number of homeowners also appreciate the brutalist aesthetic of concrete residences. Accidents involving concrete often lead to very specific types of injuries. If you’re recovering from one of these injuries, you might be wondering whether a workers’ compensation claim in Tampa is possible.

Concrete Burns

Although many people assume that concrete is a safe substance, it can easily cause chemical burns if you come into direct contact with it. Workers should receive safety training about this issue and avoid getting the substance directly on their skin. If you fail to wash off the concrete quickly enough, you could face lasting burn injuries.

Technically speaking, these burns involve cement and not concrete. However, the terms “cement burn” and “concrete burn” are often used interchangeably. Cement can cause burns because when you add water to the powdered mix, the resulting substance becomes acidic. Prompt medical treatment is critical if you believe you have suffered a cement burn.

Allergic Reactions

Some people have allergies to hexavalent chromium, and they can suffer severe reactions as a result. Potential symptoms include severe skin ulcers, itching, and swelling. Once you have suffered this type of allergic reaction, it may be impossible to work with wet cement ever again.

Silicosis

One of the worst injuries caused by cement and concrete is silicosis. This is a broad term that refers to respiratory diseases caused by the inhalation of silica dust. This dust often enters the air of a workspace during the jackhammering or grinding of cement. This work causes tiny fragments of concrete to enter the lungs of workers. Sometimes, workers have no symptoms of respiratory illness until many decades have passed. It is important to remember that even with these delayed diagnoses, workers’ compensation claims are still possible.

Crush Injuries 

Concrete is a very heavy, sturdy substance once it is fully dry. Concrete slabs can easily cause catastrophic and fatal injuries when a building collapses. Workers may be crushed by falling concrete slabs, particularly if employers fail to implement proper safety standards. These injuries could be especially likely during demolition work.

Sprains and Strains

The process of laying and leveling concrete can be an arduous task. Workers often suffer sprains and repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) after spending years or decades spreading concrete. Bags of dry cement are also very heavy, and workers can suffer various strains while lifting these items.

Can a Tampa Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Help Me? 

A Tampa workers’ compensation lawyer may be able to help if you’re recovering from concrete-related injuries. Whether you work for a concrete contractor or you inhaled silica dust after years of working as a general laborer, you have the right to assess your legal options. Continue this conversation with The Franco Law Firm today.

Sources:

 pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4045454/

osha.gov/sites/default/files/publications/3221_CONCRETE.pdf