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Construction Injury Trench Collapses

Trench collapses are caused by the trench walls collapsing in, which is likely caused by the walls being improperly braced. This can lead to injuries of the construction workers in the trench, as well as any workers standing at the top of the trench when it collapses. The possibility of trench collapses makes excavating work one of the most dangerous fields within construction. Workers may be injured by falling, being hit with falling objects, or being stuck under the falling debris.

Have you or a loved one been injured in a trench collapse? If so, our lawyers can help you get the workers’ compensation you need to cover your medical expenses and your loss in wages. Contact a Construction Accident attorney in your area today.

Possible benefits you may qualify for include:

• Immediate medical expenses
• Long-term care
• Medical devises, such as oxygen tanks
• Loss of income
• Emotional anguish as a result of the accident

There are numerous laws and regulations in place and enforced by OSHA in an attempt to protect excavation workers from possible injuries caused by trench collapses. Despite these attempts to ensure safety, roughly 60 workers die each year in trench collapses. There are a lot of factors that go into trench safety to avoid collapses. These include using the correct materials, the correct methods, and understanding the type of soil being dug out. The type of soil may affect how the trench is constructed.

Trench collapses are progressive and generally happen in three steps. The collapse starts when the braces move and the dirt behind the wall shifts. Depending on the type of the soil and the depth of the trench the pressure of the soil shifting may be enough to collapse the wall. However, if it is not, the shifting soil may cause the wall to move again, which will cause another shift in the soil. This process continues until the trench wall completely collapses.

Has someone you love been injured or killed in a trench collapse? Our lawyers can help you understand your rights and get you the benefits you deserve. Contact a construction accident lawyer in your area today to get started.

Did you know?
Trench collapses are the leading cause of injury and death of excavation workers.
Trench collapses put all those working on the project in danger of both falling injuries and getting hit with falling objects.