Common Job-Related Injuries to Road Crew Workers

 Posted on October 16, 2023 in Workplace Injury

Being a road crew worker is no easy task; between the sun beating down on you and the physical exhaustion of working outside for extended periods of time, it can make anyone think twice about entering this line of work.

A road crew worker is at risk of being seriously injured at a construction site. If you sustained injuries on the job, you may be entitled to compensation.

To discuss your personal injury case, you should speak with a Fort Collins construction injury lawyer today.    

Risks of Being a Road Crew Worker

The limits of a road crew worker’s abilities are put to the test on a daily basis. From 1982 through 2020, 29,493 individuals died in work zone crashes. 

On a daily basis, road crew workers face the following risks:

• Being struck by heavy machinery
• Being hit by a moving vehicle (bus, truck, or passenger car) 
• Exposure to silica dust and asphalt fumes
• Dehydration and exhaustion
• Electrocution caused by utility lines and underground waterways

The risk of being struck by a moving vehicle increases when there is poor visibility. For instance, if a construction crew is working on a job site at night or in bad weather, other drivers may not be able to see them.

Common Injuries Suffered by Road Crew Workers

While precautions can be taken to ensure a road crew worker’s safety, accidents can still happen. 

The vulnerability of a road crew worker puts them at risk for the following injuries:

• Broken bones
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Burns 
• Lacerations
• Back injuries
• Breathing problems (silica or asphalt poisoning)
• Heart damage or irregular heartbeat (electrocutions)

Workers’ Compensation versus Third-Party Claim

If you are hurt on the job, you will likely file a workers’ compensation claim. Workers’ compensation insurance is provided for by your employer and will cover your medical expenses and lost income from missing work.

Colorado employers are required to carry workers’ compensation if they have at least one employee. This applies to all employees, regardless of whether they are part-time, full-time, or family members.

However, if you are employed as an independent contractor, you will most likely have to file a third-party claim. For example, if you are hit by a motor vehicle driver, you will need to file a claim against that motorist’s insurance company. A Larimer County workers’ compensation lawyer for construction injuries will be able to assist you in filing a claim. 

You must meet certain criteria in order to be considered an independent contractor in Colorado:

• Individuals must be free from control and direction in job tasks AND
• Individuals must have an independent business performing that specific kind of work

In Colorado, owners of construction companies do have the option of rejecting workers’ compensation insurance by filling out a WC 45 form. That being said, workers are assumed to be employees unless an employer can prove otherwise. 

Contact a Fort Collins, CO, Construction Injury Lawyer Today

Working on a highway or service road as a crew member poses a significant danger. If you have been injured as a result of working on a road crew, you need an experienced Larimer County, CO, construction injury lawyer to represent you. Contact Hoggatt Law Office, P.C. online or call 970-225-2190 to schedule your free consultation.