Minnesota Construction Accident Lawyers

Common causes of construction injuries

Construction is one of the most physically demanding jobs in Minnesota, and it comes with a set of hazards that can change your life in seconds. Understanding which types of accidents occur most often can help workers, families, and employers spot risks and push for safer worksites across the state.

Falls from heights

Working on scaffolding and up on ladders or rooftops is just part of the job for many construction workers. Unfortunately, there are times when something isn't set up right - like broken safety rails - and this can lead to serious accidents and injuries.  These falls are dangerous because slips from these higher places usually mean broken bones, brain injuries, or worse.

Serious harm from equipment and heavy machinery

Construction relies on machines like cranes, forklifts, nail guns, and heavy electrical tools. Essentially any piece of equipment can be dangerous when it isn't handled carefully or by someone who knows what they're doing and what precautions to take. Serious harm can occur from the large machinery used on construction sites.

Scaffolds and trenches giving way

Scaffolding and active trenches can collapse suddenly under the weight of materials like concrete, construction gear, or extra workers someone didn’t plan for. Sometimes crews might rush to meet deadlines, piling tools or supplies onto aging platforms or cutting corners with trench supports. Severe injuries or deaths can occur in a matter of seconds when everything isn't done properly. These disasters can trap, crush, or bury workers with little warning and often no way to escape.

Struck-by and caught-between hazards

On even the most well-run sites, moving loads or debris falling off an upper floor aren’t rare. Loose materials can cause a worker to get caught in a machine, and heavy machinery may swing and hit someone if a worker isn't paying close enough attention. These hazards aren't predictable, and they can have severe consequences.

Electrical accidents and explosions

Mislabeled breakers or rushed electrical jobs kill and injure construction workers every year. Wires left live by mistake, overloaded circuits, or switching on equipment when someone else is still repairing lines can severely injure someone. Electrical incidents can cause burns, heart problems, hospital stays, or worse when safe practices aren’t taught and enforced.

No matter what the situation is, most of these accidents are avoidable. Understanding how they occur can give you a better idea of what to watch for and what to avoid.