It is common knowledge that some of the most dangerous jobs in America, including in the Canton, Ohio area, are in the field of construction. While OSHA has various rules in place to protect workers and require employers to keep a workplace environment free of known hazards, the inherent risks involved in construction work mean that many construction workers could fall victim to a serious injury, such as broken bones, a brain injury or a spinal cord injury.
Injuries to the spine can be very serious in nature and can lead to devastating life changes. The spine protects nerves that run from the brain down the body, controlling the body’s motor functions. Vertebrae attached to the spine help with protection, but a violent impact or fall could damage the vertebrae and damage or sever the nerves running up and down the spine.
Due to the power of construction equipment and the large size of many different types of construction materials, spinal cord injuries are not uncommon in construction workers’ accidents. Those involved in such accidents may be entitled to receive Social Security Disability benefits or workers’ compensation for their injuries.
In order to qualify for Social Security Disability benefits, the injury must be severe enough that the worker cannot work for at least a year, or that the injury is expected to end in death for the victim. It may be in a victim’s best interest to get more information to learn whether their condition qualifies for SSD benefits and how to proceed in an effort to collect money to help with financial responsibilities.
Source: Mayo Clinic, “Spinal Cord Injury and Pain,” Accessed May 29, 2017