Construction zones pose increasing concerns for accidents in WI
Construction zones are seen across many highly traveled roads in the United States right now as weather is ideal for repairs. Currently in Southeastern Wisconsin, we are experiencing more than our fair share of construction work at the Hwy 100 Zoo Interchange, Capitol Road, Pilgrim Road, I-94, I-41, the North Avenue and Hoan Bridge, as well as many other county and highway construction projects. Metro-Milwaukee and SE WI road construction projects expose commuters to traffic backups, short and long-term lane closures, re-routes, traffic delays and accidents. The sheer number of construction projects on Wisconsin increases the risk of accidents for commuters, but let’s not forget about the risk for construction workers themselves.
Recent WISCONSIN CONSTRUCTION -RELATED ACCIDENTS in the News
- In February a 33-year old man was killed at the zoo interchange due to a construction-related accident.
- 25 year old construction worker killed in downtown Madison construction site in August.
- One injured, one dead in Bong-Bridge-construction-accident last in September.
- YMCA construction accident in October, two workers lucky to be alive.
Cause of WI Construction Work Zone Accidents
The Wisconsin’s safe-place statute holds housing developers and owners of other construction sites to a high standard regarding the work environment of construction workers and contractors. However, thousands of workers continue to be injured in road construction work zones each year. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, injuries are typically due to:
- Contact with objects or equipment
- Slips, trips, or falls
- Overexertion
- Transportation incidents
- Exposure to harmful substances or environments
As much as road construction has been both costly and painful for Wisconsin residents, it has also become a part of our everyday life and daily commute. Operating a motor vehicle through these construction zones carries with it added responsibility. To reduce the number of construction site accidents and construction worker deaths, it’s important to follow work zone speed limits and be aware of construction workers doing their jobs.
If you are injured in a construction related accident
Seek a reputable and experienced attorney that has investigators an experts; a team of professionals that can understand and interpret all relevant aspects of the law to find out who is responsible and should be held liable for injuries. The right personal injury attorney will know what questions to ask, and which rocks to look under to find clues in your construction accident claim.