How Dangerous Are Trench Collapse Accidents on Seattle Construction Sites?
Trench collapse accidents pose significant dangers and are among the deadliest construction accidents in Seattle and the rest of the country. These accidents can lead to severe injuries such as broken bones, lacerations, and, tragically, fatalities. If you suspect negligence from a third party contributed to a trench collapse involving you or a loved one, you may be eligible to pursue a construction accident claim.
Construction workers often must dig long, narrow ditches to place wires, cables, equipment, and pipes underneath the ground. These long, narrow ditches are called trenches. When a trench collapses, this means that the sides cave in. This event can be extremely dangerous for construction workers who are working inside or near the site. The dirt, soil, and mud that falls in often weigh a lot. Therefore, when a construction worker is caught in a trench collapse, they may experience significant force and weight on their body. As a result, they may become crushed, severely injured, and even suffocate.
What type of injuries may arise from a trench collapse accident?
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, 166 people died from trench collapse accidents in the United States from 2011 to 2018, which is an average of about 21 deaths per year. Even when trench cave-ins are not fatal, they often cause life-threatening and permanent injuries, such as:
- Crush injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Drownings
- Suffocation
- Electrocution
- Asphyxiation
- Amputations
- Nerve damage
- Broken and fractured bones
- Organ damage
- Internal bleeding
- Paralysis
Survivors of trench collapses often face long-term disabilities that profoundly impact their quality of life. They and their families also frequently struggle with the loss of income and need for costly medical care.
Is the soil the only harmful element in a trench accident?
One cubic yard of dry soil can weigh close to 2,000 pounds, and one cubic yard of wet soil can weigh close to 3,000 pounds. Therefore, the weight of the soil is one of the most harmful elements in a trench accident. However, that does not mean that it is the only cause of injuries related to trench accidents. Construction workers can be harmed in various other ways when working in or close to a trench, including:
- Being hit by construction equipment
- Falling into a trench that is unmarked
- Being electrocuted by the underground wires
- Being struck by objects being unloaded or falling from above into the trench
- Being injured, buried, or suffocating when trying to rescue a coworker
Does the state of Washington have laws in place to prevent trench collapses?
According to WAC 296-155-657, the state does have requirements in place to prevent trench collapses, which are:
- Benching or sloping the walls of the trench
- Shoring the walls of the trench with some type of support system
- Shielding the walls of the trench
- Requiring that a competent individual supervises the trench and makes sure that it remains suitable at all times
Many tragic trench accidents could be avoided if those working on these sites adhered to the regulations and best practices.
The third parties that may be liable for a Seattle trench collapse
When a construction worker is seriously injured or killed in a trench collapse, there is a strong possibility that another party is liable. In many cases, the workers’ compensation process will be the best way for the injured individual to recover compensation for their losses. However, each person’s accident is unique and different, meaning that you must speak with an attorney to find out who may be responsible for your trench cave-in. Here are a few of the third parties we may look at when determining liability for this type of accident:
- Construction equipment owners/rental/sales company
- Equipment operators
- Land or property owners
- Architects and designers
- Engineers
- Electric or other utility companies
- Contractors or subcontractors
- Manufacturers of equipment or products
- Coworkers
There may be equipment problems, improper sloping, engineering errors, or even issues with the land, which could all play a factor in your trench collapse accident. Therefore, to ensure that you hold each negligent party accountable for their actions, you should strongly consider hiring a construction accident lawyer as soon as possible.
Five tips to prevent or avoid a trench collapse
As a construction worker, there are several safety tips you can follow to potentially prevent or avoid a trench collapse. Here are five of the most important tips that you should remember:
- Before entering, make sure that a knowledgeable person has inspected the trench and determined that it is safe. Someone should inspect the trench at least once a day and again after any type of rain or storm that could change the conditions.
- Do not dig until you and your coworkers have located and identified all pipes, wires, and cables in the trench.
- Never allow any products or equipment close to the edges of the trench.
- Carry out air tests, especially if the trench is several feet deep. Taking this precaution can help prevent suffocation.
- Before entering a trench, you should always keep an eye out for standing water or other types of dangerous hazards that could cause a collapse or other accidents.
Have you or a family member recently been injured in a trench collapse in Seattle? If so, the construction accident attorneys at Smith McBroom are ready and available to legally assist you. We are experienced, skilled, and knowledgeable when it comes to all types of trench and construction accidents, and we will do everything possible to ensure that the responsible third parties are held accountable for your injuries, medical bills, lost income, pain, suffering, and more. Please call our office or complete our contact form to schedule a free case evaluation today. Our team is dedicated to helping you obtain the justice and compensation you are rightfully owed for these catastrophic and devastating accidents.