Introduction
Winter has its problems for construction sites, especially in cities such as New York City. As the temperature declines, the chances of injuries and accidents occurring rise, which all attorneys should note as they assess the risks involved. In the following sections, we explain typical winter construction risks and why medical record analysis is vital in legal action focusing on our winter construction hazards and difficulties assisting attorneys with such issues.
Understanding Winter Construction Hazards
Common Hazards on Construction Sites
• Slips, Trips, and fall: Individuals can suffer severe injuries due to snow accumulation and icy surfaces.
• Cold Stress: Exhaustion can occur with long periods of exposure to cold weather.
• Equipment Malfunctions: The performance of some business machinery can lead to accidents during the cold days.
• Visibility Problems: Fewer daylight hours, as well as harsher weather conditions, can impair visibility at jobsites.
Statistics on Winter Construction Injuries
• The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has stated that during the winter months, construction injuries due to slips, trips, and falls are among the leading causes of injuries.
• NIOSH claims that cold stress related injuries have a 30% rise in cold months.
The Role of Medical Records Review
Importance for Attorneys
• Evidence Gathering. Medical records are important documents for personal injury claims because they detail the injuries suffered as well as the implications of the injuries to the victim’s life.
• Case Management. Examination of the medical records to detail attention can show some medical history which may create issues of liability and damages.
• Documentation of File Review. Records place the witness at the scene of the accident thus can corroborate the attorney’s case.
How We Assist Attorneys
• Comprehensive Reviews – Our firm undertakes more complex review of medical records which ensures that relevant information will not be ignored.
• Timely Reports – We issue timely reports to ease attorneys’ burdens and meet timelines before court hearings.
• Expert Consultation – Our experts can be consulted as to the results and their effect on pending cases.
Case Studies
Case Study 1: Slip and Fall Incident
Overview of the Case: A construction worker slipped on an icy surface. The resulting injury was a wrist fracture.
Challenges: In this case, the worker was said not to comply with the safety measures in place.
Solutions: The review of the medical records showed some older injurious conditions of the wrist which were very useful in reinforcing the injury that needs to be taken to consideration.
Case Study 2: Cold Stress Injury
Overview of the Case: An employee had hypothermia after being exposed to cold for a long time without appropriate protections.
Challenges: The employer maintained that the employee failed to dress for the extreme cold adequately.
Solutions: The medical records showed that the worker did, indeed, inform his supervisors of his cold stress, which was critical to establish the employer’s negligence.
Conclusion
Defining construction risks in winter, as well as attending to the medical records for personal injury cases is important. Wielding our expertise in medical records reviewing, attorneys can make more persuasive arguments in court so as to guarantee justice for their clients.
