South Carolina’s continued growth means our roads are constantly undergoing improvements. While the long term goal is added safety and capacity, in the short term, road construction creates added risks for both workers and motorists. Work zone crashes in South Carolina are a growing concern, resulting in scores of preventable injuries and deaths every year
At Joye Law Firm, we understand the devastating impact these accidents can have on construction workers and their families. Our experienced work zone accident lawyers are here to help injured workers seek full compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and other damages.
The Joye Law Firm has been providing trusted legal guidance to South Carolinians since 1968. We have offices in Charleston, North Charleston, Columbia, Clinton, Summerville, and Myrtle Beach and represent clients throughout the state. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in an accident at a road construction site, call Joye Law Firm for a free consultation.
$6 Million Verdict for SCDOT Inspector Injured in Construction Accident
In addition to workers’ compensation benefits, we’ve helped many injured workers pursue third-party personal injury claims. In these cases, injured workers can seek compensation from other parties, like negligent drivers or equipment manufacturers, that contributed to their injuries. Our attorneys are experienced in investigating the unique circumstances of work zone accidents and holding all responsible parties accountable.
For example. a S.C. Department of Transportation inspector was severely injured in a devastating Charleston construction site accident when a contractor’s work truck struck him while he was overseeing repairs on Interstate 526. The accident caused severe injuries, including crushed legs, a broken pelvis, and permanent disabilities. Attorney Mark Joye, Head of Joye Law Firm’s Litigation Department took on the third-party case while Managing Partner Atty. Ken Harrell handled the victim’s workers’ compensation claim. Despite the defendants admitting liability, they initially refused to pay the full damages. Unable to negotiate an acceptable settlement, Attorney Joye took the case to trial.
At trial, the legal team highlighted the inspector’s immense medical expenses, ongoing care needs, and the life-altering impact of the injuries. The jury’s decision ultimately resulted in a $6 million verdict, serving as a powerful reminder of the pursuit of justice for workers.
Why Work Zones Are So Hazardous for Workers
A work zone is a designated segment of a road, highway, or right-of-way where paving or construction activity is occurring. Highway work zones are inherently risky. Workers perform their jobs just feet away from moving vehicles, often relying on driver attentiveness to stay safe, and around heavy equipment and machinery.
Here are some of the common types of workers in road construction zones:
Flaggers and Traffic Control Personnel
Flaggers manage traffic flow through work zones, often standing in close proximity to passing vehicles. They are at risk of being struck by inattentive drivers or construction equipment such as dump trucks.
Laborers on Foot
Road workers often work in congested worksites around heavy equipment and only a few feet away from moving traffic. Workers on foot may be struck by distracted motorists who are trying to navigate the changes in traffic patterns or not paying adequate attention to road conditions. Road construction often occurs at night and reduced visibility and inclement weather may make workers on foot more difficult to see. A leading cause of preventable fatal road and bridge construction accidents is road workers being backed over or run over by construction vehicles, which have large blind spots.
Survey Crews
Road surveyors and survey crews must work in active traffic zones to measure and map construction areas. Their role often requires them to focus on precise tasks, which can make them less aware of approaching vehicles.
Heavy Equipment Operators
Operators of paving equipment, road graders, bulldozers, and dump trucks are at risk of collisions or rollover accidents when working on road embankments and when loading and unloading the equipment from a flatbed truck.
Supervisors and Inspectors
Supervisors and inspectors are responsible for overseeing construction activities and ensuring safety compliance. These workers frequently move between various points in the work zone, placing them at risk of accidents involving passing vehicles or construction equipment.
Work Zone Accident Statistics in South Carolina
South Carolina reported 2,544 collisions in work zones, according to the 2022 South Carolina Traffic Collision Fact Book.
There were 723 injury accidents and 19 fatal accidents.
Road construction accidents most frequently occurred during shoulder and median work. Lane closures and lane shifts also were associated with a high number of accidents.
