There are many moving or collapsable elements at a construction site. Heavy equipment and falling rubble are just a couple of broad examples of caught in-between hazards that can cause a worker to become trapped or severely injured at a moment’s notice.
At Koonz, McKenney, Johnson & DePaolis, LLP, we handle a variety of construction accident cases across Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Our team has the necessary experience to help you understand the nature of caught in-between accidents and your options for pursuing compensation if you suffer an injury on a construction site.
What Constitutes Caught In-Between Hazards?

Understanding what constitutes caught in-between hazards is important for knowing how to report your accident when filing a claim for compensation. More than that, though, staying informed about what these hazards are and how they happen can help you stay safe in the future.
A caught in or caught between hazard is one of OSHA’s focus four construction hazards that are particularly common and devastating. It is an accident in which a worker’s entire body gets caught between multiple surfaces, or part of their body or clothing becomes caught in a moving machinery part. These types of moving machinery or collapsable surfaces are common construction site dangers to which all on-site personnel must pay constant attention.
What Are Examples of Caught In or Between Hazards?
When differentiating between different types of construction accidents, many workers’ compensation policies specify that the way an object inflicts injury is the defining factor. If the impact of an object is the sole source of damage, it is typically a struck-by accident. In most other cases, an accident caused by moving equipment or falling objects tends to be a caught in-between accident.
Some common examples of caught in-between hazards include:
- Trench collapses or cave-ins
- Caught clothing pulled by moving machinery
- Rolling objects causing compression or crushing damage
- Moving vehicles pinning workers between surfaces
- Placing one’s hands too close to spinning blades
These examples of caught in-between accidents differ from other machinery accidents in that many caught in or between hazards stem directly from someone’s negligence. This can make it relatively straightforward to establish liability when another party is at fault for your injuries.
What Injuries Are Common in Caught In-Between Accidents?

It goes without saying that any construction accident, particularly those involving heavy equipment, has the potential to cause catastrophic injuries. In the case of a caught in-between accident, those injuries can certainly be sudden and life-altering.
Injuries resulting from caught in-between hazards can include, but are not limited to:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Broken or fractured bones
- Amputated digits or limbs
- Permanent disfigurement
- Excessive internal or external bleeding
It is of the utmost importance to seek immediate medical attention after any construction accident. Even if a caught in-between accident seems mild, there is always a risk of internal damage or subtle symptoms that are not apparent right away.
Who Is Responsible for Keeping You Safe From Caught In and Between Hazards?
Safety on a construction site is the responsibility of everyone working there. Employers and supervisors have the obligation to ensure that all necessary safety measures are in place and that all workers on the site have the relevant training and certification for the tasks they are performing. The workers themselves must also observe proper procedures and refrain from any negligent behavior that may cause a harmful accident.
In other words, everyone on a construction site owes each other a certain duty of care to prevent caught in-between accidents and any other type of construction accident as well. Any party on-site that facilitates the presence of dangerous caught in-between hazards is guilty of negligence. Keep in mind that workers’ compensation is a no-fault system, meaning there is no need for you to prove who caused your accident if it happened during the course of your work duties.
How Can You Protect Yourself From Caught In-Between Hazards?
While it may seem like there is only so much you can do to enforce construction site safety as a worker, there are certain steps you can take to protect yourself. Your role in preventing a caught in-between accident starts with recognizing the need for proper guards to be in place with heavy equipment and in any excavated trenches. Be sure to never remove these guards and put necessary guards in place yourself if you notice them missing.
When you finish using dangerous equipment, make sure to take measures to ensure it cannot start accidentally.
Be mindful also of your attire and the protective gear you choose to wear. Avoid wearing loose clothing or jewelry while on a construction site, as these can be caught in-between hazards that can catch in moving machinery parts.
How Can a Construction Accident Lawyer Help Your Case?

There is no overstating how impactful a caught in-between injury can be on your life. You deserve to have the time and opportunity to rest and focus on treatment without having to worry about the burdensome legal aspect of the situation. Working with a construction accident lawyer ensures that you have a supportive team that can handle the complexities of securing financial compensation while you prioritize your recovery.
Our team at Koonz, McKenney, Johnson & DePaolis, LLP can help your case by:
- Investigating the cause of your caught in-between accident
- Collecting evidence to establish that your accident was work-related
- Helping you file all paperwork completely and accurately
- Negotiating with insurers on your behalf
- Taking your claim to court if necessary
Involving an attorney in your case from an early stage guarantees that you have valuable guidance at every step of the claims process, from reporting your injury to your supervisor all the way to the final settlement.
Contact Our Construction Accident Lawyers Today
Caught in-between hazards comprise a specific type of construction accident. If you experience an injury resulting from crushing, pinning, pinching, or getting clothing caught in construction equipment, then a construction accident lawyer at Koonz, McKenney, Johnson & DePaolis, LLP can help. We do not request any fees until you receive a settlement from the at-fault party or the insurance company. Contact us today for a free consultation.