Construction sites are some of the most dangerous places to work or even pass by. In fact, approximately 20% of all worker fatalities occur among construction workers, despite their making up only 6% of the US labor force.
Accidents still occur even with safety measures in place. And if you happen to be the victim, it can make you feel lost on what to do. Especially with all the cost it entails, such as medical bills and taking leave from work.
In these cases, you need to know that there are avenues you can pursue to receive compensation for your damages. With the help of a construction accident lawyer, you can receive a settlement through worker’s compensation or a personal injury claim.
Here are the steps you need to take to claim your worker’s compensation claim after an accident at work.
Get Medical Attention Immediately
Get medical attention immediately, even if the injury is minor. Some injuries have much less obvious signs– internal bleeding or head trauma, for instance– and could become dangerous fast.
Record everything; write anything that happened, where it hurt, and what treatment you received. A medical record is excellent evidence when you are trying to prove your case, either for a workers’ compensation claim or a personal injury case.
If you think you may be “okay,” forget that thought because your health comes first, and documentation at an early stage will give your case better strength.
What to Do in Case of Grave Injury
You need to call 911 right away or have someone do it for you. Do your best not to move while waiting for the arrival of emergency personnel unless movement is required to prevent any more damage.
After you’re safe at the hospital, make sure that all of your injuries are written down correctly. You should ask for copies of all of your medical information, like test results, treatment notes, and other medical papers.
There are possible lifelong consequences for victims of construction accidents, says catastrophic injury attorney Brian Egolf. Permanent physical disabilities and emotional trauma are just a few of the burdens you may face that may need long-term care and may need help paying your medical bills. For any workers’ compensation or third-party claims, this means you need to keep strict records.
Report the Accident to Your Employer
It is important to promptly report any accidents to your employer. Some states mandate the reporting of accidents within a specific timeframe. Ideally, the report is prepared in the form of a written report, and you should keep a copy for yourself.
Describe events, injuries, and damages to an accident. Do not discuss the perpetrators of an incident. This record will allow your employer to process your claim and protect your rights under workers’ compensation laws.
Document Everything
Do not change the facts. Picture the scene of the crash, the tools that were used, and any injuries that you can see. Please get their names and phone numbers, and if there were witnesses, ask them to give a statement about what they saw.
Write down your symptoms, doctor visits, time off from work, and anything else that shows how the accident has changed your daily life. This can all serve as documentation of what an actual impact your injuries have had on your life and is helpful when
Understand Your Legal Rights
A building accident can involve a lot of people, like bosses, workers, subcontractors, and the people who make the tools. There are times when you may be able to make a claim for workers’ compensation or a personal injury claim against someone else.
Some workers’ compensation plans cover your medical bills and lost wages, but not your pain and suffering. You might be able to get more money if someone else’s carelessness hurt you.
It can make a huge difference in your financial recovery to grasp these options as soon as possible.
Avoid Common Mistakes
Mistakes can hurt your claim following a construction accident. Speaking on the record to an insurance agent is not a good idea until you have talked to a lawyer. Do not write anything on social media about the accident or the hurt people.
You shouldn’t feel pushed to go back to work before your doctor says it’s okay. It could make your injuries worse and hurt your claim if you do that. Remember to keep your mind on getting better, keeping records, and defending your legal rights.
Contact a Construction Accident Lawyer
You can get help with the whole process from a skilled building accident lawyer. They can help you figure out who is at fault, what your rights are, and how to talk to the insurance company.
Another thing your lawyer can do is figure out who is responsible for your injuries. This could be the main worker, a subcontractor, or the company that made the broken equipment.
You have a better chance of getting full payment for your medical bills, lost wages, and long-term care needs if you hire a lawyer early on.