Safety is very important on a construction site, but accidents can still happen and cause serious injuries and financial problems. If you or someone you know has been hurt in a construction accident, a construction accident lawyer can help you. They can guide you through the process and help you get the compensation you need.
Top Causes of Construction Accidents
Falls: Falling from heights like scaffolding, ladders, or roofs is a common cause of serious injuries and deaths on construction sites. Not having proper fall protection is a major reason for these accidents.
Electrocutions: Electrical hazards and problems with wiring can lead to fatal electrocutions if safety procedures aren’t followed.
Being Struck by Objects: Workers can be hit by falling, flying, or swinging tools and materials.
Caught-In/Between Accidents: Workers might get trapped or crushed between equipment, materials, or collapsing structures.
Equipment/Machinery Accidents: Problems with machinery like forklifts and cranes can cause serious injuries if the equipment is faulty or not used properly.
Trench/Scaffold Collapses: Unstable or poorly built trenches and scaffolding can collapse, potentially burying or dropping workers.
Repetitive Motion Injuries: Repeated tasks can cause injuries like sprains, strains, and chronic pain.
Employers must provide proper safety training, personal protective gear, and well-maintained equipment to prevent these accidents. If they don’t, injured workers may be able to get compensation.
Steps to Follow If You’re Injured on a Construction Site
Take Care of Your Health
Give First Aid if You Can: Apply basic first aid like stopping bleeding or treating burns if you know how. Do not move anyone who is seriously injured.
Call for Help: For severe injuries, immediately call 911 or your site’s emergency team. Follow the medical advice you receive.
Report the Accident
Tell Your Supervisor: Notify your boss about the accident as soon as possible and ensure it’s officially documented.
Fill Out an Accident Report: Complete any available accident report forms, making sure all the details are correct.
Document the Scene
Take Photos: Capture pictures of the accident scene, any equipment involved, and your injuries for evidence.
Get Witness Info: Collect names and contact details of any witnesses to support your version of events.
Keep Evidence
Save Records: Keep all medical records, bills, and receipts, and track your recovery progress.
Preserve Evidence: If possible, retain any equipment or materials related to the accident.
Notify Your Insurance
Report to Workers’ Comp: Inform your workers’ compensation insurance provider about the injury to access the benefits you’re entitled to.
Know Your Coverage: Understand what your workers’ compensation policy covers, such as medical expenses and lost wages.
Get Legal Help
Talk to a Lawyer: If you face high medical bills or lost wages, consult a lawyer who specializes in construction accidents to understand your rights and options.
Avoid Signing Anything Without Advice: Don’t sign any documents or accept settlements before consulting with your lawyer.
Follow Up
Track Your Claim: Keep track of your workers’ compensation claim status and any related communications.
Stay Organized: Maintain all records of correspondence, medical appointments, and other relevant documents.
Focus on Your Well-being
Focus on Recovery: Concentrate on both your physical and emotional healing, and seek support if you need it.
Stay Informed: Educate yourself about your rights and the claims process to make informed decisions.
Types of Claims You Can Pursue with a Construction Accident Lawyer
Construction sites are inherently risky, and accidents can lead to serious injuries and financial difficulties. A construction accident lawyer can help you navigate these challenges and pursue various claims to get the compensation you deserve. Here’s a breakdown of the different types of claims you might pursue with their help:
1) Workers’ Compensation Claims
What It Is: This is a state-required insurance program that provides benefits for employees injured on the job, covering medical costs, lost wages, and rehabilitation.
How a Lawyer Can Help: They can assist with the claims process, ensure paperwork is completed accurately, and help appeal if your claim is denied.
2) Personal Injury Claims
What It Is: If someone else’s negligence caused your injury, you might be able to file a personal injury claim for damages like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of quality of life.
How a Lawyer Can Help: They will investigate the accident, gather evidence, and build a strong case to seek maximum compensation for you.
3) Third-Party Liability Claims
What It Is: If a third party (other than your employer) was responsible for the accident—such as a subcontractor or equipment manufacturer—you may file a claim against them.
How a Lawyer Can Help: They will identify responsible third parties, gather evidence, and file claims against them to hold them accountable.
4) Product Liability Claims
What It Is: If defective or malfunctioning equipment caused your injury, you might file a product liability claim against the manufacturer, distributor, or seller.
How a Lawyer Can Help: They will work with experts to determine if a product defect was involved and file claims against those responsible.
5) Construction Site Owner Liability Claims
What It Is: Construction site owners must maintain a safe environment. If unsafe conditions or negligence by the owner contributed to your injury, you may have a claim against them.
How a Lawyer Can Help: They will investigate the safety conditions, gather evidence of negligence, and build a case against the owner.
6) Fatal Accident Claims
What It Is: If a construction accident results in death, surviving family members can file a wrongful death claim for compensation related to the loss of companionship, funeral costs, and other damages.
How a Lawyer Can Help: They will guide families through the wrongful death claim process and ensure all relevant damages are considered.
7) Construction Defect Claims
What It Is: If your injury resulted from poor construction practices or defects in design, you might have a claim against the contractors or designers.
How a Lawyer Can Help: They will work with experts to identify defects and establish liability, helping you pursue claims against those responsible for the defects.
Key Reasons to Hire a Construction Accident Lawyer
If you or someone you know has been hurt in a construction accident, it’s important to hire an experienced construction accident lawyer. Here’s why:
They Hold Everyone Accountable: A lawyer can find out if other companies, not just your employer, are responsible for the accident.
They Negotiate with Insurance Companies: Insurance adjusters might offer you less money than you deserve. A lawyer will work to get you the maximum compensation.
They Handle Paperwork: They make sure all forms and deadlines are met so you don’t lose your workers’ compensation benefits.
They Assess Your Claim’s Value: They help you understand the full value of your claim, including future earnings, transport costs, and loss of quality of life.
They File Lawsuits: If defective equipment or property owner negligence caused your injury, they can sue those responsible.
They Fight Big Insurance Companies: They know how to deal with insurance companies that might try to deny your claim.
A construction accident lawyer can help you get the full compensation you need for medical bills, lost wages, pain, and other damages. Most lawyers work on a “contingency” basis, meaning you don’t pay them upfront. This lets you focus on getting better while they handle the financial side.
Also read: Premises Liability Lawyer – Detailed Guide
