In 2023, there were 1,075 deaths in the construction industry, based on the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The BLS reported a fatal work injury rate of 9.6 deaths for every 100,000 full-time workers, which is the same as the previous year.
In case of construction accidents, workers can turn to workers’ compensation to provide financial relief while they recover from injuries. Riverside construction accident attorney Abel H. Fernandez states that a personal injury lawyer can help you understand your rights and assist you with your case to improve your chances of getting the workers’ compensation you deserve.
Read this article to find out what legal steps you should take following a construction accident.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Health should always come first after construction accidents. When adrenaline is high, people may ignore injuries that cause complications. Always see a doctor, even if you feel perfectly healthy after an accident. Some injuries are internal and may not immediately show signs of damage.
Record medical visits, tests, and treatments. These documents are important when you file a claim or decide to seek compensation. Following your doctor's treatment is important for recovery and supporting your case.
If you want to file a workers compensation claim after the accident, you should keep all treatments and communications related to your claim. A workers compensation lawyer advises keeping these medical documents from an authorized practitioner to ensure eligibility and establish your condition.
Report the Incident
Reporting the incident is another way to document it. Report to the supervisor or site manager after your condition has stabilized. An official incident report is important for future claims.
Include the time, place, and accident circumstances in the report. Ask witnesses for their accounts to strengthen your case.
For safety violations, notify your employer and the local occupational safety office so they can investigate and prevent future incidents.
Document the Scene
Establishing and determining facts about the accident can help your case by providing supporting evidence.
Take clear photos of the accident scene. Take pictures from different angles and include equipment and hazards. Record your wounds. Photograph weather and lighting conditions that may have caused the accident.
Create a timeline of the incident to demonstrate how events led up to the accident. This timeline should include important details like the accident's time, date, and circumstances.
Request a copy of the safety report and maintenance log for equipment used in the accident. Organize and collect all relevant information so that it is readily available when needed.
Notify Your Employer
You must notify your employer of the construction accident. Do this after you have assessed the safety of yourself and the other people involved in the accident. Informing your supervisor or manager about the accident is a good way to encourage them to address workplace issues and reduce the risk of future accidents.
Be honest and direct when reporting the incident to your employer. Help create an accurate incident report by providing complete details of the accident.
Do this as soon as possible. Delays in reporting can hurt the chances of your claim and can threaten your rights as a worker.
Consult a Legal Professional
Consult a lawyer to protect your rights in complex construction accidents. A construction accident attorney is knowledgeable in construction industry laws and can guide you throughout the legal proceedings.
Hiring a lawyer will result in an investigation of the accident. During the investigation, the lawyer will be able to identify any negligent or unsafe practices that contributed to your injuries.
Construction accident attorneys will take into account medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering to maximize a construction accident victim’s claim. They use their expertise and knowledge to effectively represent an injured construction worker.
When selecting a lawyer to represent your case, look for someone who has experience with cases similar to yours and whose approach to handling cases suits you.
Do not be afraid to seek legal counsel after a construction accident in order to receive fair compensation and protect your rights.