Over 5,300 workers died from work-related injuries within the span of a single year.
Did you recently survive an accident at work that caused serious injuries? If you sustained a construction injury on the job, don’t hesitate to call for help.
The steps you take immediately following the accident could help you file a claim. Then, you can receive the compensation you deserve to cover your losses. You won’t have to pay for your medical bills or stress over lost wages.
Not sure where to start? Here are the five steps you need to follow after sustaining construction injuries. With these tips, you can build a case for yourself.
Keep reading to learn what to do after a construction site accident.
1. Tell a Supervisor
Make sure to tell a supervisor about your construction injuries right away. Let them know what happened and where it happened. Have them document your statement in writing.
Your supervisor might have you file an official accident report. Some states require workers to file these reports within a specific time frame. Make sure you understand the deadline that’s set under your workers’ compensation laws.
If you miss the deadline, you might not receive the compensation you deserve. You might have to cover the cost of your medical bills and lost wages alone.
Your supervisor might have a list of steps and rules you’ll need to follow after a construction site accident. Speaking with your supervisor will ensure you follow the right steps. Otherwise, you might make a mistake that could impact your claim.
Make sure to walk your supervisor through what happened. Voicing your concerns will encourage them to make a change.
They can implement new safety measures to ensure no one else gets hurt on the job.
Ask if anyone on your team sustained similar construction injuries. Did a similar incident happen recently? You could speak with that construction worker about their own experience.
Your construction injury lawyer might call on that employee. With their help, you could prove the necessary precautions weren’t in place to keep the team safe.
2. Request Medical Attention
About 900,380 nonfatal work injuries occurred in a single year. Around 27% of these were slips, trips, and falls. Meanwhile, 235,740 of these accidents were due to contact with objects and equipment.
These construction injuries were so severe that they caused time away from work.
Regardless of the severity of your injuries, it’s important to consult a doctor right away. Make sure to speak with your employer. They might have a specific doctor they’ll want you to visit.
Your employer should cover the travel costs for you.
If you’re not satisfied with the doctor your supervisor has you visit, consider getting a second opinion. You’re entitled to this second opinion under your workers’ compensation laws. However, you might have to pay for the second doctor on your own.
During your appointment, let the doctor know what happened. List any symptoms you’re experiencing. Have them look at your construction injury.
Make sure the doctor makes a record of everything you say. Ask them to send a Health Professional’s Report, too.
You’ll need the doctor’s official report for building your case.
You might not realize your injuries are severe after the accident. Adrenaline could mask your pain. It’s still important to visit a doctor.
Otherwise, someone might argue that you sustained your injuries after the accident.
3. Keep Track of Everything
If you can, return to the scene of the accident. Start gathering evidence for your construction injury attorney. It’s also important to write down everything you remember as soon as possible.
The details can get a little hazy after you sustain an injury. That’s normal. Writing everything down will help you keep an accurate record.
What were you doing before the accident? Where did the accident take place?
Record the date, time, and location.
Did anyone witness what happened? Get their contact information. Your construction injury attorney might call on them as a witness.
Start gathering photo and video evidence, too. It’s important to gather this evidence as soon as possible. Otherwise, someone might clean up the scene.
Did you trip or fall on something? Pinpoint what caused your accident if you can.
4. Call a Lawyer
After sustaining a construction injury, make sure to contact a construction injury lawyer right away. Make sure to choose a lawyer who specializes in these types of cases. They’ll understand the laws and procedures that are relevant to your claim.
Look for a lawyer with years of experience, too. Choosing an experienced lawyer will give you peace of mind.
Many lawyers offer free consultation appointments. Schedule an appointment and walk them through what happened. Show them the evidence you gathered as well.
Ask them how they expect your case to unfold. Remain wary of any lawyer who makes guarantees.
Instead, choose a lawyer who helps you understand the situation.
Your lawyer will help you determine the best course of action moving forward.
Don’t wait too long to contact a construction injury lawyer. Otherwise, the statute of limitations could lapse. You could lose your chance to explore your legal options.
5. File a Claim
Talk to your construction injury attorney about filing a claim. You can make a claim for workers’ compensation to cover your losses. Your claim will cover your medical bills and lost wages.
Workers’ comp is covered by the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board.
When filing your claim, you’ll need to use the evidence you gathered. Keep track of any medical treatments you receive, too. If you’re on medication or require surgery, make a record of everything.
Your construction injury lawyer will help you file your claim. They’ll use your evidence to prove your injuries were the result of a construction accident. With their help, you can strengthen your case.
Make Your Case: 5 Steps to Take After a Construction Injury
Fight for the compensation you deserve. Make sure to follow these five steps after sustaining a construction injury. With this advice, you can avoid making mistakes when building your case.
Instead, you can gather the evidence you need.
Want to discuss the details of your case with a professional? We’re here to help.
Contact us today for a free consultation.
Posted in: Personal Injury