Injury on a Construction Site

Critical steps to take

The risk of injury on a construction site is inherently greater than in other industries. According to a report, more than 80,000 construction workers sustain injuries severe enough to cause them to miss work. Although it is a dangerous profession, construction workers have every right to a safe working environment courtesy of their employers.

While most construction injuries are covered under workers’ compensation insurance, pursuing a personal injury claim may be necessary if you don’t get your rightful compensation. Here are the steps to take after an injury on a construction site.

Seek immediate medical attention

Your health comes first; therefore, the first critical thing when you encounter a construction accident should be to seek medical attention. Even if you think your injuries are less acute or you feel okay after the accident, this is a step you cannot overlook.

Some injuries like concussions and internal bleeding may not manifest until several days later, so it is crucial to seek a full medical examination for prompt treatment. Furthermore, evidence that you sought medical attention immediately comes in handy when pursuing a personal injury claim.

Inform your employer

Inform your employer or supervisor about the accident as soon as possible. Note that many states have a statute of limitations that stipulates the maximum period an employee has to report a workplace accident. Furthermore, reporting the accident promptly accelerates your workers’ compensation claim and makes it more valid.

The Occupational Safety and Health Authority requires employers to take specific actions when an accident occurs in the workplace. There is no way they can do that unless you notify them of the accident.

Collect information

After reporting the accident, try to gather as much information as possible about the accident and your injuries. If you can, take photographs or videos of the damage at the construction site and any injury you sustained during the accident, such as a broken leg, bruised hand, etc. These will come in handy, especially if the employer hasn’t provided safety equipment in the workplace.

If there are witnesses, ask for their contact information and don’t push the issue if they are hesitant. In that case, your attorney can gather the information during investigations.

Then keep track of all your medical records and expenses so that you can seek compensation for everything. You can also document the impact of the injuries on your day-to-day life.

Consult a workplace injury attorney

After an injury in a construction site accident, you have two options: seek a workers’ compensation claim or file a personal injury lawsuit. A professional at the law offices of Gallner and Pattermann, PC, can help you determine the best remedy depending on your circumstances.

If worker’s compensation insurance covers you, you can seek compensation if you meet specific deadlines. But if you are not covered, you can file a personal injury lawsuit against your employer.

Conclusion

Work-related injuries are common in construction sites due to the hazards associated with the work. Thankfully you can seek compensation with the help of an attorney.