Steps To Take Immediately After A Construction Site Accident
Posted on June 27, 2022 in Work-Related Injuries
It may come as no surprise that more fatal accidents occur in the construction sector than any other industry. If you or someone you know have been involved in a construction site accident, you may be wondering what to do when it comes to pursuing compensation for your injuries. Read on for a step-by-step guide!
Seek Medical Attention
Now is not the time to brush off any seemingly minor injuries you may have sustained. Keep in mind that some injuries do not manifest themselves immediately and by the time you start to experience pain, it may be too late to bring forward a case. That is why you should always get medical documentation of your injuries and treatment, which will come in useful when filing a claim.
Report the Accident
You should never hold back from reporting an accident because you fear losing your job or immigration status. This ensures that you have documentation of the accident happening and can go a long way towards improving safety conditions on the job site. Take note of who you reported the accident to as well as the date on when you did so.
Gather Evidence and Witnesses
Depending on the severity of your injuries, we understand that it may not always be possible to gather evidence and witnesses on the spot. If it’s possible or if you can get a co-worker to do so on your behalf, take pictures of the conditions surrounding the accident. This could be a faulty piece of equipment or a spill that has not been cleaned up.
You should also gather contact details from witnesses but do not worry about getting information from them at this point; your attorney can assist you in doing so once you file your case.
Keep a Record of Medical Bills
After your initial visit to the doctor’s office, this can be followed up with more treatments, therapy and rehabilitation sessions, and more. Make sure to keep a record of all the medical bills you have received as they can quickly start to add up.
You could be entitled to additional compensation such as loss of wages as well as pain and suffering, so it’s crucial that you keep the documentation you need on hand.
Understand Your Rights
As a victim of a construction site accident, you are entitled to workers’ compensation as long as the following conditions are met:
- Your employer is enrolled in the scheme
- You were injured on the job
- The accident did not occur due to your misconduct or drug/alcohol impairment
Hire an Experienced Attorney to Fight Your Fight
Understandably, you may not feel well-equipped to take on a construction accident case without legal guidance. If your legal case needs to be escalated to a lawsuit, our knowledgeable attorneys at Pazer, Epstein, Jaffe & Fein, P.C. can assist you every step of the way. From gathering evidence to establishing culpability, we can do it all. Contact us today to get started with a free initial consultation!