What Should I Do If I Am Injured in a Construction Accident?

    Construction accidents can be deadly for the workers involved, and even when they are not, they can result in devastating injuries that alter the life of the victim for years to come. Construction work is wrought with all sorts of dangers. Those who work at a construction site must be aware of the the fact that they face very real safety risks when on the job.

    Still, you do not have to face this risk without a plan concerning how to move forward if you sustain injuries in an accident. If you have been the victim of a construction accident, or face the risk of becoming one, there are several important procedures to follow in the aftermath of your accident to ensure your case is resolved appropriately.

    1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately

    Whether you feel injured or not, you must be evaluated by a medical professional as soon as possible. Some injuries, especially traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), take a significant amount of time to manifest after the accident, sometimes extending for days after the event. Take care to visit the hospital multiple times in the weeks following your accident to ensure no injuries fly under your radar.

    2. Gather All Evidence Surrounding the Incident

    You will need to file a worker’s compensation claim for your injury, and, depending on the nature of the accident, you may have legal grounds for other types of claims as well. This is especially true if your accident was caused by faulty equipment, in which case you would likely sue your employer or the manufacturer of the equipment. (Speak to your lawyer on which route of action is best to pursue.)

    For a thoroughly developed case, make sure to record all details of the scene. This requires that you take photographs of the area in which you were injured, record video evidence, and collect the personal information of all witnesses. Keep all medical bills that you incur in all treatment you receive for your injuries, and make sure all these records are backed up by your personal account of the incident as well.

    3. Report the Accident to Your Company

    This is essential to a worker’s compensation claim. Once you have all possible evidence surrounding your incident recorded, present the full account of the incident to your employer. Though you should not expect your employer to attempt to invalidate your claim, you must still ensure that no room is left in which they can twist the details of your incident in such a way that you do not receive compensation.

    4. Hire a Lawyer 

    Having legal support in these circumstances is crucial to the success of your case. There are numerous entities involved in the activity that goes on at construction sites, so you may face difficulties in appropriately assigning liability and achieving a fair settlement. A lawyer will assist you in navigating these circumstances so that you get the best possible results and experience a swift recovery. Get in touch with a lawyer as soon as you are ready to open your case for injury in a construction accident.