If you have been in a construction accident, it can be a frightening and traumatic experience. You may feel overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. The physical and emotional trauma of such an accident can make taking the right steps afterwards very difficult. It can also be challenging to face the potential financial repercussions of a construction accident, including medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses.
It is important to remember that you are not alone during this time – there are people who care about your wellbeing and want to help you through this difficult situation. If you or a loved one has been injured in a construction accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses.
Common Construction Accidents
Construction sites can be dangerous places. Construction accidents are unfortunately common and can lead to serious injuries or even fatalities. Common construction accidents include falls from heights, being struck by falling objects, electrocution, and exposure to hazardous materials.
In order to protect yourself from these dangers it is important to understand the risks associated with working on a construction site, including:
- Falls from heights – Falling off scaffolding or ladders is one of the most common types of construction accident resulting in injury or death. It is important for workers at height to wear safety harnesses when appropriate and follow all safety protocols while working on scaffolding or ladders.
- Struck by falling objects – Workers may be hit by heavy tools, equipment, debris, etc that have not been properly secured during work activities on a construction site leading to serious injuries including head trauma or broken bones depending upon the object's size and weight as well as how far it fell before striking an individual worker below.
- Electrocution – Electric shock can occur when a worker comes into contact with exposed electrical wires leading to severe burns and other life-threatening complications if not treated quickly enough after an accident has occurred.
- Exposure to hazardous materials – Construction sites often contain hazardous materials, such as lead and asbestos, which can cause serious health problems if a worker is exposed to them over time. It is important that workers take all necessary safety precautions when working around hazardous materials and wear the appropriate protective equipment when necessary.
Here are five steps that will guide you on how to proceed after a construction accident has occurred:
#1. Seek Medical Attention
The most important thing to do after a construction accident is seek medical attention as soon as possible. Your health and safety should be your first priority after an accident. Even if your injury seems minor, seeing a healthcare professional can help make sure that you get the right treatment and prevent further complications down the line. Even if you don't you were seriously injured, it is important that you seek medical attention right away. This can help ensure that any injuries are treated quickly and reduces the risk of suffering further harm or complications in the future.
It is also important that you seek medical attention immediately because you will need documentation to link any injuries to the construction accident. Documentation from a medical professional can be used as evidence in any potential legal actions may wish to pursue.
#2. Report The Accident to Your Employer
Once you have sought medical attention, it is important that you formally report the accident to your employer. This ensures that your employer has documentation of the incident and that they are aware of what happened. Reporting the accident will also protect your rights and help ensure you are compensated for any damages incurred due to the construction accident.
Your employer is required by law to provide workers' compensation if you were injured on the job. Workers' compensation benefits can cover lost wages, medical expenses, and other damages related to the accident.
#3. Follow the Doctor's Orders
Following your doctor's orders is an important part of recovering from a construction accident. After seeking medical attention, it is essential to follow the instructions given by your healthcare provider for the best chance at healing and preventing further injury or complications.
The doctor will provide you with specific treatment plans that are tailored to your individual needs and circumstances. They may prescribe medications, physical therapy, or other treatments that can help reduce pain and promote healing.
Additionally, following the doctor’s orders helps ensure that any legal action taken against those responsible for causing or contributing to the accident can be supported by evidence provided by a medical professional who has been treating you since the incident occurred.
#4. Document the Details
It is important to document all aspects of the accident, including details such as witnesses, photographs of the scene, names of those involved and contact information for anyone present at the time of the incident. Taking notes about what happened will also help to ensure that your memory is accurate when discussing the accident with insurance companies and your legal team.
Make sure to document all crucial details related to the accident such as time, location, and any information about anyone else involved in the incident. Taking pictures or video of the area where the accident happened may also be useful evidence later on in any potential legal proceedings.
#5. Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer
It is important to seek legal advice after a construction accident to ensure that all your rights are being protected. A personal injury lawyer can help you understand the details of your particular case, advise you on how best to proceed, and represent your interests in court if necessary. They can also help guide you through the complex process of filing for workers' compensation benefits or pursuing a lawsuit against the responsible party and help ensure that all your rights are protected throughout the process.
At Clawson & Clawson, LLP we understand how difficult this time can be for victims of construction accidents and their families. Our team is here to advocate for your best interests every step of the way and help make sure that you get the justice and compensation that you deserve.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a construction accident, contact us online or call us at (719) 602-5888 to schedule a consultation to learn how we can help you move forward.