Construction sites are among the most dangerous places of employment because workers are faced with a variety of dangers, including the possibility of falling, experiencing equipment failure, and being exposed to hazardous substances. Workers have legal remedies available to them in the event that they have a construction injury, which allows them to seek compensation for medical bills, lost earnings, and other damages. A better understanding of your rights and the legal options that are open to you can assist you in protecting both yourself and your means of subsistence.
Typical Reasons for Construction Injury
A number of factors, including the following, can lead to construction injury:
- There is a high chance of falling from heights, and scaffolding, ladders, and rooftops all present this risk.
- Heavy machinery that is poorly maintained or operated improperly might result in catastrophic injuries.
- The most common cause of death in the construction industry is electrocution, which occurs when a person comes into contact with live wires, power lines, or malfunctioning electrical systems.
- If they come into contact with workers, falling objects such as tools, materials, and trash can cause catastrophic injury.
- Structures that fail can confine workers, resulting in catastrophic injuries. Examples of such structures include trenches and collapsed buildings.
Prolonged exposure to hazardous materials, such as chemicals, asbestos, or poisonous vapors, can result in the development of severe health issues that last for a lengthy period of time.
Legal Options Available to Construction Workers Who Have Been Injured From Construction injury
The workers’ compensation system is a no-fault system that gives benefits to injured workers regardless of who was liable for Construction accidents during which they were hurt.
- Claims from Third Parties who are Liable: You have the right to initiate a personal injury case against a third party if you believe that they are liable for your damage. This might be a subcontractor, a manufacturer of equipment, or the owner of the property themselves.
- Legal Actions Directed Against Employers for Construction injury: The majority of the time, workers’ compensation forbids employees from suing their employers; nevertheless, there are several exceptions to this rule. In the event that an employee sustains an injury as a result of that employer’s gross negligence, willful misconduct, or breach of safety standards. A construction accident injury lawyer can help you to find the legal actions.
- Claims Regarding Product Liability: In the event that the harm was caused by faulty or defective equipment, the manufacturer may be held liable for the injury within the framework of employer liability legislation. A defective piece of safety equipment, power tools, or heavy machinery may fall under this category.
- Allegations of Erroneous Death: Workers’ families have the right to launch a wrongful death case in the event that a construction injury results in the death of a worker. The purpose of this legal claim is to seek compensation for the costs associated with the funeral, the loss of financial assistance, and the emotional distress.
Procedures to Follow Following an Accident on the Job Site
Immediately seek medical attention because your well-being and safety are of the utmost importance. Some disorders can become more severe over time, even if the harm appears to be quite small. It is imperative that you immediately inform your employer or the supervisor of the Construction Site about the incident.
It is important to document the accident by taking photographs of the scene, collecting testimonies from witnesses, and preserving all medical records. You should file a claim for workers’ compensation and make sure that you finish all of the appropriate paperwork within the timeframe that is allowed by the state.
Obtain the advice of a construction injury attorney – The appropriate line of action can be determined with the assistance of a workers’ compensation attorney, who can also ensure that you obtain full compensation.
Final Thoughts
Accidents that occur in the construction industry can have life-altering implications, but workers do have legal options available to them. When it comes to obtaining the compensation you are entitled to, having a solid understanding of your rights and enlisting the advice of an attorney can make a major difference. If you or a member of your family has sustained injuries on a building site, seeking the advice of a construction injury attorney can be the initial step toward recovery and justice. As a leading construction accident law firm, Gaylord & Nantais at Law, we represent the best construction injury attorneys who have handled a wide range of cases. Get in touch with us today at (562) 561-2669!