What To Do In The Event Of A Construction Accident
No matter how small or mild an accident is, getting into one is no joke. It impacts your whole life and affects you not just physically but also emotionally, socially, and financially. Accidents can happen anywhere, and if you’re working in a dangerous environment, the possibility of being involved in a work-related accident has just doubled.
Accidents and injuries in the workplace are so common that it’s at the top of the list for leading reasons for personal injury lawsuits. If you’ve sustained an injury due to a construction accident at work or when just passing by on the street, you can file a suit against the liable party allowing you to redeem damages for the consequences of the injury.
Common Types of Construction Accidents
Most accidents in the workplace are due to the negligence of others or the management, faulty and non-functional equipment, and defective products. The most common types of accidents happening in the construction industry include the following:
- Crane accidents
- Collapse of equipment or structure
- Electrocution
- Explosions
- Exposure to toxic chemicals
- Falling debris
- Falls and ladder accidents
- Machinery malfunctions
- Repetitive stress on back and joints
- Welding accidents
What Should You Do?
If you plan on taking things legally, here are the key steps to do to ensure a speedy legal recovery.
Get Immediate Medical Treatment
No matter how eager you are to collect evidence of the accident, nothing is more important than making sure you’re safe and out of danger. If you can, go to the emergency room as soon as possible, or if not, you should call 911 for medical assistance. Once you’ve received treatment, don’t forget to document the condition – the extent of the injury, how long it will last, and the possible effects of the injury to your ability to perform work. If you were involved in an accident where no apparent injury is caused, undergoing a medical exam is still advisable.
Report The Accident
Filing a report of the accident as soon as possible is an important step towards getting workers’ compensation benefits to help you with your financial recovery for loss of income. Postponing the reporting process may put your right to the benefits at risk as there usually are time limits for it. Even if you think you didn’t sustain any injury, informing your employer about it is recommended.
Document And Take Photos
Take notes of what happened, including as much detail as possible such as what prompted the accident and who is present at the time. When unfortunate things happen like being denied of workers’ compensation benefits, the people who witnessed the accident can play a significant role. Further, take photos of the accident area. Make sure to capture the details that can help you prove your claim; for example, that there is a safety issue in the workplace. All these can help your case if you plan to lodge a suit against the liable party.
Consult A Legal Professional
Seeking help from an experienced legal professional who specializes in employment laws, including those covering work-related accidents and injuries, is crucial when you’ve been injured at work. The lawyer should be able to help you take legal action against those responsible for your injury and collect necessary evidence to support your case. He should aim for the fastest way possible to settle the case without jeopardizing a complete payment for your loss.
Construction accidents and other types of accidents that happen in the workplace should always reach the management. An accident has legal implications, so getting legal help is important.
Lea Taylor
Lea Taylor is a law writer at The Rybak Firm, who spends much of her time writing pieces on law topics for the common reader. Lea is the resident comedian of the office, often cracking jokes to lighten the mood. She always has a delightful story to make everyone smile.
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