It’s no secret that construction workers are exposed to hazardous conditions every day. This includes being surrounded by dangerous machinery, great heights, electrical wiring, uneven floors, and more. Despite the stringent safety measures enforced by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), accidents can still happen due to negligence. In the unfortunate event of a construction accident, it’s crucial to understand the steps you need to take to ensure your health and protect your legal rights. Please continue reading to learn the steps you should take to maximize your chances of recovering compensation for your damages and how a skilled Birmingham Workers’ Compensation Lawyer can help you navigate your legal options.
What Should I Do After a Construction Accident?
If you have been seriously injured in a construction accident, it’s important to be aware of the legal steps you need to take. Unfortunately, many injured parties make mistakes that jeopardize their ability to obtain compensation for their damages. To avoid compromising your recovery, you should follow these steps:
- Seek immediate medical attention: First, you should prioritize your health and well-being. Even if your injuries seem minor, you should seek medical attention promptly as a comprehensive medical examination will ensure you receive the proper treatment and that all injuries are documented for your legal claim. If you delay or refuse medical attention it could put your health in jeopardy and hinder your ability to obtain compensation for your losses.
- Report the Accident: Following the incident, you must notify the appropriate parties whether it’s your supervisors or the site manager about your injuries as soon as possible. It’s important to document the details of the accident, including the time, date, location, and any other factors that could have contributed to the accident. This report is essential as it can help establish liability and support your claim. It’s important to note that any business with five or more employees is required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. That said, you should notify your employer about your intention to file a workers’ compensation claim for benefits.
- Collect Evidence: If circumstances permit, you should gather evidence such as photographs of the accident scene, your injuries, and any other conditions that could have contributed to the cause of the accident. It’s also beneficial to collect contact information from any witnesses who observed the accident as they may be able to corroborate your version of the events. Preserving evidence is important as it can help you satisfy the burden of proof.
- Retain the legal services of an experienced lawyer. Determining liability can be difficult. In addition to a workers’ compensation claim, you may be entitled to file a third-party liability claim for compensation. This may be the case if a party other than your employer contributed to the accident. A skilled lawyer can help you determine the best course of action and effectively represent your interests.
At Alabama Personal Injury Lawyers, LLC, we are prepared to help you fight for the financial compensation you need to get your life back on track again. Connect with our dedicated legal team today to learn more about the claims process.
