Construction Accidents and Injuries
Working on construction sites demands a lot of trust in not only those you work for, but those you work with. When that trust is violated and you sustain personal injury at the construction site, you may be entitled to recover damages. Legally, employers are responsible for providing you with a safe environment to work in (see What’s a Tort?). On construction sites, that environment must be reasonably safe and your employer has the responsibility to inform you of any potential hazards you may face on the site.
If you are injured on a construction site, you may be eligible for Workers Compensation benefits (see Understanding Workers Compensation). However, if your injuries are severe or affect your ability to find work with a comparable salary, Workers Compensation may not be sufficient to cover all of your damages, including loss of future potential to earn income. In cases like this, it is important to contact a construction accident lawyer (see What to Look for in a Personal Injury Lawyer) to help you understand your rights and help you determine if you have a claim against someone else that may help you recover extensive damages resulting from a construction accident.
You may have a claim against the construction site owner, general contractor, subcontractors, or even fellow employees depending on their ability to control the environment where your injury took place. Liability in construction accidents is usually based on who has control over the premises at the time of the accident. Also, if your injury is the result of defective equipment, you may have a claim against the manufacturer of that equipment (see Understanding Products Liability). Keep in mind that if your injuries are a result of an accident that you should have been able to prevent, you may not be able to seek compensation for your injuries. An experienced construction accident lawyer should be able to help you determine who is at fault, or liable, for your injuries.
Construction accidents can be very serious and it isimportant that you receive medical attention immediately. It is also important that you take pictures, or have someone else take pictures of the accident scene promptly after the accident. This is truly essential as accident scenes at construction sites change rapidly due to continued work in the area. In addition to photographs, be sure to write down everything you remember about how the accident happened. Documenting the details of the accident soon after it happens will help you recall those important details at a later date should it be necessary to pursue legal action to recover your damages. It is also important to write down the names and contact information of anyone who witnessed your accident. Finally, be sure to keep a journal of the pain and suffering you experience as you recover from your injury and keep track of all expenses you incur as a result of your injury (medical bills, prescription drug bills, physical therapy bills, etc). All of this information will help your attorney determine what damages you are eligible to recover (see Types of Damages Awarded in Personal Injury Lawsuits) as he or she works on your claim.
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