No one is ever prepared to get into an accident—and after being involved in one, most people’s lives are often turned upside down. The pain, inability to work and cater to their families, stress, and piled-up bills are constant reminders of the unfortunate event.
Construction site accidents often result in severe and painful injuries. And in most cases, and if done right, the compensation for these types of injuries is usually higher than for other accidents.
This is why insurance companies do everything they can to minimize damage and exposure related to these accidents. Fortunately, law firms understand how difficult this is for these workers. Since construction workers are exposed to high-risk factors, firms like KFF law provide legal guidance and protection for them.
So, how do you ensure your employer is held responsible for an on-site accident? Let’s look at an overview of filing a claim for construction site accidents.
This way, injured individuals can protect themselves and their families from financial hardship caused by medical bills and lost wages due to being unable to work. Read on for more essential tips about navigating this complicated process.
Table of Contents
Report The Accident
Getting the necessary medical attention is a top priority after an accident. All injuries must be reported and documented, no matter how minor they appear. Doing this will ensure your health is handled while protecting your legal rights to seek compensation.
Also, record all detailed accident accounts on-site as soon as possible. This will help to avoid later confusion or dispute. Ensure you seek medical attention and ask for written documentation.
Gather Evidence Of The Accident
Proving that an injury occurred on a construction site is critical to winning your case. To demonstrate liability, make sure to gather enough evidence. You must document the accident as soon as possible by taking pictures of the scene and any damaged equipment or hazardous working conditions that may have contributed to the accident.
Next, speak to witnesses and take notes of their statements. This is one of the most integral components of winning a construction site accident case.
Be sure to note names and contact information in case they need to provide affidavits. Witnesses can often give more insight into the events leading up to your injury and any compensation you may receive due to them.
To properly document their statements, write down as much information as possible. Make sure that your notes accurately reflect each witness’s words.
Don’t forget to get copies of official reports related to the accident, such as accident reports, OSHA reports, and police reports. Of course, keeping medical documents and records of therapy sessions related to the incident is also necessary when making a claim.
Keep a Record of Medical Expenses Following the Accident
After seeking medical care, keep a detailed record of all expenses associated with the injury. This includes a tally of related bills and receipts and any documentation your doctor provides, such as medication prescriptions, rehabilitation reports, and specialist referrals.
Ensure you keep an organized system of records. These records will be invaluable when preparing for a case since all financial expenses can easily be referenced to strengthen the legal argument. Apart from being an asset to your case, an organized record system will save you time and effort later when filing for compensation.
Hire an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney
Navigating the legal system after a construction site accident isn’t easy for someone who has no idea how the system works. For this reason, you’ll want to hire an experienced personal injury lawyer.
Get an expert who understands the ins and outs of this type of case. As such, you may want to hire an attorney with experience dealing with construction accidents. They will know how to review the evidence and determine liability.
Experienced attorneys are not only able to prepare your case effectively but are also better equipped to understand complex legal proceedings related to these types of cases.
Do Not Sign Anything
Never sign anything without consulting your attorney when dealing with construction site accidents, particularly when it comes to severe injuries and death. Even if the documents appear to provide a sensible resolution and should be taken seriously, never sign anything.
Before you commit yourself to action or sign any document, make sure it’s something that you’ve discussed extensively with your legal representatives.
Further, if an insurance representative is trying to persuade you or offering a settlement outside of court proceedings, always take the time to contact your lawyer. The idea is to avoid rash decisions that could harm your claim in the long run.
Conclusion
As you can see, being well-informed is your best chance to get the compensation you deserve after a construction site accident. Following the abovementioned procedures can give you a better chance of securing compensation for your injury and other damages.
Those who suffer from an injury due to someone else’s mistake must be treated fairly and justly. So, if you find yourself in this position, never hesitate to seek legal help. Navigating cases like these can be complicated, but with the correct information and resources, it’s entirely possible to get a successful outcome.
