Construction sites are one of the most dangerous workplaces. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that about 150,000 construction workers are injured annually. Also, The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reported that one in ten construction workers get injured every year.
If you are a construction worker, you probably have questions about construction accidents, the workers’ compensation process, and whether you should work with a construction accident lawyer to get the benefits you deserve after you are injured. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about construction accidents:
I want my workplace to be safer, what can I do?
If you think your workplace is unsafe, the first thing you should do is properly notify your employer of any hazards, and then file a written report. If conditions don’t improve, you can file a formal complaint at your nearest OSHA office. For more information, visit OSHA’s website.
What are the most common construction accidents?
The most common construction accidents include slips and falls, falls from great heights or from scaffolding, electrocution, getting caught between objects or materials, motor vehicle accidents, fires, and explosions. These accidents can lead to a wide variety of severe injuries, such as bruises, lacerations, broken bones, amputations, paralysis, traumatic brain injuries, and even death.
On the other hand, OSHA points out that the main causes of death on construction sites are falls, electrocutions, struck-by-object accidents, and caught-in incidents. These are known as the ” construction fatal four”.
Who’s liable for my injuries after a construction accident?
It’s common for construction projects to involve workers from different companies working side by side, making it difficult to determine liability at the time of an accident. Some of the parties potentially responsible for an injury include your direct employer, the project’s general contractor, the owner of the property where work is being done, and even manufacturers of defective products. Given the complexity of the liability issues, you should consult with an attorney before proceeding with a claim.
Are all construction accident injuries covered by workers’ compensation?
The vast majority of construction site injuries are covered by workers’ compensation. This system is designed so that workers receive sufficient benefits to cover their medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of whether the injury was caused by their own negligence or recklessness. However, there are certain limits you should be aware of. For example, a worker will lose his right to obtain workers’ compensation if he was under the influence of alcohol or any other drug at the time of the accident.
After a construction accident injury, can I get more than workers’ compensation?
You may be eligible for compensation beyond workers’ compensation benefits. However, your claim against your employer, according to the law, will be limited to workers’ compensation. Nevertheless, if there are other parties responsible for your injuries, like property owners, or manufacturers, or third-party contractors you may pursue a claim against them. What you receive from them will not be influenced by workers’ compensation laws.
What happens during an OSHA inspection?
In the event of severe accidents, OSHA may send an inspector to the construction site where the incident occurred to collect information. Initially, the inspector will meet with the employer and explain the nature of the inspection. Then, the inspector will walk around the site to investigate the workplace. At the end of the visit, the inspector will notify the employer of any possible violations found during the walk-through.
Depending on your case, if the inspection reveals that your injury was caused by a violation of an OSHA regulation, it may help strengthen your claim.
How can I learn the value of my case?
Every case is unique, and the value of your claim will depend on certain factors directly, such as the type of claim you are pursuing (it may be a workers’ compensation claim, a personal injury claim, or both), the severity of your injuries, your medical expenses, etc. If you want to know the value of your case quickly, you should talk to a construction accident lawyer.
Should I work with a construction accident lawyer?
Working with a construction accident attorney can be a good idea for several reasons. First, the lawyer knows the law and will be able to guide you every step of the way. Also, an attorney will protect your rights at all times. And to top it off, working with an attorney will increase your chances of getting the maximum compensation possible for your case.
Need a construction accident lawyer? Consider C&B Law Group
If you are looking for a committed construction accident lawyer who is always available to you, consider C&B Law Group as your first choice.
C&B a workers compensation attorney group in los angeles that has helped hundreds of clients in labor law, personal injury, and workers’ compensation cases.
Their record of success speaks for itself; they have recovered over $7 million for their clients over the last year and are ready to help you 24/7.
C&B Law Group offers completely free initial consultations, so you have nothing to lose and yet have everything to gain. Call now to find out the value of your case in minutes!
Learn about the law on Legal Facts!
Find a workers’ comp lawyer near you at Legal Facts. Plus, in Legal Facts, you’ll find easy-to-read, easy-to-understand information on all kinds of legal topics. You’ll learn everything there is to know about legal matters that interest you in a few minutes. If after reading about the law, you want to connect with a lawyer, Legal Facts has you covered. Their network of lawyers is always ready to help you with whatever you need.
If you are a lawyer looking to expand your legal practice, Legal Facts can help you grow your business with legal leads. Click here for Legal Marketing Services.