By First and foremost, any injured construction worker should seek medical attention. This is important even if you think your injuries are minor, as symptoms may not appear until some time after the accident occurred.
It’s also essential to notify your employer. Doing so will allow you to receive workers’ compensation benefits.
1. Get Medical Attention
Injuries from falls are common on construction sites and can cause serious injuries, including spinal cord trauma, paralysis, broken bones, traumatic brain injury, and even death. In some cases, these types of accidents can be covered by workers’ compensation.
The first thing you should do after a construction accident is seek medical attention. Do not wait long, as some injuries can have delayed symptoms such as a traumatic brain injury. Additionally, you should report your injury to your employer immediately, noting the date and name/position of your supervisor who received your report. It is important to do this because it documents your injury and allows for an investigation.
2. Contact Your Employer
As soon as possible after the accident, you should report it to your employer. This is necessary to get workers’ compensation benefits if you need them, and it will also serve as evidence of your injury later in court.
This will also help your attorney determine if anyone had a legal duty to ensure your safety, such as your direct boss, the manufacturers of equipment or hazardous materials, or the property owner. An experienced construction accident lawyer can help you gather this information. They will know what questions to ask and how to document it correctly. They will also deal with your employer and insurance company on your behalf.
3. Collect Witnesses’ Information
The best way to ensure you receive fair compensation after a construction accident is to gather all pieces of evidence. This can include medical records, photographs of the scene, witness lists, security video recordings and more.
If possible, you should also talk to any eyewitnesses to the crash and request their names and contact information. They might have valuable statements to add to your report or they may even be able to provide additional information that can help you prove who was responsible for your injuries. This is a step you should take as soon as the area has been secured. Memory can be unreliable and it’s better to collect this information right away.
4. Take Pictures
When people get injured, they need to take action to preserve important pieces of evidence. This can help them increase the likelihood of obtaining fair compensation.
Photos are critical for providing insurance companies and investigators with the details they need to determine fault and liability. This is why it is best for victims to take their own photos if they can do so without putting themselves in harm’s way.
It is also a good idea to use a camera with a built-in flash and take pictures from various angles and viewpoints. This can provide a more thorough and accurate representation of the accident.
5. Contact a Lawyer
If you haven’t already, report the accident to your employer and a law firm. This will document the incident and make it easier for you to obtain financial compensation.
Regardless of how minor the injury may seem, it’s important to seek medical attention. A small wound can turn into a life-altering health condition if left untreated.
Insurance companies often try to get people to settle for low-ball offers. That’s why it’s critical to have strong evidence working in your favor when filing a workers’ comp or personal injury lawsuit claim. Documenting the accident, collecting eyewitness testimonies, taking pictures and contacting a lawyer can all help ensure you receive the fair compensation you deserve.
6. Schedule a Consultation
When a construction worker sustains an injury on the job, medical bills and lost income can become a financial disaster. It is the responsibility of general contractors, property owners, and project managers to provide a safe working environment for their employees.
Workers may be able to recover compensation for their injuries in a workers’ compensation claim, a third-party lawsuit, or permanent disability filing. A New York attorney can help injured construction workers determine which route is best for them. The faster they report their accident and get started on the appropriate paperwork, the better. This can make all the difference in their future recovery.