Working in construction is one of the most dangerous occupations in the U.S. The sad truth is that many workers on construction sites are injured in accidents that could have been prevented. These accidents are often due to the negligence of construction companies, general contractors, and other parties responsible for on-the-job safety. Regardless of the cause of the accident, injured construction workers are generally entitled to compensation when they are hurt on the job.
In the aftermath of a serious accident, it can be a challenge just to make your doctor appointments, much less wage a legal battle for the compensation you need. The knowledgeable North Carolina construction accident lawyers of Poisson, Poisson & Bower, PLLC, can guide you through every step of your case. Contact our offices today for your free consultation. We serve accident victims throughout Wadesboro, Wilmington, and across North Carolina.
Pursuing Compensation After a Construction Accident
If you were injured in a construction site accident, you may be entitled to recover compensation through one or both of the following types of claims:
- Workers’ compensation benefits – If you are legally classified as a non-exempt employee, you could be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits through your employer. Most North Carolina employers are required to carry workers’ comp insurance to cover their employees in the event of a work-related injury. In a workers’ comp claim, you do not have to prove that another party was at fault for your injuries. However, workers’ comp benefits are typically limited to the costs of necessary medical care and a portion of your lost wages.
- Third-party liability claims – If someone other than your employer was at fault for your injuries, you could file a personal injury claim against them. For example, if you were injured due to the negligence of another company on the job site, you could file a claim against that company. Or if your injury was caused by a defective piece of machinery, you could file a claim against the manufacturer.
If you file a third-party claim, you could be entitled to a wider range of compensation for your accident-related losses. This could include compensation for your pain and suffering, lost earning potential, and other future anticipated losses. However, you must be able to demonstrate that another party was responsible for your construction site injury to recover compensation.
What to Do If You’ve Been Hurt on a Construction Site
If you were hurt while working at a construction site, there are several crucial steps you can take to protect your health and your legal rights, including:
- Seeking medical attention for your injuries, following your doctor’s treatment recommendations, and attending follow-up appointments as necessary
- Reporting the accident and your injuries to your employer or the construction site manager, filling out an accident report, and keeping a copy for your records
- Taking photos of your injuries and the accident scene, and writing down everything you can remember about how the accident occurred
- Asking any witnesses who were present for statements and contact details
- Keeping a record of any medical bills, treatment expenses, and other incidental costs you incur due to your construction accident injury
- Refraining from providing a recorded statement or any unnecessary details about the accident to an insurance provider
- Refraining from posting any details about the accident on social media while your claim is pending
- Contacting an experienced construction accident attorney as soon as possible
