Construction Accident Lawyer: When to Seek Representation
If you were injured while working in construction, you may be entitled to worker’s compensation. In some cases, there may also be reasons to file a personal injury lawsuit or third-party liability claim. A construction accident lawyer represents construction workers who were injured on the job. They help clients file claims and even consult with them as to whether there is a case for a greater lawsuit. With the help of a construction accident lawyer, construction workers have the best chance at receiving compensation to cover medical bills and lost wages.
Types of Construction Accidents
Construction is known for being one of the most dangerous jobs, posing risk of injuries and fatalities through a wide range of possibilities. There are plenty of types of construction accidents that can lead to compensation. Any time a worker is injured on a job in Massachusetts, they may be entitled to compensation.
Some of the most common construction accidents that can lead to worker’s compensation claims are:
- Illness due to toxic exposure
- Slips, trips, and falls
- Falling objects
- Heavy machinery malfunctions
- Electrocution
- Head injuries
In some cases, a third party may be responsible for the accident. These cases are treated differently than the regular worker’s compensation claims. Consult with your construction accident lawyer if you are concerned about how to best proceed after an accident.
What To Do After a Construction Accident
The most important thing to do immediately following a construction accident is seek medical attention. Medical records of your injuries help both in cases of filing workers’ comp claims and personal injury lawsuits. Ensure that you also report the injury to your supervisor or other work personnel in charge of keeping records of accidents like your own. Keep a copy of any records that you can to help your claim.
Some injuries may get progressively worse over time. Even the smallest injuries could have a lasting impact. Ignoring those initial injuries and not seeking medical attention right away could be detrimental long term.
After an accident, you will want to file a claim as soon as possible, in case of delays in the process. Preparing yourself early to file a claim by contacting an attorney after an accident can help you avoid some of these delays. However, there is always still a risk of delays due to external reasons. These delays can cause longer waits before you receive compensation.
Third-Party Liability Claims (Section 15 Petitions)
Massachusetts law allows injured workers to pursue third party liability claims, also called Section 15 petitions. To initiate a third-party cover under MGL c. 152, § 15, the worker’s compensation insurer must wait 7 months after a worker’s injury.
Third-party personal injury lawsuits occur when a third-party is responsible for causing a workplace accident that led to an employee’s injuries. This can occur through a wide range of reasons due to negligence.
What Accident Kills the Most Construction Workers?
According to the Bureau of Labor & Statistics, over one-third of all construction deaths were due to falls, slips, and trips. There are plenty of risks on a construction site that could lead to injury or even fatality. With any injuries sustained on the job, it’s crucial to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Some injuries may progress overtime if not treated immediately.
While no all construction injuries lead to fatality, the risk of getting harmed during a construction job means that these worker’s compensation cases are taken very seriously. As soon as possible after an accident, seek representation from a construction accident attorney to determine the best way to proceed in receiving the compensation you deserve.
Disclaimer
The information contained in this blog is for general information purposes only. Bonville & Howard assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions in the contents of the blog.
In no event shall Bonville & Howard be liable for any special, direct, indirect, consequential, or incidental damages or any damages whatsoever, whether in an action of contract, negligence, or other tort, arising out of or in connection with the use of this blog or the contents of this blog. Bonville & Howard reserves the right to make additions, deletions, or modifications to the contents of this blog at any time without prior notice.