Facing a construction accident can leave you in mental and physical agony. According to Health and Safety International, the rate of fatal injury per 100,000 workers in construction has also risen by a shocking 78.68% since 2018/19.
If you or a loved one have faced a similar situation, taking the right action while keeping the statute of limitations in mind is very important. Here are some important steps to take.
1. Get Medical Help
Whether you are facing a sprain or a broken bone, making sense of things at the moment can be challenging. You may feel confused when thinking about what to do next. Before anything, you must be thinking about the much-needed medical help for yourself.
After you have been hurt, take a few steps to reach a safe spot. Once you feel safe, examine yourself for any visible injuries such as cuts, sprains, or burns. If you see any signs of harm, make sure to take photos and videos as evidence.
Even if you do not see any signs of physical injury, you must still visit a doctor’s office. Some injuries, such as a concussion or traumatic brain injury, may not be visible but can affect you in the long run. Only a healthcare professional can help you prevent further harm.
2. Make a Report
Once you have received the necessary medical help, reporting the incident is the next important step to take. Making a report can help you start the journey of finding peace and compensation after a traumatic event like this.
First, you must get in touch with your supervisor. Tell them what happened, and make sure to fill out an injury report form. This step can bring the danger to the attention of your supervisor and prevent the same accidents in the future.
If possible, you can also file a claim through your company’s worker’s compensation platform. This step can help you cater to your immediate expenses, such as your medical bills and lost wages.
3. Collect Evidence
You do not have to be a detective or a police officer to be able to collect evidence. Once you have been involved in a construction accident, you must document every step of the way.
From taking pictures of your injuries to keeping track of all your bills, every bit of evidence can help you strengthen your case. This can especially be helpful if you are thinking about taking legal action.
In addition, when documenting essential pieces of evidence, make sure that you also involve your coworkers to help you. If they witnessed the accident, their testimonies can support your case.
4. Consult a Construction Accident Lawyer
Dealing with the aftermath of a construction accident can be stressful. In such a challenging time, you need all possible support on your side. That is why people in California often end up hiring Walnut Creek Construction Accident Lawyers.
Hiring a construction accident lawyer can be especially beneficial if your case involves complex legal issues. They can help you understand your rights, set realistic expectations, and avoid any regrettable mistakes.
If you are worried about the expenses, you will be happy to know that most construction accident lawyers offer their services on a contingency basis. This means that you will only have to pay the construction accident lawyer if you secure compensation for your losses.
5. Know Your Rights
Many people who experience a construction accident hesitate to take legal action, believing it may not result in a significant financial gain. If you are having the same thoughts, do not make up your mind yet.
As mentioned earlier, most construction accident lawyers offer free consultation and may work on a contingency basis. During the initial conversation, they can help you understand your rights.
Once you understand your workers’ compensation benefits, such as a cover for medical expenses, lost wages, and disability benefits, they can ensure that you get maximum compensation for your losses.
6. Understand Your Recovery
The time you need to recover after a construction accident can depend on several factors. From the type of injury to its intensity, understanding your recovery can help you make a lot of decisions.
You may need physical therapy to recover from intense injuries. Your healthcare provider may restrict you from doing certain types of work. You must keep all these considerations in mind.
It is best to keep track of your lost wages throughout your healing process. You can create a journal with thorough records. You can get compensated with the help of a construction accident lawyer.
7. Avoid Early Settlement
One of the biggest mistakes you can make is to settle too quickly. Insurance companies often play tricks to try to make you settle for minimal compensation. You must avoid falling into their tricks. You can make your stance firmer by having a construction accident lawyer by your side.
If you are not sure about the actual value of your claim, a construction accident lawyer can help you in this regard. They can help you avoid falling for the tactics used by insurance companies.
An experienced lawyer will also ensure that you are compensated not only for your expenses in the present but also in the future, such as long-term treatment costs, rehabilitation expenses, and loss of wages.
8. Keep an Eye on the Statute of Limitations
Many people fail to receive compensation for their losses in construction accidents because they are unaware of the statute of limitations. Once they miss the time limit, they are unable to do anything about it.
Once you or a loved one has been injured in a construction accident, it is always recommended not to wait for too long to take legal action. If you have already missed the deadline, you can look into exceptions your state may entertain.
9. Surround Yourself with the Right People
A construction accident can be a traumatic experience. It does not just cause physical but mental agony as well. In such circumstances, going back to a normal life can be nothing less than a challenge.
While going back to normal life may not be easy, it is not entirely impossible. The right people around you can help you find hope in the most challenging times, expedite your healing, and lead your life back to normal.
