If You Have Been Injured on a Construction Site, These Legal Tips Can Save You

There are 150,000 accidents on construction sites every year. While some of these accidents are minor, others can lead to lifelong disability or even death. 

If you’ve been injured on a construction site, you must take the correct steps to ensure you get the compensation you deserve. 

However, what are those steps? And, how do you keep other parties from getting away with not taking responsibility? 

Keep reading for tips on what to do if you’re involved in an accident on a construction site.

Research Lawyers Before an Accident

When you’ve been in a construction accident, you need to call the right lawyer to assist you. However, picking an attorney can be a challenge when you’re facing a significant amount of stress. 

If you work in the construction industry, start your research before an accident even occurs. Have a few names, and then when it’s time to use them, schedule a consult. 

Scheduling a free consultation with an attorney specializing in personal injury at construction sites is always a good idea. A lawyer that’s familiar with construction site injuries should also be familiar with the laws surrounding workman’s compensation. 

Not sure what to look for? This is a good example of a construction accident lawyer in Reno as they not only display their knowledge in the field, but also provide testimonials from past clients. Make sure you choose a lawyer with a good success rate and solid references.  

Know What Caused the Injury

Construction site injuries can be caused by various factors. While you’re often covered under worker’s compensation, you may also be able to file a civil lawsuit. You can do so if you can prove three things. 

First, you need to be able to prove that another person or entity had a duty to act in a safe and reasonable manner concerning you. Second, you need to be able to prove that they were negligent and failed to do so. Finally, you must prove that your injuries occurred because of that negligence. 

Some of the types of accidents you can run into involve the following.

Warning Signs Aren’t Erected Correctly

By law, construction sites are required to put up certain signs that warn people of danger. This is similar to stores being required to use wet floor signs to warn of slip hazards. Not having these signs can cause injury. 

Improper Barricades

Barricades can cause problems in a couple of ways. First, if the right barricades aren’t up, people can wander into the site accidentally. This can result in an injury. 

Second, if the barriers are too close to activities, it can cause an accident as well. 

Poorly Maintained Equipment

Next, poorly maintained or inspected equipment can cause issues. If this equipment malfunctions or fails, it can cause injuries to anyone in the surrounding area. 

Unsecured Tools

What happens if debris or tools fall from a location up high on your construction site? If they land on someone, it can cause injury or death. If they fall because someone failed to do their job properly, it could be negligence.  

Understand Liability on the Construction Site

The responsibility of an accident can fall on different people. It all depends on the circumstances. However, one thing remains true, anyone or any entity that has control over the construction site is responsible for the safety of anyone entering the site. Knowing who is responsible will help you work with your attorney to determine whether you have a civil case.  

This can include property managers, the owner, general contractors, and more. There’s a few ways to know who is liable in your circumstance. Here are some examples of who could get held liable: 

Property Owners

When you go onto a construction site, the property owner or manager has a responsibility. It’s their job to make sure that contractors, workers, customers, visitors, and tenants enter a property that’s safe.

Contractors or Employees From a Different Company

If you’re injured while working on a property with multiple contractors, another company could be held liable. If one of their employees is negligent it opens the door for you to sue the company for that negligence.  

Product Manufacturers

If the equipment on your site is maintained and inspected, but you still get injured due to a malfunction, it could come back on the product manager. You may be able to file a product liability claim in this circumstance. 

Architects and Engineers

What if it’s the construction plans that are incorrect or faulty? Architects and engineers have a responsibility to design safe buildings. If you’re injured because of a faulty plan, you can potentially sue them. 

Follow the Right Steps After a Construction Accident Injury

After an injury at a construction site; you need to follow the correct steps. The first step is to seek medical attention right away. Make sure you document any injuries and follow your doctor's recommendations. After that, you should follow these steps:

Report the Accident to Your Employer

While your employer may already know about the accident and your injury, you need to make it official. Make sure you fill out the necessary paperwork to report the injury and get the worker's compensation process started. 

Contact Your Lawyer

You want to make sure that your injuries get covered, and often worker’s compensation doesn’t cover everything. Working with a lawyer can help you get what you deserve. They’ll also be able to help you explore whether or not you can file a civil suit. 

Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company

If you have to use your personal insurance to cover the costs of medical care, make sure they know the circumstances. That way, they can place a lien on your settlement and recoup the money spent on your healthcare. 

Gather Evidence

Any evidence you can gather can be helpful. This can include witnesses and coworkers that were present at the time of the accident. If you’re able, get pictures from the accident too. Your attorney will be able to guide you on what type of evidence will be helpful. 

Follow These Tips for a Construction Site Injury

If you’ve been injured on a construction site, you shouldn’t have to worry about paying your bills. Contact a lawyer and work with them to determine who is at fault and how to move forward.