According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2020 three on-the-job injuries were reported for every 100 construction workers. As new building projects get underway in Northern New Jersey this spring, job site accidents are already beginning to happen. While working in the construction industry is dangerous during any season, spring’s unpredictable weather, heavy rain, and sudden upswing in available jobs usually means an uptick in serious injuries.
If you experience an injury on the job, knowing what to do is essential to getting the health care and compensation required for a complete recovery. By following the steps below, you’ll put yourself in a better position for getting a fair deal from the insurance company for your personal injury claim. As always, if you are struggling to get the compensation you need, don’t hesitate to get in touch with an experienced construction accident lawyer at Buttafuoco & Associates for a free consultation.
1. Document the Construction Accident and Notify Your Supervisor
With most workplace accidents, it is standard procedure to document the incident and notify your supervisor immediately. Most employers have clear guidelines for how to document workplace accidents for the purposes of liability and workers’ compensation.
However, it’s essential as a construction worker to keep in mind that many of these regulations are there to protect the company and not you, the employees.
Construction sites are dangerous places, and a company that knows it could be liable for your accident due to negligence may do anything possible to avoid being fined by OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) or state or local entities.
If possible, document the incident on your own, and include a written notification to your supervisor. Always remember to record the date, time, and other relevant details, such as names and contact information of witnesses and the supervisor you report to.
2. Collect Evidence
The more complete the evidence you gather at the construction accident, the more useful it will be to your Northern New Jersey construction accident lawyer as they build your case and start an investigation
Photos of the scene are an essential type of evidence. If you can’t take them yourself due to your injuries, ask a coworker you trust to do it for you. Capture the site from a variety of angles, and make sure to get key details such as broken tools, slippery scaffolding, or other hazards.
In addition to photos, gather as much additional evidence as possible, even if you’re unsure whether or not it’s relevant to your claim. Also find out if there is any security camera or cell phone video footage of the incident.
We also recommend that you collect contact information of any potential witnesses (including other construction workers and bystanders) who could provide statements describing the incident.
3. Seek Medical Attention and Maintain Records
If your injuries are severe, seeking medical help is the first thing you should do. Many employers and job sites may even require this, but again, these requirements and procedures exist to legally protect the employer, not to make sure you’re able to get the level of health care you need to recover from your injury.
In many cases, the medical care the victim receives is minimal, with compensation only covering enough to limit the employer’s liability. Records of prompt medical evaluation and care show that your injuries were sustained in the construction accident.
As with any personal injury claim, you’ll need to prove that your construction accident resulted in specific damages, so make sure you keep careful records of any medical attention you receive. If your medical diagnosis is disputed by insurance, get in touch with a construction accident attorney in Northern New Jersey as soon as possible.
4. Get Legal Representation
Typically, construction site accident compensation is paid out by an insurance company for the employer, not the employee. Your settlement is a negotiation, and insurance companies will always attempt to settle the case as cheaply as possible.
Even if your case isn’t being settled in civil court, a Northern New Jersey construction accident attorney will have the negotiation skills and legal knowledge to guide you through the process and get the compensation you need to get your life back on track. Buttafuoco & Associates is committed to fighting for victims’ rights against unethical insurance companies.
To learn more about how we can help with your construction site case, get in touch today with our personal injury attorneys at 1-800-NOW-HURT.
