According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), construction workers account for around 20% of all people killed in the workplace. They also account for many injuries each year. A lot can go wrong on a construction site, so companies must implement strict safety measures and ensure everyone on the site adheres to them.
You can usually claim against your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance if you have an accident while working on a building site. However, there are strict procedures you need to follow to ensure the success of your claim.
What should you do if injured on a construction site?
When injuries happen, it’s important to remember the following steps:
- Get medical attention: A doctor’s report will be essential to your claim. Even if you think the injury is minor, it is best to get checked out after an accident.
- Report the accident: Tell a superior what happened as soon as possible. Check to see if there are any particular forms they require you to complete.
- Collect evidence: Even though you should be able to rely on workers’ comp to cover your losses, it pays to take photos of the scene, document your injuries and make note of any witnesses who saw what happened. Sometimes, a workers’ comp claim is questioned and you have to fight for your benefits. Other times, you may have a third-party claim that turns into a civil suit.
Do you need an attorney if your employer has worker’s compensation insurance?
An attorney can ensure your claim is filed correctly and on time so that you don’t receive an unfair denial of your benefits. They can make sure the insurance company does not try to pay you less than they should. They can also review the situation to see if there are other avenues of compensation open to you.