Steps to Take After a Construction Accident

Construction sites are inherently risky environments, bustling with activity and heavy machinery. Despite stringent safety protocols, accidents are still common, and the resulting injuries can range from minor cuts to life-altering disabilities. When an accident occurs, knowing exactly what steps to take can protect your health, rights, and financial future. This guide will outline the essential steps after a construction accident, helping you understand how to handle the situation effectively and maximize your chances for fair compensation.

These steps provide a solid foundation if you need help determining where to begin. At Roxell Richards Law Firm, we’re here to help construction accident victims take action to protect themselves and secure their rights.

When a construction accident occurs, the priority is always health and safety. Even if injuries seem minor or you don’t feel immediate pain, seeking medical attention is crucial. Some injuries, such as internal bleeding, head trauma, or spinal injuries, might not show immediate symptoms but can have serious, lasting effects if untreated.

Beyond the obvious health reasons, visiting a doctor also establishes a record of your injuries, which is critical for any future claim. Documenting your injuries with an official medical evaluation can help validate your case if you seek workers’ compensation or legal action later. It demonstrates that the injuries were severe enough to warrant medical care and provides a baseline for tracking your recovery.

Tip: Save all medical records, including diagnoses, prescriptions, test results, and medical bills. These documents can support your claim and increase the compensation you’re entitled to receive.

After seeking medical care, immediately notify your supervisor or employer about the accident. Most companies have procedures for reporting workplace accidents, often involving an incident report form. Filing this report is crucial because it serves as the first official documentation of the incident, establishing the accident’s time, place, and details.

Failure to report the incident promptly could lead to complications, such as your employer or insurance company disputing your claim. In some cases, states even require that you report the accident within a specific timeframe to remain eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Be sure to request a copy of the incident report for your records.

Tip: Keep a written record of the notification, including the date and names of individuals involved, to create additional documentation for your case.

Documenting the accident scene can significantly strengthen your claim if you’re physically able. Use your phone to take clear, detailed photos of the area, focusing on any hazardous conditions or objects contributing to the accident. Examples might include slippery surfaces, defective equipment, insufficient safety signage, or poor lighting. Also, photograph any injuries you sustained, as visual evidence can often speak louder than words.

Additionally, if there were any witnesses to the accident, get their contact information and ask if they’d be willing to provide a statement. Witness statements can support your account and corroborate the conditions that led to the incident. Write down your version of events soon after the accident, capturing all relevant details while they are fresh in your memory.

Tip: Avoid sharing photos or statements on social media, as insurance companies may monitor your online activity. Keep all documentation confidential and share it only with your attorney or trusted parties involved in the case.

In many cases, construction workers are covered by workers’ compensation insurance, which benefits employees injured on the job. Workers’ compensation typically covers medical expenses, a portion of lost wages, rehabilitation costs, and disability benefits, depending on the severity of the injury. Filing a claim ensures that you have access to these benefits.

To file a claim, report the accident to your employer, as they will need to notify their insurance carrier. You may need to complete specific forms in some states, so ask your employer about their requirements and deadlines. Be thorough in completing any paperwork detailing your injuries and how the accident occurred.

If your claim is denied or you feel the compensation offered is inadequate, you may have the right to appeal or seek legal representation to help you secure fair benefits.

Tip: Keep copies of all forms and correspondence with your employer and insurance carrier. Having a paper trail can be invaluable if issues arise with your claim.