If you’re involved in a construction accident, the steps you take right away can affect both your recovery and your ability to pursue compensation. First, seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if your injuries seem minor. Some serious injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, internal injuries, or spinal damage, may not be immediately apparent. You should also report the accident to your supervisor, foreman, or another appropriate site authority so the incident is formally documented.

It’s also important to gather and preserve evidence whenever possible. Helpful steps may include:

• Documenting the scene: Take photos of equipment, hazards, or unsafe conditions and collect contact information from any witnesses.
• Preserving evidence: If faulty equipment or materials contributed to the accident, avoid moving or altering them until they can be inspected.
• Filing a workers’ compensation claim: Workers’ compensation is often the first avenue for injured workers to recover benefits for medical care and lost wages, so it’s important to file a claim promptly.

If your construction accident was caused by unsafe conditions or someone else’s negligence, speaking with an experienced construction accident attorney can help you better understand your rights and legal options.

Depending on how the accident occurred and the severity of your injuries, you may be able to recover several types of compensation. Construction accident claims may include damages related to both the financial and personal impact of an injury.

Potential compensation may include:

• Medical expenses: Hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, medications, and other treatment related to the injury.
• Lost wages: Income lost while recovering, as well as potential future earnings if the injury affects your ability to work.
• Pain and suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
• Permanent disability: Ongoing compensation if the injury results in long-term or permanent limitations.

The types and amount of compensation available will depend on the specific details of the accident and how the injury affects your life.

In most situations, workers’ compensation is the primary remedy for construction injuries. This means injured workers generally cannot sue their employer directly for workplace accidents. Workers’ compensation is designed to provide benefits such as medical care and wage replacement regardless of who was at fault.

However, there are some situations where additional legal claims may be possible, including:

• Third-party liability: If another party contributed to the accident, such as a subcontractor, equipment manufacturer, or property owner, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against that third party.
• Intentional misconduct or extreme negligence: In rare cases, if an employer intentionally created dangerous conditions or deliberately exposed workers to serious harm, some states may allow a lawsuit outside of workers’ compensation.

Because construction accident cases can involve multiple responsible parties, speaking with an experienced construction accident attorney can help determine what legal options may be available in your situation.

The time you have to file a claim after a construction accident is governed by the statute of limitations, which varies by state and the type of claim involved. In general, injured workers must take legal action within a specific period after the accident. Missing this deadline can prevent you from pursuing compensation.

In addition to filing deadlines for lawsuits, many states also require workplace accidents to be reported within a certain period of time. Cases involving government entities or public projects may involve additional notice requirements. Because these timelines and rules can vary, it’s important to speak with a construction accident attorney as soon as possible to help ensure your claim is filed properly and within the applicable deadlines.

Morgan & Morgan is the largest personal injury law firm in the country, with more than 1,000 attorneys nationwide and over 35 years of experience representing injured clients. Our firm has recovered more than $30 billion for clients, and we have the resources and experience to investigate construction site accidents and pursue accountability when negligence leads to serious injuries.

Morgan & Morgan works on a contingency fee basis, which means there are no upfront costs to get started. In fact, the Fee Is Free™; you only pay if we successfully recover compensation in your case. If you were injured on a construction site due to unsafe conditions or negligence, an experienced attorney can help you understand your legal options and determine whether you may be able to pursue compensation. Contact Morgan & Morgan today for a free case evaluation to learn more.