Construction Accident Lawyer
Sometimes, accidents happen because those in charge of construction sites, co-workers, and even manufacturers of industrial equipment do not take enough care to prevent such occurrences from unfolding. Sometimes, accidents happen when workers are momentarily distracted or otherwise contribute to their own injurious circumstances. And sometimes, accidents happen simply because construction workers are human beings operating in a world that isn’t always predictable.
If you’ve recently been injured in a construction accident, you may be entitled to compensation regardless of which of the above descriptions broadly apply to your circumstances. Even if you were totally to blame for what happened to you, it’s important to seek legal guidance as quickly as you can because some of the compensation opportunities available to you may be surprisingly time-sensitive.
Workers’ Compensation Benefits
If you are classified as either a part-time or full-time employee (as opposed to being properly classified as an independent contractor), you are likely covered by workers’ compensation insurance. If so, you are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits as a result of your injuries, regardless of how you got them. Unless you were drunk or high on the job, starting an altercation at the time you sustained an injury, or were trying to get hurt in order to defraud the workers’ comp system, you’re very likely entitled to compensation for medical costs and lost wages.
Note that applying for these benefits is a very time-sensitive undertaking. If you haven’t connected with an attorney to start this process, you’ll want to do so today. Waiting even another day may cause you to lose the opportunity to receive these benefits that are rightfully yours.
Pursuing Personal Injury Damages
The construction industry is inherently dangerous. There is, quite simply, no way to demo or construct massive structures without the use of hazardous tools, equipment, and substances. Additionally, many of the physical circumstances that construction workers are required to navigate – such as working at significant heights and in traffic-heavy construction zones – are inherently hazardous as well. With that said, there are procedures and protocols that should be in place at every construction site to significantly mitigate the risks that construction workers face.
As an experienced construction accident lawyer – including those who practice at The Cohen Injury Law Group, P.C. – can explain in greater detail, workers are generally in a position to pursue personal injury damages when another’s negligence, intentionally dangerous actions or inactions, or recklessness directly contribute to that worker’s harm. So, if your injurious circumstances were (at least partially) caused by faulty equipment, a co-worker’s carelessness, a motorist’s recklessness, etc., you may be in a strong position to take advantage of this opportunity for legal and financial recourse.
Note, however, that you won’t be able to sue your employer directly if it/they were partially or totally responsible for your harm if you’re entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. By paying for your workers’ compensation coverage, your employer has legally insulated itself from liability in the event that you suffer work-related injury or occupational illness.
