Construction Accident Lawyers
As a workers compensation lawyer can share, workers’ compensation is a system that encompasses several rules and regulations that are designed to provide benefits to employees who have been injured when performing the duties of their jobs. This law helps ensure injured employees receive much-needed benefits like medical care, replacement of lost wages, vocational rehabilitation, and more in lieu of seeking legal action against their employer. One of the most hazardous sectors is the construction industry due to the inherent dangers associated with this line of work, and because of this, job-related injuries are common. Because of this, construction workers who have been injured should consider seeking consultation — according to our friends at Hurwitz, Whitcher & Molloy — to ensure they are taking proper action.
Understanding the Hazards of Construction and the Impact
Working within the construction industry is a highly dangerous job that can expose workers to many dangers early every day. Common injuries that construction workers experience can include:
- Falls
- Burns
- Electrical Shocks
- Broken Bones
- Lacerations
- Exposure to Toxic Substances
- Head Injuries
- +More
Despite efforts to improve safety standards on construction sites, accidents can still happen, and when they do, workers’ compensation can provide critical support to those affected.
Workers’ Comp Benefits
When a worker is injured on a construction site, workers’ comp law entitles employees to several benefits, such as medical treatment, wage replacement, disability benefits, vocational rehabilitation, and more. These benefits can help injured employees to recover following an accident so they can move past their injuries with a mitigated impact. Depending upon the nature of the injuries, employees may be severely impacted, making the recovery process incredibly challenging.
Although the benefits to injured workers are critical, it’s also important to note that workers’ comp has a dual purpose. In most cases, employees who receive workers’ compensation benefits are not permitted to file a lawsuit against their employer for their injuries. This means that employers are protected from potentially costly lawsuits, and employees can receive the support they need without engaging in lengthy legal battles.
Despite this, employees should remember that workers’ comp benefits sometimes do not cover the full extent of their losses. It may be possible for an employee to take legal action against their employer. For example, if the employer engaged in intentional misconduct or deliberately disregarded safety standards, the injured employee may be able to file a lawsuit seeking additional compensation. Similarly, suppose a third party (such as a subcontractor or equipment manufacturer) is responsible for the employee’s injury. In that case, the injured employee may be able to file a lawsuit against that party.
Construction-related accidents are unique in that several factors should be considered as they may impact an injured employee’s ability to receive workers’ compensation benefits. For example, in some cases, it may be challenging to determine whether an injury occurred due to the worker’s negligence or due to a failure on the employer’s part to provide a safe working environment. Additionally, construction workers may be employed by subcontractors rather than the primary contractor on a job site, which can complicate determining which entity is responsible for providing workers’ compensation benefits.
A lawyer can help victims understand workers’ comp is a vital tool for protecting employees injured on construction sites. While accidents can and do happen, workers’ compensation ensures injured employees receive the support they need to recover and return to work while protecting employers from potentially costly lawsuits. To get started, contact a workers’ comp lawyer for help.
