What Should You Do After a Construction Accident? 

Construction accidents can be very serious and if you do not get the medical help you need after an accident, you could be looking at a lifetime of medical problems and pain. You should know that after a construction accident you have rights. This means that you can try to get compensation for your injuries after an accident so that you do not have to pay for your medical care out of pocket. Understandably, you may have many questions regarding your injuries and how to get compensation. 

Should I file a workers’ compensation claim for my construction injuries? 

This will depend on a few factors. For example, if you are an employee at a construction site and were injured while doing your job, you may be able to successfully file a workers’ compensation claim to get money back for things like lost wages or the medical bills you have to pay due to the accident. If you choose to move forward with a workers’ compensation claim and it is successful, you will not be able to file a lawsuit against your employer.

What should I do if I want to file a lawsuit? 

If you are hoping to file a lawsuit instead of getting financial help through workers’ compensation, you may be able to do so, especially when a third party is responsible for your accident. For example, you may have been injured because another employee or contractor was goofing off or being reckless or you may have been operating a machine that malfunctioned. When this is the case, you may wish to file a lawsuit. 

Regardless of whether you choose to file a lawsuit or get financial help through workers’ compensation, you should seek out medical attention as quickly as possible after the accident. A lawyer, like a construction accident lawyer from a law firm like Rispoli & Borneo, P.C. knows that the best thing you can do for your healing process—and any legal action—is to start off by getting a doctor to examine you.  

What kinds of damages can I recover from a construction accident? 

When trying to recover damages after a construction accident, the results will depend on the details of your case. For example, you may be able to recover compensation like: 

• Pain and suffering
• Lost earning capacity
• Medical bills
• Loss of income, both past and future

If you were injured and the circumstances surrounding your accident were particularly egregious or a loved one died from a construction accident, you may be able to pursue punitive damages as well. If you are considering filing a workers’ compensation claim or a lawsuit, a local attorney may be able to help you with your case.