A construction site accident can flip your life upside down in mere seconds. Knowing your legal rights and your employer’s responsibilities is crucial whether you’re dealing with medical bills, lost wages, or long-term injuries.
This blog is here to help you understand what to do if you’re an injured construction worker, what compensation you may qualify for, and what steps your employer should take to keep the workplace safe.
Understanding Your Legal Rights
When a construction worker is injured on the job, you have a set of legal rights designed to protect you. Here’s how you can stand up for yourself and claim what’s rightfully yours.
Workers’ Compensation
You will likely qualify for workers’ compensation if you’re hurt on-site. But what does that mean? A simple description of workers’ compensation is that it’s a system that provides financial benefits to employees who are injured while performing their duties.
It can cover medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and a portion of lost wages. Don’t ignore this benefit—it’s your first step to getting some relief after a construction site accident.
File a Personal Injury Lawsuit
For injuries caused by someone else’s negligence, a construction injury lawsuit might be a better option. This falls under personal injury litigation, which allows you to seek damages beyond what workers’ compensation provides.
For instance, if faulty equipment or poor safety measures contributed to the injury, this legal route could compensate you for pain, suffering, and other hardships. It’s ideal if your construction injuries go beyond just short-term medical needs.
Compensation for Long-Term Disabilities
What happens if your injuries mean you can’t return to the type of work you once did? You might qualify for a claim related to loss of earning capacity, which accounts for your inability to earn as much as you did before.
This compensation can be essential for those permanently disabled after accidents on construction sites.
Employer Responsibilities for Safety
While figuring out your rights, it’s important to know that your employer also has obligations to protect you. Preventative measures and post-accident actions can make all the difference in keeping the workplace safe.
Report the Accident
Employers must report workplace injuries promptly to ensure your claim is valid. This includes filing incident reports and informing appropriate safety boards.
If an employer skips this step, it might point to negligence issues that could factor into a case involving negligence damages.
Complete Accident Investigation
When an injured construction worker reports an accident, the employer must launch a full investigation. This step identifies what caused the incident, whether it’s faulty equipment, unsafe practices, or something else.
By identifying risks and fixing them ASAP, employers reduce the chances of future accidents on construction sites.
Accommodate Injured Workers
Employers are also responsible for accommodating construction workers injured on the job by finding suitable roles or work arrangements while they recover.
Beyond that, they need to be proactive about introducing safety training and protocols. It’s not just about fixing what went wrong but preventing future construction injuries.
Secure Your Future After an Accident
When you’re left dealing with the aftermath of a construction site accident, it can feel like you’re wading through a sea of uncertainty. But by knowing your rights and understanding what’s required of your employer, you’re better equipped to protect yourself and your livelihood.
If you’re ready to take the next step, injury lawyers in Tulsa, like Anderson & Associates, are here to help sort through your options. With our expertise, you’ll understand how to seek justice through a construction injury lawsuit.
