What to do After a Construction Accident

No matter where you’re working, construction sites have hundreds of hazards scattered around the worksite. Your employer works hard to keep you safe from those hazards by setting out a number of rules and guidelines for you and your colleagues. However, sometimes rules and guidelines are overlooked and you get injured.

If you were injured on a worksite, the steps you take after your injury can have a major impact on your claim. Here are six things you should do to make sure you have a claim.

1. Tell your supervisor. The first thing you should do after an accident on a construction worksite is to let your supervisor know. This will prevent anyone else from getting hurt in the same unsafe area. Letting them know about the risk allows them to secure it as quickly as possible and it documents exactly what happened.
2. Get names of witnesses. Taking down the names and contact information for any witnesses will help you get compensated. Be sure to write down anything they saw occur so you have a full record of what they saw happen.
3. Take pictures. Taking a picture of the accident is also important when it comes to documenting what happened. Take pictures of the worksite where the injury happened, the damage to your body, and any other images that could help you tell the story visually of what happened to you.
4. Get medical care. Going to the doctor or emergency room may seem like the last thing you want to do. However, not getting medical care right away could worsen the injury and can hurt you financially down the road. No matter how minor your injury may seem, it’s important that you seek medical attention as soon as possible after an accident.
5. Keep a journal. The paperwork and records for your injury play an important role when trying to get a fair settlement. Make sure you keep notes on your symptoms, your visits to the doctor and about talks you may have with others. By writing all this information down, you won’t have to worry about all the important details.
6. Contact a construction site injury lawyer. It’s not easy to file a claim against your employer, subcontractor or general contractor. You have enough to worry about with just recovery, you shouldn’t have to worry about whether or not you’re getting full compensation for the injury. With help from Balkin & Mausner, we can let you know if you have a case and what you can do to proceed with the claim. You deserve compensation and we’re here to help.

Serious injuries can easily happen if someone is not paying attention or following the rules when working in a hazardous area. If you or a loved one was hurt on a construction site, we encourage you to get help to take the necessary steps when it comes to filing a claim.