Construction Accidents and Workers’ Compensation: What You Need to Know

Construction sites are inherently dangerous workplaces, and accidents can happen despite the strictest safety measures. If you’re a construction worker who has suffered an injury on the job, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the workers’ compensation system. In this post, we’ll delve into the basics of workers’ compensation in the context of construction accidents, covering the types of injuries covered, the claims process, and potential challenges workers may encounter when seeking compensation.

Types of Injuries Covered

Workers’ compensation is designed to provide financial and medical benefits to employees who are injured in the course of their employment. In the context of construction accidents, this coverage extends to a wide range of injuries, including:

• Falls from Heights: Injuries resulting from falls off ladders, scaffolding, or other elevated surfaces.
• Machinery Accidents: Injuries caused by malfunctioning or improperly used construction machinery.
• Electrical Incidents: Injuries sustained from electric shocks, electrocution, or electrical fires on the construction site.
• Falling Objects: Injuries caused by objects falling from heights and striking workers below.
• Repetitive Motion Injuries: Conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome that may develop over time due to repetitive tasks on the job.
• Occupational Illnesses: Injuries or illnesses resulting from prolonged exposure to hazardous substances or conditions at the construction site.

The Claims Process

To initiate the workers’ compensation process after a construction accident, immediate action is essential. Begin by promptly notifying your employer of the incident. Delays in reporting may jeopardize your eligibility for workers’ compensation benefits, making it crucial to inform your employer as soon as possible.

Following the incident report, prioritize seeking prompt medical attention for your injuries. This is a critical step in the workers’ compensation journey, as your employer or their insurance carrier may require a comprehensive medical evaluation to process your claim. Subsequently, complete the necessary paperwork to formally file a workers’ compensation claim. Once your claim is submitted, the insurance company will conduct a thorough review and investigation to determine its validity and assess the extent of benefits you are entitled to receive.

Potential Challenges Workers May Face

Despite the intended purpose of workers’ compensation, challenges may arise during the claims process. Insurance companies may deny claims for various reasons, such as disputes over the cause of the accident or the severity of the injuries. And if you have a pre-existing condition, the insurance company may attempt to attribute your injuries to that condition rather than the workplace accident.

But a denied claim isn’t necessarily the end of the road. Attorneys specializing in workers’ compensation cases are familiar with the appeal process. They can help you file the necessary paperwork, meet deadlines, and present a compelling case to challenge the denial.

Contact Us Today

If you’ve been injured in a construction accident, it’s essential to have experienced legal representation by your side. The attorneys at Jakubowski, Robertson, Maffei, Goldsmith & Tartaglia, LLP specialize in construction accident cases. We are committed to ensuring that you receive the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a consultation.