Tips to Fight a Construction Accident

A steel beam collapsing onto a group of workers on a construction project somewhere in Minnesota; a worker falling from loose scaffolding; a worker being electrocuted from a faulty piece of equipment; you’ve heard about it before, and maybe have even seen it, but it’s not going to be the last construction accident that you hear about.
It Can Happen to You
These types of accidents happen all the time and construction workers are at a higher risk than workers in many other fields to be seriously injured. Construction accidents can cause life altering injury and even death. You can lose your source of income and even the ability to do what you once loved to do.
When you think about the working environment in a construction area, then you can begin to see the kind of dangers there are for workers. Heavy machinery, large pieces of equipment and working at high heights, there is no wonder that hard hats, harnesses and proper training are required.
However, knowing the risks of the job doesn’t make a construction accident acceptable. As a matter of fact, some of these accidents are a result of the negligence of a company or individual. You can be assured that you have legal rights, no matter how dangerous your job is, to protect yourself in the case of a construction accident.
Tips Following an Accident

• Alert your supervisor or union representative of the injury immediately so that an accident report can be made. Even if you don’t seem to have suffered a personal injury or your injury seems to be mild, you must have this report filed to protect you in case your condition worsens. Many injuries, such as head injuries, may not be discovered until days or weeks later and if you wait to see a doctor until then, you may find it difficult to prove that it is a result from the accident.
• Seek medical treatment. You may have to go through a certain doctor required by your employer for worker’s compensation reasons so make sure you find out about this first. Your employer is obligated to submit your medical claims through their insurance company for payment so do not use your personal insurance. Of course, if your injuries are of an emergent nature, then you should call an ambulance.
• Obtain a copy of your on the job accident report to keep with your records. This is necessary for filing for certain benefits and if you decide to take legal action either now or down the road.
• Ask human resources about temporary and permanent disability benefits if you are unable to work for a specified time due to your injuries. You may even be entitled to vocational rehabilitation. If you are rejected benefits, you can appeal the decision. For best results, it is wise to seek the advice of an attorney.
• If you work in the private sector or for the government, you may wish to contact your local worker’s compensation board.

Determine Your Legal Strategy
Even if you seemed to have suffered only a minor injury, it is important to consult a construction accident lawyer. Depending on your injuries, your employer and the circumstances surrounding your accident, you may be entitled to worker’s compensation and many other different benefits. If it is determined that your injury was caused by the neglect or other actions of your employer, you may have a legal case against them.
Construction accident lawyers can often reach a settlement in these cases with your employer’s insurance company without having to go through litigation and lawsuits. A settlement or judgment could typically include medical costs incurred, loss of wages and pain and suffering.
If you want an experienced personal injury attorney who knows how to handle your case, call Barna, Guzy & Steffen. One of our attorneys will either speak with you over the phone or meet with you in person for a free consultation to determine if you have a case and what steps should be taken. With over 50 years of combined experience, our Minnesota personal injury attorneys can provide you with the help you need to get back some of what you lost and will guide you through every step of the law.

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