If you have been injured on a jobsite where an employer or contractor failed to implement OSHA safety standards, you need to receive medical attention first. Once you receive the treatment, you need to report the injury to your employer. A proper injury report will include a written description of the occurrence as well as a running tab of your medical bills. You must always keep a separate copy of this injury report for your own records. At this point, after notifying your employer of the injury, you should also contact a construction injury attorney. By contacting the attorney, you can learn more about your legal options.
Speak to a Lawyer
Injuries that happen on a worksite are generally subject to worker’s compensation rules and regulations, which normally preclude you from filing a claim against the party or parties responsible for your injuries. An experienced construction injury attorney can explain how personal injury claims and workers’ compensation work hand-in-hand, and these professionals can also assist you in determining the best course of action in your situation.
Workers’ compensation is a type of insurance that is required by law; it provides pre-determined benefits to people who are injured on the job. It does not matter who caused the work-associated injury in these situations. This federally mandated insurance provides coverage for medical care, temporary disability, vocational rehabilitation, and/or permanent disability for those that have been injured whilst on the job.
What the Law States
The laws that are related to workers’ compensation claims limit the monetary amount that an employee can receive from employer. These rules also prohibit injured employees from filing a claim against their co-workers. Because worker’s compensation is designed to take the place of a costly lawsuit, it is the only real remedy for a work-related injury. Unless a third party caused the injuries, then you have to follow the guidelines established for worker’s compensation.
Because a construction injury can result in lost wages and excessive medical costs, it is essential that you know your legal rights. Talk to a construction injury attorney right away if you have been injured and need to recoup what you have already lost financially. Visit Evans & Evans Attorneys at Law to know more. You can also follow them on Twitter.