5 Steps to Take If You’ve Been in an Accident on a Construction Site
It’s not surprising that construction workers have one of the highest rates for workplace injuries. Their work is dangerous, but construction workers have a right to a safe work environment. In most cases, an accident on a construction site will be taken care of through workers’ compensation laws. However, you may want to contact a construction accident injury lawyer to be sure you are receiving full compensation. Here are 5 steps you should take if you’ve been in an accident on a construction site:
1. Seek Medical Attention
The most important step you should take after being in an accident is to get medical attention. Someone should call 911 for serious injuries to get immediate help. Even if you sustain minor injuries, you should still see a doctor after your accident. Some injuries take hours or days to appear after an accident, so be aware during the days following your accident if anything changes. When you see a doctor, be sure to let them know your injuries are from a work accident. You want to have a well-documented medical record if you do need to file a claim.
2. Notify Your Employer
After receiving medical care, you should notify your employer that you were in an accident on a construction site. Every state has a different statute of limitations when it comes to reporting these kinds of accidents. In Tennessee, you have 15 days from the accident to report it to your employer. Do not wait to inform your employer that you have been in a construction accident.
3. File for Workers’ Compensation
Most companies have workers’ compensation insurance, which covers workplace accidents. After reporting your accident, your employer should then file a First Report of Injury Form, also known as Form C-20, within 1 day of being notified of the accident. In Tennessee, employers are required to have workers’ compensation insurance if they have more than 5 part time or full time employees. If your workplace doesn’t have this insurance, you can file a personal injury lawsuit against your employer or file a workers’ compensation claim with your state’s uninsured employer’s fund.
4. Collect Information
If you are able, you should collect as much information as possible. Take pictures at the accident site, keep a written account of everything you remember, and make a mental note of who witnessed the accident. When you go in for medical care, ask for copies of your records. Collect any kind of information that is relevant to your case to make it easy for yourself and your attorney.
5. Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
Many accidents on a construction site are taken care of within the company you work for. If your company doesn’t have workers’ compensation insurance or you were injured due to a third party, you should contact a construction accident lawyer. Our personal injury attorneys are more than happy to meet with you to discuss your options.
Now you know what to do if you are in an accident on a construction site. For more information, contact one of our personal injury lawyers to discuss your options following a construction accident.
