Construction is a notoriously dangerous industry, and serious injuries and even fatalities are common when accidents occur on building sites. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, more than 20 percent of all private workplace fatalities in 2015 occurred in construction.
Workers who survive serious accidents often sustain debilitating injuries, which can keep them off their feet for weeks or even months while they recover. Pursuing damages following a construction accident is complicated, though, because workers’ compensation benefits often come into play.
If you were hurt on a job site but you’re not sure whether you should apply for workers’ comp or file a personal injury claim, contact the Robson Law Firm. We can evaluate your accident to determine if you have valid grounds for a lawsuit. Call 512-345-8200 to schedule a free consultation with an injury lawyer in Austin.
Read on to learn what you should do following a construction accident:
- Seek Medical Treatment
Regardless of the circumstances of the accident, your health should be your priority. Since some injuries do not manifest symptoms right away, it is essential to seek medical attention regardless of how you feel. If it turns out you did sustain serious injuries, the fact that you visited the doctor immediately will only serve to strengthen your case.
- Notify Your Supervisor
You must notify your supervisor of the injury in writing within 30 days in order to remain eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Simply state the facts of the case—the date, the time, and how the accident occurred—and do not go into any more detail until you have spoken to an injury lawyer.
- Document Everything
If any of your coworkers saw the accident, ask them to provide you with a witness statement. These documents could serve as valuable proof of the incident should you need it down the road. You should also photograph any visible injuries, document the scene where the accident occurred, and track all costs associated with your medical treatment.
- Call an Injury Lawyer
It is wise to call a construction accident lawyer before applying for workers’ compensation benefits because filing a claim could waive your right to sue. A seasoned attorney will be able to assess the circumstances of the case and help you determine the most effective way to secure the largest settlement possible.
Your lawyer will analyze the evidence, gather medical records, calculate damages, and file either a workers’ comp claim or a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf. By seeking quality legal counsel to handle every aspect of the claims process, you can focus on recovering.
If you need a construction accident lawyer in Austin, contact the Robson Law Firm. We have been representing the injured for more than 20 years, and in that time, we have recovered more than $26 million for accident victims.
Call 512-345-8200 to schedule a free case evaluation. You can learn more about workers’ compensation claims in Texas by visiting the USAttorneys website.