Construction workers take pride in their work, but they also take a lot of risks. Recent data shows that construction workers are significantly more likely to fall, slip, or trip on the job than people who work in other occupations. Sometimes construction accidents mean you rest for a week, and sometimes they’re fatal.
If you’re working in construction, knowing your rights is as vital as workplace safety. Don’t miss out on compensation because you didn’t know it was available. Read on to learn all about your rights and legal options!
You’re Injured, Now What?
When you’re injured at work, there are specific steps you need to take to protect yourself. Failing to do any of these things can jeopardize your ability to recover compensation for any injury claims.
Report Your Injury
You always want to report your injury to your employer as soon as you can. Many employers have a specific timeframe in which the employee needs to report. Of course, if you’re experiencing a medical emergency, it is okay to wait until you are stable to formally report your injury.
Seek Medical Attention
Workers’ compensation claims hinge on an employee’s ability to demonstrate that they were injured. This means going to a doctor to diagnose your injury and come up with a treatment plan.
Word of caution: many employers have a specific provider they prefer employees to see for workers’ compensation claims. You may be able to see your own doctor, but be sure to notify them that this is a workers’ compensation case so they can send the bills to the right place.
Talk to Your Employer
Your doctor will come up with a treatment plan to follow. If this plan involves extended time away from work, be sure to notify your employer of what’s going on. You’ll want to notify them of things like:
- When you plan to return to work.
- Restrictions on your ability to work.
- If you may be disabled on a short- or long-term basis.
Be sure to document all communications with your employer.
Compensation for Construction Accidents
If you’re not familiar with workers’ compensation, you may not know how much it covers. Generally, workers’ compensation provides compensation for the following things, regardless of fault:
- medical expenses
- lost wages
In exchange, you agree not to pursue other types of damages from your employer.
The Down Low on Legal Representation
Worker protection laws are fantastic, but they’re not always easy for the average worker to navigate. For that reason, many people hire a workers compensation attorney to help guide them. Attorneys know the ins and outs of your compensation rights, and they’ll make sure you’re able to receive the best possible award.
Don’t Be Sidelined by a Workplace Injury
Working in construction helps you create buildings and infrastructure you’ll always be proud of.
Despite following workplace safety protocols, construction accidents are a reality of the job. Those injuries don’t have to throw a wrench in your career. Brushing up on your workers’ compensation rights is a great first step toward protecting your ability to build great things for years to come!
Do you want to ensure you’re up to date on all the laws that impact you? You’re in the right place. Check out the rest of our blog for the latest in legal news!
