5 Important Steps to Take After Being Injured in a Construction Accident

The construction industry is known to be relatively dangerous. In fact, according to data published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 20% of all workplace deaths are related to the construction industry. Most construction teams take extra care to avoid construction accidents, including implementing safety measures and training. But that doesn’t mean that it’s impossible to be involved in a construction site fall or other incident on the job site.

Construction site injuries can lead to significant challenges for workers and their families, especially when severe harm such as head injuries or spinal cord injuries occurs. These incidents can happen in an instant, leaving lasting physical, emotional, and financial burdens. If you’ve been injured on a construction site in Delaware, knowing how to properly document your injuries is a crucial first step toward seeking justice and financial recovery. Accurate records and timely action can strengthen your claim and help ensure you receive fair compensation.

At Schwartz & Schwartz, Attorneys At Law, P.A., we understand the complexities of pursuing legal action after a construction site injury. This article explains the importance of documenting your injuries and provides practical steps to help you safeguard your rights after an accident. Whether you’re navigating the aftermath of head trauma or the life-altering effects of a spinal cord injury, taking the proper steps can make all the difference in your case.

It’s critical to know what to do after such an accident to increase your chances of a positive outcome with your claim. Contact our team for help today!

1. Report the Incident to Your Employer Immediately

Start by reporting the incident to your employer. Most job sites require that accidents be reported as soon as they happen, and your employer likely has a policy you can follow to make the report. If you’re not sure how to report an incident, consult your employer’s safety manual, employee or contractor handbook, or a supervisor.

Some reasons that it’s essential to make a report about an accident as soon as possible include:

  • A report establishes the date and time of the incident and that you may have been injured on the job
  • Being upfront about the incident reduces the chance that someone might claim you were not following the correct procedure or were acting in an irresponsible manner at the time of the incident
  • You set the ball in motion for any claims processes, potentially reducing how long it takes for you to be compensated for injuries and losses.

Your employer also has some responsibilities when it comes to the first report of injury on the job site. Typically, businesses must report covered incidents within 10 days, for instance. 

2. Get Necessary Medical Attention

Seek medical attention for any injuries that you might have suffered in the accident. In some cases, construction site accidents call for immediate medical attention, and someone else might call first responders in. If that’s the case, listen to their recommendations about going to the hospital or seeking further immediate treatment.

If you don’t need immediate medical care following an incident, consider getting evaluated as soon as possible afterward. Your employer might require that you get checked out by a doctor chosen by the business, and that can be a good first step. However, if you are not sure about the diagnosis provided by that doctor or you want to talk to someone else about your potential injuries, you might seek a second opinion.

3. Gather Information About the Incident

When possible, start gathering information about the accident. As soon as you are able, take some time to record everything you remember about the accident. Details might be important to your claim later, and if you haven’t written them down or otherwise recorded them, you might not be able to remember them with confidence. You can write down what you remember in a notebook, record it in a text file on your computer or phone, or even record yourself talking about it.

Next, get the names and contact information of all witnesses to the accident. If possible, ask them to recount what they remembered. Record what they say or write it down.

Work with your employer or others to ensure that evidence of the accident is preserved. This might include video of the accident or damaged equipment or property. You might also take pictures of the scene where you were injured.

4. Keep Track of the Impact of Your Injuries

As you move forward with your claim and in dealing with any injuries you sustained, keep a detailed record of your progress and your losses.

For example, save any emails, letters, receipts, and other documentation that demonstrates medical bills, lost income, or other expenses related to the accident.

You might also consider keeping a journal. Record how you feel each day, what you are able to do, and whether you are missing out on things you would have normally done if you weren’t injured.

5. Complete Any Necessary Workers’ Compensation Claim Paperwork

Be proactive about completing any necessary paperwork related to your workers’ compensation claim. You may start this paperwork in your employer’s human resource office or via a supervisor on the job. However, don’t rely on your employer to handle the ball from that point.

Make sure you follow up with all paperwork and understand deadlines and other requirements. Even if your employer is very caring and helpful, you are the person who was injured. You are typically your own best advocate in these types of matters.

Talk to Personal Injury Attorneys About Your Case

Suffering from construction site injuries, such as head injuries or spinal cord injuries, can turn your life upside down, impacting your ability to work and provide for your loved ones. At Schwartz & Schwartz, Attorneys At Law, P.A., we understand the complexities of navigating personal injury claims and the challenges that arise after an accident.

Taking prompt action to document your injuries, preserve evidence, and understand your rights is essential to building a strong case and pursuing the compensation you deserve. If you’ve been injured in a construction accident, don’t face these challenges alone.

If you find that you need help advocating for your rights, following up with claims, or appealing a denial of a claim, a personal injury attorney with experience in construction accidents may be helpful. The team at Schwartz & Schwartz, Attorneys At Law, P.A., can help you understand your options after a construction accident and what type of claims you might be able to file.

To learn more about how we can help you seek compensation for your losses, contact us at 855-847-8437.