If I get Workers’ Compensation, can I still file an injury claim?
There are laws that protect your employer from being sued for your on-the-job injury. However, there may be other parties involved in creating the dangerous situation that can be held financially responsible. Depending on the situation, your personal injury attorney may suggest pursuing a settlement from the owner, architect, building company, general contractors, equipment or machinery suppliers, or other contracted employees.
What can a construction accident attorney do for me?
There are many benefits of hiring a construction accident lawyer to represent your injury claim. Instead of simply following a hunch and pointing fingers without solid proof, you can have a highly trained personal injury attorney investigate your claim to find evidence of negligence. Often this involves deep resources that many injured workers don’t have, as well as precious time that is hard to find when concentrating on recovery.
Your lawyer can take the burden off your family by working hard to get the proof you need. Once it becomes clear why the accident occurred, your legal team can go after a substantial settlement amount to protect your family’s future.
How do I know if my accident was the result of illegal activity?
Investigating the events leading up to an accident and evaluating an entire construction site can be time consuming and even dangerous. It is the job of your construction accident attorney to take the lead, ask the tough questions, and confront those who may have overlooked important safety measures. During your initial consultation, your attorney will brief you on your state’s construction accident laws and review the details of your construction injury to help determine the best way to move forward with a settlement request.
Will I need to go to court?
Courtroom litigation may be necessary if the defendant is not receptive to your settlement request. If both parties can agree on a settlement amount, there is no need to go to court. Keep in mind that the settlement should cover all expenses related to the accident, including any potential future expenses.
Once the paperwork is signed and the funds change hands, the defendant is absolved of financial responsibility, so be sure the amount you request is sufficient for your family’s needs. Your attorney can enlist the help of accountants to help you determine a fair amount, including punitive damages, lost wages, lost benefits, and other damages.
When should I hire an attorney?
The sooner you hire an experienced construction accident lawyer, the sooner a team can begin investigating your case. Statutes of limitations restrict the amount of time you have to file a claim, so be sure to contact an attorney as soon as possible. Most personal injury lawyers charge on a contingency basis, so you shouldn’t have to pay anything until your case is settled.
For more answers to your questions about construction accident liability, please search our database of attorneys to find a construction accident lawyer near you.