Our experienced Hamburg lawyers discuss these 4 construction accident questions that are commonly asked. Call our office today for a free case review.
1. What Do I Need To Know About Job Site Safety?
As a construction worker, your obligation is simply to use the safety devices that are available to you. Sometimes when you do not do this and you are injured, this can be a hindrance in bringing a third-party claim. This will not necessarily eliminate such a claim, but your failure to use those safety devices can impede us from bringing a successful claim. Employers are the ones who are ultimately responsible for providing the proper safety devices. If you are not provided the proper safety devices, you will have a claim.
2. What Steps Should You Take To Notify Your Employer When Injured On The Job?
The law requires that there be immediate notice to the employer if you’ve been injured on the job. If the employer does not know that you have been hurt on the job, there can be controversy later regarding whether you were in fact hurt on the job. The insurance company that represents that employer at the workers’ compensation board will then allege that the injury did not happen at work, attempting to discredit and lay the blame on the employee.
If you are injured at work, you need to report your construction site injury to your employer as soon as possible. Sometimes injuries are obvious; for example, if you fall into some sort of an excavation site, you will likely have a witness to your injury. In the event that you are injured at work and someone else did not hear or see the incident, especially if the injury relates to your back or your shoulder, you need to notify a colleague and your employer if you trip and fall and tear up your knee or tear up your ankle.
3. Should I Hire a Workers’ Compensation Attorney or Handle My Own Case?
A workers’ compensation lawyer is not necessary in certain situations. If you have lost a finger or shattered your back in an accident, you probably need a workers’ compensation lawyer. If you have a more serious injury, you will need a lawyer to make sure that your rights are protected. However, if you have sustained a simple, routine injury that will keep you out of work for a couple of weeks, the workers’ compensation wages will kick in automatically, and you will not require a lawyer. You will merely receive some workers’ compensation wages through your carrier and place of employment.
4. Who Is Responsible For My Work Injury Medical Bills and Expenses?
Workers’ compensation insurance policies are set up so that, no matter who is at fault, the workers’ compensation insurance policy covers the medical expenses of the injured party. In the event that you sustained an injury on the job and you are not sure who will pay your medical bills, rest assured that workers’ compensation pays everything. It’s even different than if you have health insurance.
If you go to a doctor, you will be asked for your Workmen’s Compensation Board number, or WCB number. Once your medical provider verifies this information, you will not be responsible for co-pays, and you proceed until the insurance company challenges it. You get all your medical treatment covered, even surgeries, even second on some occasions.
Contact Our Hamburg Lawyers Today
If you have been seriously injured in a construction accident, you may have questions about more than these 4 construction accident questions. The experienced Hamburg construction accident lawyers at Chiacchia & Fleming, LLP have extensive experience and want you to receive the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more.
Let our experience work for you.