Call us for a consultation: Call us for a consultation: 706-510-0000

Call us for a consultation: [nap_phone id=”LOCAL-REGULAR-NUMBER-2″]

When You Should, and Shouldn’t, Call a Construction Accident Attorney

by | Dec 29, 2015 | Accident Injury

How to determine if you need a construction accident attorney.

Unfortunately, needing a construction accident attorney is more common than you probably think. While most people recognize that construction is a dangerous field, most aren’t aware of the OSHA statistics.

Did you know 20% of job-related deaths happen in construction? That’s 1 out of 5. And that doesn’t even account for the risk factors associated with falls, being struck by an object, electrocution, and more.

Types of Construction Accidents

In legal terms, the types of accidents fall into one of two categories. The first is the fault of the employer. And the second is the fault of anyone else.

The type of accident and the laws surrounding it determine whether or not you have grounds for a lawsuit. In some states, the presence of worker’s compensation prohibits employees from suing their employers. However, the amount of worker’s compensation can vary widely; the assistance of a lawyer during the process can ensure you get everything you’re entitled to.

When to Hire a Construction Accident Attorney

If your injury is due to negligence or action by someone other than yourself, you should hire a lawyer. They’ll be able to tell you about your union (and non-union) rights, and get you the settlement you deserve.

Even if you’re covered by worker’s compensation, you may have lingering pain and suffering long after. You also may find yourself unable to work in the same industry, or even at all, after your accident. These incur a very real emotional and physical cost, and you deserve to be compensated for pain, suffering, and potential lost wages.

This holds true for the spouses of those injured or killed on the job. A good attorney can help ensure you’re provided for after a loved one is gone.

What to Do after a Construction Site Accident

You will have a limited amount of time to file a lawsuit in the wake of a construction accident. Ideally, you should contact your attorney within two weeks of the incident.

Also, do everything you can document the conditions of the worksite and items that contributed to your accident. If you wait, holes can be filed, wires covered, and so forth. If you snap a quick pic with your camera phone, or have a friend document it, at least you’ll have some record of what the accident site looked like before the company can affect repairs.

When It Doesn’t Make Sense to Hire a Construction Accident Attorney

If your accident is minor, and completely covered by workman’s compensation, the cost of engaging an attorney may not make sense. Just be sure your injury doesn’t have any long-term implications for your health, well-being, mental stability, or general ability to make a living now and in the future.

If you’re unsure if you require an attorney, consider going for a short legal consultation. You can explain the situation, show the attorney any evidence you’ve gathered, and ask them what your options are.

Still have questions about when to hire a construction accident attorney? Click to contact our team at the Wilbanks Law Firm, P.C. online.