You may have seen large construction projects involving towering cranes and newly constructed buildings that touch the clouds. In the United States, the construction industry generates about $2.8 trillion every year. Despite being one of the largest industries on the planet, construction is also one of the most dangerous, with countless workers suffering injuries daily.
Often, these injuries are completely preventable, resulting solely from a company’s desire to cut corners and maximize profits. When accidents occur, knowing when to hire a construction injury attorney becomes crucial for protecting your rights and securing fair compensation.
Why You Need to Consult a Construction Injury Attorney Immediately
After a construction accident, the most important step for an injured worker is finding the right legal representation. This may seem counterintuitive—you might hope your employer would have your best interests in mind—but the reality is that construction is a business, and workplace accidents have significant financial implications:
- Worker’s Compensation claims
- Immediate medical treatment expenses
- Potential liability beyond insurance coverage
Even with supportive employers, contacting a construction injury attorney immediately is essential to protect your rights. Many construction accident settlements are significantly higher when victims have proper legal representation from the beginning.
Two Types of Legal Experts You Need After a Construction Accident
1. Personal Injury Attorney Specializing in Construction Accidents
A labor law personal injury attorney will:
- Listen carefully to every aspect of the incident
- Assess the facts and legal liability of your case
- Identify all entities and individuals involved
- Hire investigators to obtain location photos and witness statements
- Make preservation demands for pertinent equipment, photos, and videos
For residents of Staten Island, a Staten Island construction accident lawyer brings invaluable local knowledge of regulations and precedents specific to the area.
2. Worker’s Compensation Attorney
This legal expert will:
- Guide you through setting up claims for medical treatment
- Help with claims for lost wages
- Assist with form completion and insurance coverage
- Establish permanency for severe injuries, potentially resulting in substantial settlements
Our Staten Island law firm has extensive experience handling both aspects of construction accident claims, ensuring comprehensive coverage of your case.
Critical Steps to Take Immediately After a Construction Accident
Beyond seeking proper medical treatment, injured construction workers should:
- Gather evidence: Identify witnesses, take photos of the incident location and equipment involved, and preserve any materials that might be significant for future litigation.
- Document accurately: Make sure not to follow the “company line” and report exactly what happened, even if pressured to do otherwise.
- Complete forms properly: Fill out all pertinent paperwork in a way that will support future steps in your case.
The importance of these initial actions cannot be overstated—missteps during the days following an accident could severely damage your claim.
Key Takeaways:
- Contacting a construction injury attorney immediately after an accident is crucial for protecting your rights.
- Evidence gathering and honest reporting are essential steps following a construction accident.
- Both personal injury and workers’ compensation attorneys play vital roles in construction accident claims.
Get Expert Legal Help for Your Construction Accident Claim
Don’t delay seeking the compensation you deserve. Our experienced construction injury attorneys are ready to evaluate your case and guide you through this challenging time. Get in touch with us today.
What is the average settlement for construction accidents?
Construction accident settlements vary widely based on injury severity, liability factors, and long-term impacts, typically ranging from thousands to millions of dollars.
How long do I have to file a construction accident claim?
In most states, you have between one and three years to file a claim, but consulting a Staten Island construction accident lawyer immediately is crucial to preserve evidence.
Why choose a Staten Island law firm for my construction accident case?
A Staten Island law firm offers local expertise with construction regulations, established relationships with area courts, and familiarity with local construction companies and insurance providers.
