Working in construction is a super dangerous job. Even with safety regulations and precautions in place, accidents still happen frequently on construction sites. If you or a loved one has been injured in a construction accident, you may be unsure of your next steps and whether you need an attorney.
This quick guide will provide guidance on when it’s time to contact a construction accident lawyer.
Factors to Consider After a Construction Injury
If you or someone you care about has been injured from such accidents as falls, burns or even electrocutions on a construction site, there are several important factors to take into account as you decide whether to contact construction accident lawyers:
The severity of the injury: More serious injuries often warrant legal help to recover maximum compensation. Permanent disabilities especially may require lifetime medical care and lost wages.
Who’s at fault: Many parties, like property owners, contractors, and subcontractors, could potentially share liability depending on the circumstances. An attorney can help identify all responsible parties.
Expenses and lost income: Major injuries mean major bills. An experienced lawyer can calculate and pursue all your past and future economic damages.
Workers’ compensation issues: While workers’ comp provides some benefits, it is usually far less than what can be recovered in a personal injury suit. A lawyer can fully explain your options.
Emotional impact: Construction accident lawyers understand the pain and suffering involved. They can factor emotional distress into your claim.
Consult a Lawyer After These Severe Construction Injuries
Accidents resulting in severe injuries could completely change your life. You’ll likely need lots of money for intensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, assistive technologies, home healthcare, and other substantial costs.
Likewise, families who have lost a loved one in a fatal construction accident should always consult an attorney. While no amount of money can make up for losing someone, holding negligent parties accountable is quite important. An attorney can pursue wrongful death damages like funeral expenses, lost companionship, and emotional anguish.
Other Reasons to Hire a Construction Accident Lawyer
Beyond severe injuries, there are other compelling reasons accident victims should retain legal counsel. A knowledgeable attorney will protect your rights in the following ways:
- Gather evidence to prove liability and prevent spoliation
- Determine all potentially negligent parties
- Calculate current and future accident-related costs
- Handle communication with insurance companies
- Negotiate a full and fair settlement
- Take the case to trial if a satisfactory settlement can’t be reached
An attorney only gets paid if they recover compensation for you. By personally handling these complex legal matters, they make the process much smoother for injured victims.
When to Start the Claims Process
It’s important to promptly contact an attorney after a construction injury, even if you haven’t decided whether to pursue legal action. Evidence can disappear, and witnesses’ memories fade quickly. Your attorney can immediately launch an investigation and preserve all pertinent information.
Many lawyers offer free consultations for accident victims. Meeting with one lets you learn your legal options, get questions answered, and decide how to proceed. If you ultimately decide to hire an attorney, they can start building your injury claim immediately.
Don’t Leave Compensation on the Table: Seek Help From Construction Accident Lawyers
Suffering an illness or injury at a construction site can derail lives. Far too often, victims settle for less compensation than they deserve or miss legal deadlines. Partnering with an experienced construction accident lawyer levels the playing field.
If you or someone close to you has been harmed in a construction accident, reach out to a qualified construction accident lawyer. They will protect your rights and fight for the best possible outcome.
