A Guide to Nashville Workers Compensation Claims Involving Construction Accidents
Leading Causes of Construction Accidents
Construction sites can be hazardous environments, but employers must take all reasonable steps to ensure your safety. With or without these measures, the following accidents are among the most common causes of injuries and fatalities in the construction industry.
- Falls – Accounting for 36.4% of 2019 fatalities relating to falls from ladders, scaffolding, roofing, and heights
- Struck-by incidents – Accounting for 15.4% of fatalities relating to motor vehicles, machinery, and similar incidents
- Electrocutions – Accounting for 7.2% of fatalities relating to electrical equipment, lightning, wiring, and overhead electrical wires
- Caught-in/between incidents – Accounting for 5.4% of fatalities relating to crushing from debris and equipment
There are also many other construction accident causes, such as:
- Crane and hoist accidents
- Gas leaks and explosions
- Machinery accidents
- Slips and falls
- Chemical and toxin exposure
- Repetitive stress injuries
Most Common Construction Accident Injuries
Due to the severity of the type of construction accidents that occur on U.S. worksites every day, it’s not uncommon for employees to experience debilitating and life-changing injuries, such as:
- Broken bones
- Neck, shoulder, and back injuries
- Burns
- Spinal cord injuries
- Head and brain injuries
Some of these injuries can result in lifetime pain, discomfort, and sometimes even paralysis, which is why consulting a workers’ compensation lawyer in Nashville can be so important.
What to Do If You’re Involved in a Construction Accident in Nashville, TN
No one ever expects to be involved in a workplace accident, which means you may not know what to do when one happens to you. The first and most crucial step is to take care of yourself, and it can also be vital to take some of the following steps.
Get Medical Care
Seek medical treatment for your injuries immediately after the accident, no matter the perceived severity or whether you’re worried about cost. Not only can immediate care ensure you get the help you need, but it can also mean you’ve got a paper trail of evidence for your employer that shows what your injuries are, how much they cost, and the level of care you require.
Take Notes About the Incident
If you’re in a position to do so, start recording information about the accident in as much detail as possible, including a timeline with times and dates. Make sure to include vital information such as where exactly it happened and the probable cause.
Report the Incident
To ensure your injury is properly investigated and you’re taken care of, report it to a supervisor or superior. Take note of who you reported the incident to, when you reported it, and who actually accepted the report. Depending on what happens next, this information may be used as evidence.
Gather Witness Information
While it might not be needed, some construction accidents are escalated to the legal system, which means having as many corroborating testimonies as possible can be crucial. If there were witnesses to your accident, see if they can provide any helpful information. Recording summaries of what they remember may add weight to your account that serves you well in future proceedings.
Organize and Preserve Evidence
Sometimes, the presence of injuries isn’t enough to get the compensation you deserve for your pain and suffering. You may also need as much evidence as possible above and beyond the physical and mental scars you may now have.
Gather medical reports, imaging, photos of all injuries, and treatments provided by medical staff. Including all your notes about when and where your accident took place may also help strengthen your case.
Contact a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
Life after a workplace construction accident can be challenging, especially if you’re no longer able to live your life the way you once did and now have medical bills hanging over your head.
You don’t have to fight this battle on your own. When you’ve been involved in a construction accident, contact a workers compensation lawyer in Nashville who can fight for your right to adequate compensation for your accident and injuries.
What Are You Entitled to After a Construction Accident?
When you sustain a traumatic injury from a fall or other construction accident, you may not know your rights. Under workers’ compensation, you’re entitled to no-fault benefits covering economic losses.
Economic losses are lost wages and medical bills, both of which can be significant financial burdens in the event of an accident that sees you unable to work and earn income. Your workers’ compensation covers reasonably necessary medical expenses such as emergency care immediately after your accident and even physical therapy on your healing journey.
If your workplace’s insurance company makes it challenging to access the financial assistance you require quickly, your chosen construction accident lawyers can step in and often connect you to medical professionals even when you don’t yet have money or insurance.
Workers’ compensation may also cover your lost wages. A temporary disability may see you eligible for two-thirds of the difference between your old and new income, while a permanent disability may allow you to claim a lump sum payment. What that figure is can depend on your injury and its extent.
Dealing with Non-Subscriber Claims
A non-subscriber claim in the legal world is an injury claim you make against an uninsured employer. Some employers don’t have the appropriate coverage to provide you with the financial support you need, either by obtaining fraudulent policies or not being truthful about how many employees they have.
In this situation, contacting a Davidson County construction accident lawyer without delay can be crucial. You may be able to file civil damage claims and receive compensation for economic and non-economic losses such as emotional distress.
Construction accidents can turn your life upside down, but help is available. If you’ve been involved in a serious workplace accident, contact Mitch Grissim & Associates for a free consultation. You may be entitled to more financial help and support than you might think.
