Just by looking at a construction site one can see the potential risks, chaos, and possible construction site accidents just waiting to happen. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, about seven million individuals work in the construction field, making up only about 4% of the total workforce. However, when you look at the accident statistics, construction site accidents that lead to fatalities account for 20% of workplace fatalities. These statistics indicate there is a significant problem in the United States and Oklahoma.
Oklahoma is experiencing a construction boom right now, which means more construction projects and more potential for accidents. Construction workers can be required to work close together while completing very different and dangerous tasks. For example, workers could be scaling buildings in order to lay bricks, be on top of the roof laying shingles, jack-hammering concrete below, and using a bulldozer adjacent to the jack-hammering.
Regardless of the site, jobs assigned, and location, the employer and all third-party subcontractors are required to make the environment as safe as possible to ward against workplace negligence and worksite errors.
Hiring a Construction Site Accident Attorney
If you had a construction site injury, the most important first step is to hire a Tulsa construction site accident attorney. He or she can advocate for you, so you can focus on your recovery.
Some of the most common construction site accidents include:
- Falls from rooftops, ladders, and scaffolding.
- Stress injuries resulting from repetitive work of the wrists, elbows, shoulders, and knees.
- Any spine injuries, including traumatic brain injury and concussions.
- Electrocutions.
- Hearing loss.
- Burns.
- Vision loss.
- Lung conditions stemming from unsafe work materials.
Construction site accident attorneys know the evidence that needs to be collected; the care that needs to be completed; and the forms, laws, and procedures to follow. They can help you and your family members relax. A good attorney will help you get better.
Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation
Typically, your injury will be covered by a workers’ compensation policy that protects your employer and manager. Workers’ compensation benefits cover construction site accidents, provide lifetime medical treatment, issue temporary disability payments while you are off work, and compensate you for any permanent injuries you sustain.
In order to submit a claim, you must alert your supervisor in writing within 30 days of the accident. However, a Tulsa construction site accident attorney will strongly suggest that you do this as soon as possible.
In addition to workers’ compensation, an employee’s construction site accident attorney may be able to sue any third-party subcontractors that contributed to the accident. For example, if you were operating a defective crane and were injured, you would be entitled to workers’ compensation and a claim against the crane manufacturer.
Independent Contractors
Workers’ compensation in Oklahoma is only available to workers classified as employees.
If you are considered an independent contractor, then workers’ compensation is not an option for you. Instead, you will have to file a personal injury lawsuit against the negligent parties that were involved.
Your Tulsa construction site accident attorney must prove that the opposing parties’ negligence was the direct cause of the injury in order to receive monetary recovery. You may be entitled to reimbursement of medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Trust Only Your Attorney
After a construction site accident, your construction company, your boss, and the workers’ compensation insurance agent will reassure you that you will be taken care of, your medical bills will be paid, and your lost wages will be reimbursed.
Unfortunately, “red tape,” “exclusions,” and other exceptions occur. So, eight weeks later you have no income, are behind on medical bill payments, and don’t know how to recover and financially provide for yourself at the same time.
Hiring a construction site accident attorney right away will keep this from happening. He or she can deal directly with the workers’ compensation insurance agent and help you find doctors who will adequately treat you and provide sufficient reports to the workers’ compensation company as well as provide evidence for any potential lawsuit. Your attorney is the only individual in this scenario who truly is invested in your recovery and ability to prevail in your case.
Follow Your Doctor’s Orders
Another mistake plaintiffs will make after a construction site accident is to ignore their doctor’s instructions and go back to work, play in the monthly baseball game, or go for a run in your neighborhood. Unfortunately, not only does your injury get worse, but workers’ compensation companies and opposing parties will use this against you in settlement negotiations.
Construction companies and workers’ compensations companies are known for hiring private investigators to follow injured parties and “catch” them doing activities they state they are not able to do. Stubbornness does not pay off in the end in this circumstance.
Free Consultation with a Tulsa Personal Injury Attorney
Consulting with an attorney as soon as possible in the event you are injured is very important in order to preserve your rights. An attorney can help protect you and advise you on what you are entitled to in a personal injury settlement.
Contact an experienced Tulsa personal injury attorney when you need to go through the Oklahoma personal injury civil process.
For a free, confidential consultation, call 918-924-5528 now.
