Construction sites are dangerous places, and injuries can occur from accidents. If you find yourself involved in a construction accident, it’s important that you know the proper procedure to take. Follow these 4 steps to ensure protocol is followed and you receive any compensation you may be owed.
1. Seek Medical Attention
Before anything else, you should always immediately dial 9-1-1. The most important thing is to make sure that anyone sustaining injuries receives the medical care they need. You need to be evaluated by a medical professional to make sure your injuries aren’t life threatening, and to be taken to a hospital if necessary.
2. Document and Gather Evidence
Once everyone is safely attended, document the accident for future reporting. Take pictures and videos of the construction site, documenting every area to back up your story later on. You should also take down any names of individuals who were involved. Keeping a journal is also a good idea, or having some way to write down everything that you can remember happening during the accident, and any pain or symptom you experience afterwards.
3. Report the Accident to the Proper Authorities
There are several places you need to report the accident to. First, you should report it to your construction site manager, alerting your employer of what happened. After that, if more than 3 people were injured or at least 1 person died, you’re required, by law, to report the incident to OSHA within 8 hours. Finally, you should report your injuries to your company’s workers’ compensation insurance agency, in case your sustained injuries require time off work or result in expensive medical bills.
4. Hire a Lawyer
It’s a great idea to seek out the consulting of one of the construction accident lawyers in NY. You can present them with all of the documentation and evidence you collected, and they will be able to tell you what kind of compensation you are entitled to, whether that’s just workers’ compensation or a personal injury settlement. Your lawyer will be able to evaluate your claim and provide legal advice.
Because of the nature of your job as a construction worker, accidents can occur, even if you are following proper safety procedures. Buildings may collapse, wiring may cause an electrical fire, or a gas leak may lead to an explosion. In the event of an emergency, it’s imperative that you follow these steps to ensure the safety of everyone involved. For more information, visit Sullivan Papain Block McGrath & Cannavo P.C.
