What To Do If You’ve Been Hurt in a Construction Accident

Construction work is very dangerous. Construction workers risk serious, life-threatening injuries on the job site. If you’ve been hurt in a construction accident in New York, you may be dealing with piling medical bills pile up and are unable to work.

The experienced New York construction accident lawyers at Finz & Finz, P.C. are dedicated to helping workers who have been injured on a worksite. We have a proven track record in these types of cases, having recovered multi-million-dollar settlements and verdicts for injured construction workers. We handle all types of construction site accident cases, such as roof and ladder falls, exposure to harmful substances, falling objects, defective equipment on the job site, crane accidents, forklift accidents, and many other accidents.

If you have been hurt in a New York construction accident, Finz & Finz, P.C. are ready to help. Our objective is to assist our clients from the start of the case to the end, making the process easier for you and your family. Call 855-TOP-FIRM today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.

If you have injured in a construction accident in New York, it’s strongly advised that you take the following steps:

1. Get medical attention

   The first step is to get medical attention if you have been injured. Even if you do not feel like you are seriously hurt, it is best to be on the safe side and see a doctor. Some injuries are not immediately apparent, so it is vital that you been seen by a doctor even if your injuries do not appear serious. For instance, construction workers can sustain brain injuries during an accident, and it can go unnoticed for days or even weeks. Having a medical exam will start a record of your injuries and health care, which can be important evidence for when you file a claim. If you believe that the doctors for the company you work for did not provide an accurate diagnosis, seek a second opinion as soon as you can.

2. Report your accident to your employer

   You should report the accident to your employer, so they can have it on record (and also as a first step in filing a workers’ compensation claim). Be sure to put the report in writing and ask for a copy. Be as specific as possible when recounting what happened and include every detail you can remember.

   The prompt reporting of the construction accident serves the following purposes:

   -Speed up the processing of your workers’ comp claim.

   -Make your claim look more valid from the perspective of your employer, the insurance companies, and the courts.

   -The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires workers to take certain steps when a construction accident occurs. These steps help prevent the accident from happening again and injuring other workers. Your employer cannot take these steps if they are not aware that an accident occurred.

3. Collect the contact info of witnesses.

   If any co-workers or other witnesses were there when the accident occurred, obtain and write down their names and contact information. Witness testimony is critical should your construction accident case go to court. Witness testimony can be used as evidence and help your chances of being fully compensated for damages. Failing to collect witness accounts puts you at risk of being denied compensation.

4. Take photos and notes.

   Following your construction accident, your employer and the insurance company will start investigating right away. You should do your part by taking pictures of the accident scene, your injuries, and the job site. Write down everything you remember about what occurred, including as many details as you can. Retain copies of any communication you receive from your employer, workers’ comp, your health care providers, and the insurance companies.If your employer does not take responsibility, you will need to provide your New York construction accident attorney with details of the incident. It is helpful to write these down right away when they are fresh in your mind. Get the contact information for any witnesses who we can speak to, verifying your version of the events.

5. File a workers’ compensation claim.

   In New York, you must file a claim with the Workers Compensation Board by filing an Employee Claim Form if you have sustained an injury in a construction accident. State law requires you to report a workplace accident to your employer within 30 days. You have two years from the day of the accident (or two years from the onset of symptoms) to get this claim filed. If you are seeking compensation for hearing loss due to your construction job, you have three months to report it and up to 90 days to file a workers’ comp claim.

6. Speak with a New York construction accident lawyer.

   It’s highly recommended you have an experienced New York construction accident to guide you through the process. This will maximize your chance of a favorable outcome in court. Thoroughly recording these details will assist you and your attorney when it comes time to file a claim.

   If you’ve been injured on a construction site in New York, call the attorneys of Finz & Finz, P.C. We are here to help you through the recovery process and to help you in obtaining any compensation that you may be owed.

Talk to a New York Construction Accident Attorney

If you have been seriously injured in a construction accident, you deserve compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. Don’t delay in seeking the benefits and compensation that you deserve. Call Finz & Finz, P.C. now at 855-TOP-FIRM to set up a free initial consultation so we can discuss the details of your construction accident case. We will analyze every aspect of your case, and we’ll explain how we can help you successfully pursue your claim.