Construction work is perhaps one of the most dangerous occupations in America. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), about 10 percent of construction workers suffer an injury each year. Furthermore, 2016 OSHA statistics reveal that 21 percent of the total work-related deaths that year occurred in the construction industry. Most construction workers are aware that workers’ compensation benefits are available to anyone injured on the job. However, if you are a construction worker injured on a construction site, what should you do next?
Common Construction Injuries
Despite numerous regulations aimed at insuring worker safety, construction injuries are a common occurrence. Common injuries sustained by construction workers include
- Falls,
- Falling objects,
- Electrical shocks,
- Burns
- Being crushed (caught between objects)
The most common cause of worker deaths as presented by OSHA presents a similar picture, including death from falls, electrical shocks, hit by a falling object or crushed between objects. If a worker gets an injury on the job in New Jersey, the law provides the injured worker with benefits to cover medical treatment and partial replacement of the wages lost by the worker. In addition, some injured workers will receive additional compensation if it is determined that a permanent injury or disability resulted from the injury.
Construction Accidents
So, what should workers injured in construction accidents do? If you get an injury on a construction site, the first thing you should do is immediately seek medical attention. Some injuries do not present significant symptoms at first. However, the injured worker should seek medical attention even if the injuries do not appear to be severe. Next, since work-related injuries fall under workers’ compensation laws, you should report the work-related injury to your employer as soon as possible.
What to Do in Major Construction Accidents
As with most states, New Jersey has strict requirements regarding the reporting of worker compensation injuries to injured workers. This does not only apply to major construction accidents; you must report all construction accidents. In addition, if you fail to report your injury to your employer in a timely manner, it may hurt your ability to get coverage for your injuries. It is also important to document as much information as you can about the circumstances surrounding your injury. Beyond a detailed description of the accident, listing any witnesses to the accident and taking pictures to document the scene is always a good idea.
Accidents in Construction Industry
Accidents in the construction industry are serious. Therefore, if you had an injury and have a workers’ compensation claim, get the assistance you need to get the maximum value from your claim. The value of your case is based on numerous factors, including the severity of your injuries and the degree of permanent impairment. The workers’ compensation law attorneys at the Law Offices of James C. DeZao can answer your questions and assist you through the entire legal process. Our goal is to get you all the best cash settlement of your worker compensation case. Contact us today for a free consultation at (973) 358-6134.