Important Steps to Take After a Construction Accident

Construction is one of the most dangerous and hazardous jobs, and a simple act of negligence can easily cause an accident resulting in serious injury or even death. The most common causes of injuries and fatalities on a construction site include falls, being struck by an object, electrocution, and being caught in or in between objects.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 18 fatal injuries per 100,000 workers in 2018, resulting in 150 worker fatalities. If you are a construction worker, you are likely aware of the serious dangers of your job.

Hopefully, an accident of this nature never happens to you. However, if you are ever involved in a construction site accident and suffer injuries from that event, there are some essential steps you should take to promote financial recovery for your losses.

Seek Medical Attention

If you have been hurt, the most crucial step to take immediately following a construction site accident is to receive medical attention to ensure your safety and health. In most cases, construction accidents occur when there are groups of workers present, and one of these people can dial emergency services if you are unable.

Even if you are uncertain as to how serious your injuries are, you should go to an emergency room or see a physician as soon as possible. Make sure to keep information concerning all medical reports, imaging scans, diagnostic tests, and other documentation.

This information can help ensure that you have an accurate record regarding your medical treatment for your accident-related injuries.

Notify Your Employer

In most cases, witnesses at the construction accident scene will contact a supervisor or administration immediately. However, if this does not occur, you must let your employer know.

You should make this notification in writing so that it cannot be disputed later and keep a copy for your own records. Make sure that when you notify your employer of the accident that you detail the entire incident with specificity, including the time, area, and details of the accident.

Documenting this information can be crucial to your construction accident case in the future. Having the assistance of a construction accident lawyer at this time would be extremely helpful.

Collect Witness Information

Unfortunately, many construction accidents end up in litigation. Witnesses are critical to a strong case as they will provide sworn testimony that confirms your explanation of the construction accident. If possible, make sure to obtain the names and contact information of these individuals in case they are needed at a later time.

Take Photos of the Accident Scene

Ask a coworker to take photographs and videos of the scene where you were injured. You are going to want to do this immediately, as with time, the accident scene may be altered, either by nature or your employer, hoping to avoid legal action.

Photographs and videos should show:

• The Mechanism That Caused Your Injury, If Applicable
• A Panoramic View Of The Entire Scene
• Poor Lighting, Lack Of Safety Advisories, Or Other Items To Prove Negligence
• Documentation Of The Injuries Themselves

Photos from a variety of angles should be taken so that your legal team has a full understanding of the situation that contributed to your losses.

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Contact OSHA

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is a branch of the United States Department of Labor. Major accidents on a construction site should be reported to OSHA if there is hospitalization or any death involved. OSHA will then conduct an independent investigation regarding the construction accident and make determinations regarding the safety of the workplace.

OSHA may issue a citation for a hazardous work environment, which may refer to the following dangers:

• Insufficient Scaffolding
• Dangerous Machinery
• Machine Guarding
• Electrical System Failure
• Respiratory Dangers
• Falling Hazards

You may not see the elements of your accident listed here. However, regardless of how your construction accident occurred, you may want to consider moving forward with legal action.