If you were injured on a construction site, you may plan to submit a workers’ compensation claim, receive a check, and move on with your life. Unfortunately, workers’ comp claims are not always so straightforward. In 2022, the fatality rate for construction workers in the U.S. was 9.5 per 100,000 full-time workers, the highest among all industries. A construction accident lawyer can help maximize your compensation and provide a range of other benefits.
But is an attorney really necessary? Here are a few instances where working with an attorney may be a good idea and what you can gain from hiring one.
You Might Need a Lawyer If Any of These Are True
Hiring an experienced attorney to help with an accident claim is never a bad idea. However, if your claim is relatively simple and low-value, you may not feel the need to work with legal representation.
Generally, if any of the following are true, you should strongly consider hiring a construction accident lawyer:
- You have traumatic injuries: If the incident led to serious, life-altering injuries, you probably don’t have the mental capacity to navigate a compensation claim on your own. Allow an attorney to take the stress off your shoulders.
- Your incident involves third-party liability: Perhaps you know that a third party, such as an equipment manufacturer or contractor, was at least partially responsible for the accident. An attorney can help you pursue an insurance claim or lawsuit on top of your workers’ comp claim.
- Your employer violated OSHA regulations: Workers’ compensation claims bar you from holding an employer liable for injuries. If your employer committed safety violations, you may want to skip the workers’ comp process and pursue compensation from them directly. A lawyer can help you do so.
- The insurance company is pressuring you: The workers’ comp insurance company might pressure you to accept a settlement that doesn’t fully cover your injuries. Enlist an attorney to negotiate a higher offer.
- You feel overwhelmed: Compensation claims and lawsuits can be overwhelming for anyone, no matter the value or whether the parties involved are cooperating. Don’t risk accepting an insufficient payout because you want the claim to be over. Instead, hire an attorney to handle the process for you.
How Can a Construction Lawyer Help You?
An experienced construction accident lawyer can assist with many aspects of your claim.
- Explain your rights: You may have the right to workers’ compensation and additional funds from the liable party. Let an attorney explain your rights before you proceed.
- Gather compelling evidence: Whether you are claiming workers’ compensation or taking legal action against your employer, you need evidence. Your lawyer can gather photos and videos of the accident, witness testimonies, medical documentation, accident reports, and other evidence.
- Speak with all parties: You need to watch what you say during a construction accident suit, as you don’t want to accidentally admit fault or compromise the claim. Rely on an experienced lawyer to handle all communications for you.
- Represent you in court: Should the matter go to court, an attorney can guide you through the process and represent you in front of a judge or jury.
- Help you adhere to all deadlines: You may need to file paperwork within a certain deadline for workers’ comp. Lawsuits also adhere to deadlines, known as statutes of limitations. An attorney can keep the suit on track.
- Maximize your payout: An attorney can assess the claim from all angles to determine which method will maximize compensation. They can negotiate a higher offer if needed and help you understand its value. The average cost of a construction injury claim is $91,000, with more severe injuries potentially exceeding $500,000 in costs for medical care, lost wages, and other expenses.
Contact Our Construction Accident Lawyers for Personalized Assistance
Ready to speak with construction accident lawyers? Contact Stewart & Stewart Attorneys today at (800)-333-3529 to schedule a free case evaluation.