Construction work can be dangerous, and injuries are unfortunately very common. While construction workers are required by their employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance in case of injury or illness, it’s important to understand your rights as an injured worker. Knowing what steps to take after you’ve been injured will help ensure that you get the compensation and medical care you need.
Your Rights as an Injured Worker
If you have been injured on a construction site, you have the right to seek medical attention immediately and receive payment for any medical bills incurred as a result of your injury. Additionally, you may be entitled to receive compensation for lost wages due to being unable to work while recovering from your injury. This is where workers’ compensation insurance comes into play; it is designed to provide financial assistance for those who have suffered an injury or illness on the job.
What Should I Do After Being Injured?
The first step after being injured is to report the incident to your employer as soon as possible; this should be done within 30 days of the incident. Depending on where you live and your specific circumstances, there may be additional reporting requirements that need to be met in order for you to receive benefits from workers’ compensation insurance. It’s also important that you keep records of all doctor visits, medications taken, treatments received, etc., since these documents will be used when filing a claim with your employer’s insurance company.
It’s also recommended that you consult with an experienced construction injuries lawyer who specializes in workplace injuries if your claim is denied or if there are any other issues arising from the incident. An experienced attorney can help ensure that all applicable laws are followed and can provide legal advice regarding any disputes that arise between yourself and your employer.
Construction work can be hazardous, so knowing what steps to take if you’ve been injured on a job site is essential for protecting both yourself and your rights as an employee. Make sure that you report the incident promptly and keep records of all medical treatments related to the injury so that when it comes time to file a claim with workers’ compensation insurance, there will not be any delays or problems with getting the benefits you deserve. Additionally, consulting with an experienced attorney who specializes in workplace injuries can help ensure that all applicable laws are followed and any disputes between yourself and your employer are resolved quickly and efficiently.
Author information: Emma Sturgis is a freelance writer based out of Boston, MA. She writes most often on health and education. When not writing, she enjoys reading and watching film noir. Say hi on Twitter @EmmaSturgis2.
