The construction industry is among the most dangerous, and all too often construction accidents result in serious injury or death. In 2014, more than 20% of nearly 4400 workers who were killed on the job worked in the construction industry. Not every construction accident results in death, but the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) frequently find industry violations in fall protection, general scaffolding requirements, and ladder safety within the construction industry.
Being Prepared For A Workplace Injury In Construction
If you work in the construction industry the chances that you will eventually be hurt on the job in some way are relatively high, so it is important to be aware of what to do if and when an accident ever occurs.
The first thing to do after an accident occurs is to seek medical treatment enough to stabilize your injury. Let your employer know right away what happened and file a written report within 30 days of the incident. Keep a copy of your incident form, and be sure to sign and date the form. You will likely be required to see a doctor who has been improved by your employer to treat your injuries, but it is also a good idea to have the case reviewed by your own doctor as well as an attorney. Often your own physician's report will be looked at by the Workers' Compensation Board and the insurance company after 30 days.
Be Aware Of Your Rights
While your employer and the workers' compensation insurance company will give you a list of conditions you must comply with, your employer, the insurance company, and the insurance company approved physician has certain obligations too. Some of these include:
A medical report filed with the Workers' Compensation Board by the doctor within 48 hours. Copies of this report should also be sent to you, your employer and/or insurance carrier, and your representative
The employer has 10 days from the date of the accident to report the incident to the insurance company and the Workers' Compensation Board
Once the insurer is notified, they have 14 days to inform you in writing of your legal rights. If they reject your claim, they must give their reasons to the Workers' Compensation Board, you, and any representative you choose as to why they are disputing it within 18 days of the accident.
Following Direction
The steps of a workers' compensation case can come up fairly quickly, and it can be difficult to keep track of what to do when -- especially when you are trying to recover from an injury or are learning to live with a newly acquired disability. Insurance companies frequently look for reasons not to support a claim or to award less than what is appropriate for the injury, partly because it is costly for them to pay a claim. Your attorney can help you stay on track and give you the best chance at a successful claim. They can help you stay on top of applicable deadlines, and help you get a second opinion from your own physician accepted by the workers' compensation board to assure a fair diagnosis and prognosis of your injury and any lasting disability.