When injuries occur on construction sites, the consequences could impact you and your loved ones for a lifetime. Construction work is one of the most dangerous professions in Defiance and includes hazards that are foreign to most other professions. When you suffer an on-the-job injury at a construction site, an experienced workers’ compensation attorney could help you ensure your rights are protected.
In many cases, a construction site injury entitles you to a worker’s compensation claim. If successful, you could recover benefits for your medical expenses and time away from work. A Defiance construction accident lawyer could evaluate your claim and help you throughout the process.
Common Construction Accidents
Few workplace settings carry as many hazards as a construction site. The factors in these injuries range from exposed electrical wiring to tall scaffolding and everything in between. A Defiance construction accident attorney could review the factors that caused an accident to evaluate an injured construction worker’s claim. Some of the factors that commonly result in construction accidents include:
- Lack of protective headgear
- Exposed wiring
- Scaffolding falls
- Machinery injuries
- Falling objects
- Motor vehicle accidents
Compensation for Construction Injuries in Defiance
Following a workplace accident, Defiance construction workers like yourself have the opportunity to seek benefits through the state workers’ compensation system. This system operates like an insurance policy, paying out benefits for missed wages and medical bills. Like all states, Ohio has adopted this system in part to limit the amount of work-related personal injury suits that would likely clog the courts.
There are situations following a construction accident where other sources of compensation are available. In some cases, when a construction accident occurs due to the fault of someone other than an employer or co-worker, you could file an injury lawsuit.
Workers’ Compensation Claims
The workers’ compensation system in Defiance operates under a “no-fault” theory. A no-fault system does not take into account negligence, and it does not assign blame for an accident. The system is designed to compensate a worker like yourself that was injured on the job in nearly every situation.
Unfortunately, workers’ compensation insurance companies go to great lengths to deny these claims. They routinely deny benefit claims for reasons like:
- The injury did not occur at work
- The injury was pre-existing
- Horseplay caused the injury
- The worker failed to follow the doctor’s orders
- The worker missed filing deadlines
There are many potential pitfalls for construction workers filing a claim for compensation. Thankfully, an attorney could help a Defiance construction worker with the claim-filing process.
Third-Party Lawsuits
In some cases, construction accidents occur that are caused by someone other than an employer or co-worker. While you do not have the option of suing your employer over a workplace injury, you could bring a claim against a negligent third party. For example, if a person recklessly drove into a construction site and struck a worker like yourself, that worker could have a negligence claim against the driver.
Knowing when a third-party negligence claim is an option is not always easy. However, an experienced construction accident lawyer in Defiance could advise you on the strength of your claim.
Seek Help from a Defiance Construction Accident Attorney
Whether you are considering a workers’ compensation claim or a lawsuit against a negligent third party, it is important to discuss your options with experienced legal counsel. Both options are complex and carry strict deadlines. Without the assistance of a practiced attorney, a simple mistake could cost you.
If you are ready to move forward with seeking compensation, call to schedule your free consultation right away. A seasoned Defiance construction accident lawyer could work with you to help maximize your recovery.
