Do I Need a Construction Accident Lawyer?

Construction work is one of the more dangerous professions in the United States. If you work in construction, you or someone you know has probably experienced a construction site accident. If an accident resulted in injuries, you might be wondering what your legal options are and if you need a lawyer.

Dealing with the aftermath of a workplace injury can be complicated. If legal action is involved, things can get even more complex. Speaking with an experienced construction accident attorney can make a huge difference. An attorney can answer your questions, evaluate your case, and help navigate the best path forward. This article will look at situations when getting a construction accident lawyer is a great idea.

Should I Hire a Construction Accident Lawyer? 

You are a construction worker injured on the job site. When is it a good idea to hire an attorney? If you have faced any of the injuries or challenges below, you may need to hire a construction accident attorney:

• Injuries from falling objects like shingles, siding, or other building materials
• Injuries from defective equipment such as a forklift
• Injuries resulting from crane accidents or electrocution
• Serious injuries resulting in brain injury, disfigurement, or permanent disability
• In some cases, fatalities such as falling from a high area

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Issues That Could Arise From a Construction Accident

In addition to causing injury, construction site accidents can result in a wide range of issues, including:

• Medical bills. Depending on your injuries, your medical expenses could be high.
• Insurance companies. Dealing with insurance companies can be challenging and confusing.
• Lost wages and earning capacity. If you’re injured, you may be unable to work for a while. Injuries can also impact your long-term ability to make a living. Figuring out your financial options can be stressful and difficult.

Legal Action for Construction Injuries

Depending on your specific situation, there are a variety of construction accident claims you could bring:

• Personal injury claim. If the construction company or general contractor you work for was responsible for your injuries on the job site, you could file a personal injury lawsuit against them. You might seek money damages for medical treatment, lost wages, or lost earning capacity.
• Workers’ compensation claim. Most states require construction companies to carry workers’ compensation insurance to cover possible employee injuries. You might file for workers’ compensation benefits instead of pursuing a lawsuit.
• Wrongful death. If a construction employer’s negligence resulted in the death of your loved one, you might have a wrongful death claim to receive death benefits.

When To Hire a Construction Accident Lawyer?

It is best to hire a construction accident lawyer as soon as possible after the incident. Ideally, you should aim for one to two weeks. The reason? You want to get the best possible outcome, but your employer or insurance company may rush to settle with you. Without legal advice, you may not get the best deal available.

With any legal action, there are also important deadlines to meet. Called the statute of limitations, these deadlines vary by state. They tell you how long you have to file a lawsuit from when your accident happened. If you miss the deadlines, you won’t be able to sue. An attorney will be able to navigate you through deadlines and the entire legal process.

Benefits of Hiring a Construction Accident Lawyer

If you have been injured on a construction job site, you may have a lot of issues to deal with, from medical treatment to insurance claims to legal action. You may not have the ability or time to address everything. You may feel overwhelmed or not know where to begin.

The most significant benefit of hiring a lawyer is having someone help you through the process competently and ensure you get the best outcome. You don’t have to face the problems alone. A lawyer can help you move forward.

Questions for a Construction Accident Lawyer

Many lawyers who handle injury claims provide free consultations. These free case evaluations are an excellent resource for both lawyer and client, letting the lawyer assess the facts of your case and the client decide if the lawyer meets their needs.

To decide whether a lawyer or their legal team are the right fit, ask informed questions:

• Have you represented construction accident victims before?
• What is your record with construction accident cases?
• Do you accept payment on a contingency fee basis?
• Should I pursue a personal injury case or seek worker’s compensation benefits?
• What is the likelihood of a settlement in my case?

Visit the Super Lawyers directory to look for a construction accident lawyer in your area.