What To Do After a Constuction Accident in California?

November 1, 2024 Posted In Work-related injury

Construction accidents can be severe, and understanding the steps to take can help protect your rights, ensure you receive appropriate medical care, and potentially secure compensation for your injuries with the help of our Beaumont construction accident lawyer. Here’s what to do after a construction accident in California:

Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Your health and safety are the top priorities after any accident. Even if you feel fine immediately after, many injuries can take hours or days to present symptoms. Seek medical attention as soon as possible, both for your well-being and to document your injuries. Medical records are vital evidence if you need to file for workers’ compensation or pursue a Beaumont personal injury lawsuit.

Report the Accident to Your Employer

California law requires that you report workplace injuries to your employer as soon as possible. If the injury is severe, a supervisor or someone else on-site may notify your employer for you, but ensure the report is filed. Documenting the accident with your employer is essential because this formal report triggers the workers’ compensation process. Be sure to include as many details as possible, including the location, time, and nature of the accident, as well as any witnesses who may have seen it occur.

Document the Accident Scene

If you are physically able, document the accident scene. Take photos of the area where the accident happened, any equipment or machinery involved, and any visible hazards. If there were unsafe conditions, such as improper signage, lack of safety barriers, or malfunctioning equipment, this evidence can be crucial in building a case for liability. Additionally, collect the names and contact information of any witnesses who saw the accident or were present at the site.

Explore Third-Party Liability Claims

Workers’ compensation is designed to cover workplace injuries without requiring you to prove fault, but it also limits the amount of compensation you can receive. However, if your injury was caused by a third party, such as a subcontractor, equipment manufacturer, or property owner, you may be eligible to file a third-party liability claim. Unlike workers’ compensation, third-party claims allow you to seek compensation for pain and suffering, as well as additional financial damages that may exceed workers’ compensation limits.

Follow Through with Medical Treatment and Keep Records

Ensure you follow through with any prescribed medical treatments and keep detailed records of your medical appointments, prescriptions, therapy sessions, and other treatments related to the accident. This documentation will support your case in both workers’ compensation and potential third-party claims.

Consult a Construction Accident Attorney

In California, construction workers injured on the job are typically covered by workers’ compensation, which provides medical care, disability benefits, and potential vocational retraining if the injury impacts your ability to work. While you are not required to hire a Beaumont accident lawyer to file a workers’ compensation claim, consulting one can be highly beneficial, particularly if your claim is denied, if you encounter delays, or if your injury is severe enough to limit your ability to return to work. An attorney specializing in these claims will help ensure you receive all benefits to which you are entitled.