On-the-job injuries occur frequently in every work setting. In fact, according to a study done by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, approximately 4,405 employees in the United States were severely injured or killed on the job last year. These numbers increase significantly in the construction industry.
It goes without saying that construction work is inherently dangerous. This is because construction jobs require workers to operate large and dangerous machinery and be in close proximity to these machines on a daily basis. If an employee (as opposed to an independent contractor) sustains an accidental injury while on the job and in the course of his or her employment, that employee may be entitled to workers' compensation benefits under Florida law.
If you sustained work-related injuries while on the job at a construction site, you may be entitled to monetary compensation under Florida workers' compensation law. The experienced construction accident workers' compensation lawyers at Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA routinely represent injured workers and their dependents and have the legal knowledge and skills to help you obtain the monetary compensation you need and deserve. Our attorneys will fight for you every step of the way, helping you to get back to work and get the benefits or vocational training that you need.
Construction Site Injuries Sustained While on the Job
Construction activities are inherently dangerous, and accidents and injuries can occur under a variety of circumstances. Some of the most common causes of construction site injuries include the following:
Operating dangerous equipment and machinery – Operating dangerous and heavy machinery and equipment is one of the most common causes of on-site construction injuries. Common examples of dangerous construction equipment include cranes, forklifts, diggers, vehicles, and other machines and tools, where the operational dangers are inherent and the risks of serious injury or death are extremely high.
Electrocution – Construction workers, builders, and other laborers are in close proximity to electrical wires on an almost-daily basis, potentially exposing themselves to faulty wiring or on-the-job electrocution. Obviously, electrocution that is caused by high-voltage wire may result in serious injuries – including burn injuries – and death.
Defective equipment – Defective, damaged, or malfunctioning construction equipment and parts, such as machine parts that are not securely fastened, or equipment that is not properly maintained or repaired, can cause serious injuries or death to construction workers. In some cases, however, these injuries may be fully or partially preventable. Workers should look for loose parts on the machinery and equipment which they operate, and they should also routinely inspect the equipment and look for signs of rust, deterioration, or other damage.
Falls – Slip and fall accidents (especially those that occur from tall buildings or structures located on construction sites) have the potential to result in serious and catastrophic injuries and damages for on-site construction workers. Construction workers should always be careful to utilize the proper safety equipment and protocols to prevent or significantly lessen the chance of a dangerous fall at a construction site.
Transportation Accidents – Workers who drive and operate construction vehicles, including cranes, diggers, and dump trucks, as part of their jobs, are exposed to the risk of fatal motor vehicle accidents and crashes on a daily basis.
Unfortunately, on-the-job accidents and fatalities at construction sites sometimes occur suddenly – and with little or no warning. The experienced workers' compensation attorneys at Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA will fight for you and help you to obtain the benefits and compensation that you and your family need and deserve.
Steps You Should Take after being injured on the Job
When people sustain injuries while on the job, they often have no idea where to turn or what to do. The skilled workers' compensation attorneys at Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA will be able to advise you on the steps you should take to help maximize your recovery.
The first thing you should do after sustaining your construction accident injuries is to report the accident to your employer as soon as possible – but in no case, longer than 30 days after sustaining your injuries. If you wait more than 30 days to report your injuries to your employer, your claim may be denied. After you report the accident, your employer must report it to the insurance company. The insurance company must then send you an information brochure about your rights and responsibilities under Florida workers' compensation law.
After reporting your injuries, you should immediately seek medical care with a health care provider that is authorized by your employer or by the insurance company. It is important to note that you should not have to pay for your own medical bills. Rather, all authorized medical bills should be submitted by the medical provider to your employer's insurance company for payment.
Available Types of Florida Workers' Compensation Benefits
Workers' compensation benefits are normally available to an injured construction worker when that worker sustains accidental injuries (i.e. without regard to fault), on the job, and while working within the scope of his or her employment.
Under Florida law, you may not receive compensation for the first 7 days of your disability. However, if you lose time from work because your disability extends to more than 21 days, the insurance company may then compensate you for those first 7 days. Thereafter, in most cases, an injured worker's benefit check will be paid to you on a bi-weekly basis. This check will amount to 66 2/3 percent of your weekly wage.
In cases where an injured worker cannot return to the same type of employment that he or she held prior to the accident, the injured worker may be able to receive vocational rehabilitation, training, and counseling. In the case of a deceased worker, the surviving family members may be entitled to workers' compensation death benefits.
Contact a Clearwater Workers' Compensation Lawyer Today to Discuss Your Case
If you or someone you love has sustained injuries on a construction site while on the job, you may be entitled to benefits under Florida workers' compensation law. The skilled and knowledgeable attorneys at Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA may be able to represent you throughout your workers' compensation case and help you to obtain monetary recovery for your injuries and damages.
To schedule a free consultation or case evaluation with a Florida workers' compensation lawyer, please call us or contact us online.
Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA 800 North Belcher Road Clearwater, FL 33765 727-451-6900