A construction accident is much different than other personal injuries, such as car accidents or medical malpractices. Construction sites change quickly and therefore you must react quickly.
What you should do first.
- Take several photos of the scene (if you or someone helping you are able to).
- Save any evidence that will help your case.
- Quickly write down notes about the accident, including all details and the order of events. As time goes by, it gets harder to remember exactly what happened.
- Get names and contact information for any witnesses. Write down anything they saw occur as well.
- File your workers compensation claim.
- Hire an experienced construction accident attorney to handle everything that’s necessary (from dealing with your workers compensation claim all the way to the end of your case). This will ensure you get the best immediate and long-term benefits.
- Remember: it’s better that you don’t talk with an insurance adjuster or insurance company representative until you have hired your attorney.
How a construction accident attorney can help you.
Construction accidents can be minor and stress-related or they can be catastrophic—it’s imperative that an attorney can look at your injury from every angle and help you get the best results. They will work quickly to help preserve any evidence from the site. Your attorney will navigate you through the entire process during this difficult time when you are recovering.
Helping with workers compensation claims.
It’s very important to work with a construction accident attorney who knows the ins and outs of workers compensation claims. Some employers and their insurance carriers don’t cover the full extent of injuries to their workers, or will deny their claims. Attorneys typically utilize the workers compensation system for obtaining the immediate relief and benefits that you need.
Dealing with third parties involved.
Your attorney should know the best methods for dealing with third parties that were involved in your accident and may be held accountable (such as a subcontractor). Your attorney will work to maximize your long-term benefits through recovery in the third-party lawsuit.
Negotiating liens between parties.
Your attorney will add significant value in the negotiation of liens between the workers compensation insurance company, the third-party insurance company, and any government entities or health care providers that are involved.
Why hiring a construction accident attorney is worth your money.
First and foremost, the attorney’s focus is on you (the individual) and not on the employer or insurance company. Attorneys have different methods for collecting fees and it’s important to understand the exact terms. Some may charge on a contingency, hourly, or fixed-fee basis.
For instance, the Sacramento construction accident attorneys at Eason & Tambornini work almost exclusively on a contingency basis. This means that you do not owe the firm any money unless you hire the firm and it wins. At that time, the firm will be paid a percentage of your settlement. The percentage is an amount that is negotiated in advance and given to you in writing.
