Frequently Asked Questions About Construction Accidents For Injured Indiana Workers
Construction accidents can have a devastating impact on your body – not to mention your finances and ability to work.
At Golitko & Daly, P.C., we commit our entire practice to helping injured workers pursue the compensation they need to get back on their feet. We can review your situation to uncover all potential sources of compensation. Our legal team includes attorneys with medical backgrounds as well as a lawyer who is certified with IOSHA (the Indiana Occupational Safety and Health Administration).
Read on for answers to some of the frequent questions we hear about construction accidents.
What are some common causes of construction accidents?
Construction work is inherently dangerous. Depending on your job, you might face all kinds of hazards on a daily basis. Some of the most common accidents involve:
- Falls
- Electrocution or electrical injuries from live wires
- Lacerations or amputations from defective tools
- Equipment accidents
- Trench collapses
- Burns from fires or explosions
- Getting struck by vehicles or falling debris
- Repetitive stress injuries from lifting or use of power tools
What should I do after a construction accident?
If you’re involved in an accident on the jobsite, your first priority should be getting medical attention. Injuries aren’t always obvious, and establishing a medical record from the start can pay dividends later.
You should notify your employer about the accident as soon as practical.
It is a good idea to gather as much evidence and documentation as you can. If there were witnesses, gather their contact information. Take photos at the scene if you are able. Write down everything that happened while your memory is still fresh.
Additionally, contacting a construction accident lawyer to help pursue all potential sources of financial recovery for your medical care and injuries is important.
Is workers’ compensation the only possible source of financial recovery?
Indiana law generally prevents injured employees from suing their employers for negligence – workers’ compensation is a streamlined process for injured workers to obtain fair benefits for work-related injuries. However, if a third party contributed to your accident, you may have a personal injury claim against them. Examples of third parties include other contractors or subcontractors, the site owner and product or equipment manufacturers.
Can I still get workers’ comp if my injury developed over time?
Not all work injuries are the result of catastrophic accidents. Many workers develop injuries gradually due to chronic exposure to hazards such as toxic chemicals, repetitive lifting or vibrations from power tools. Repetitive stress injuries may involve significant damage to the back, neck, knees, shoulders, joints or nerves. All these injuries may still make you eligible for workers’ compensation.
What is OSHA?
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is a national agency that regulates workplace safety. It also investigates regulatory violations and workplace accidents. Indiana has a similar agency at the state level, the Indiana Occupational Safety and Health Administration (IOSHA).
How can I learn more?
We would be delighted to talk to you about your construction accident questions and concerns. Call our Indianapolis office at 317-566-9600. In the Kokomo area, call 765-865-9300. In the Bloomington area, call 812-566-2600. You may also reach out online to learn more. We offer free consultations, and you won’t have to pay any lawyer fees unless we obtain compensation for you.