Construction workers are part of the backbone of this country and the city of Philadelphia. Without them, we wouldn’t see progress. There would be dilapidated buildings, empty lots, and a lot of broken items strewn about properties all over the city. Even though construction is one of the most important professions out there, it is also one of the most dangerous.
No matter how hard a construction worker tries to stay safe, he or she can’t avoid every single accident, especially those caused by someone else. We’ve compiled a list of the steps you should take if you find yourself injured in an accident as a construction worker:
Call 911
Depending on the severity of the injury, you should call 911 immediately after a construction accident. This brings firefighters, EMTs, and the police to your location. A 911 call should be placed for any of the following construction accident injuries:
- Stuck in between equipment
- Hit by a vehicle, piece of equipment, or falling object
- You fell into a trench or hole
- Electrocution
- Amputation
- Fall from heights
- Impaled by an object
Notify a Supervisor
You should notify your supervisor as soon as possible about the accident. This should be done in writing, if at all possible, but if you were severely injured you should go to the hospital before doing anything else. There will be enough time in the following days to provide notice to your supervisor about the accident.
Collect Evidence
If you were not injured enough to go to the hospital right away, try to protect and collect evidence to aid your claim for workers’ compensation or a personal injury lawsuit. Take pictures of the area where you were injured, pictures of your injury, and debris from the scene. If there were hazards present that your superiors knew about, be sure to document them as well. If security cameras are located on the premises, request copies of the videos from the time your accident occurred.
Avoid Talking to Insurance Adjusters
Your employer might have an insurance adjuster contact you not long after you suffer the workplace injury. Do not speak to them under any circumstances. Insurance companies are in the business of paying out as little as possible when dealing with claims. Anything you discuss with the adjuster can hurt your chances of being compensated accordingly.
Speak to a Personal Injury Lawyer
Before talking to anyone about the construction accident, speak to a lawyer. Our experienced personal injury attorneys will be able to examine your case, review your injuries, and determine the amount of compensation you could be eligible for. Contact us online or by phone at (267) 457-5570 for a complimentary consultation to review your unique situation.