Construction accident lawyers are expensive because they handle extremely high-stakes cases. Construction is a dangerous industry; according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, it is one of the most hazardous industries to work in. Workers in construction face risks from heavy machinery falls from ladders or scaffolds, electrical shocks and burns, and more. OSHA has strict standards for employers to protect workers from on-site hazards that can result in injury or death.
If a construction site fails to meet these standards, and an employee is injured as a result, many factors make it more challenging for a victim to recover damages on their own. A good construction accident lawyer will know this and charge you appropriately based on the amount of risk you’re taking with your case. Here are some things you should know before deciding on which attorney you choose:
Construction Accident Lawyers Are In Demand
Construction accident lawyers are highly sought after because they help people who have been seriously injured. Injuries in construction can have lifelong consequences; they can limit your earning potential, make it harder to find meaningful employment, and lead to an increased risk of chronic pain and other long-term health conditions.
Having a skilled construction accident lawyer in your corner can help mitigate the financial sacrifice that an injury can cause. Construction accident lawyers also stand out because of the sheer number of construction accidents that occur every year.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were over 17,000 construction fatalities between 2002 and 2017. That is an average of 7.8 deaths per 100,000 workers. This compares to an average of 2.9 deaths per 100,000 workers for all industries combined.
Construction Companies Have Large Insurance Pools
Construction companies (whether they are general contractors, subcontractors, or otherwise) have substantial insurance coverage to cover the risk of injuries on their sites. This coverage is often in the millions of dollars, and insurers have robust attorneys and numerous experts at their disposal.
In short, they have a lot of resources at their disposal to fight claims that they deny, try to underpay, and drag out your case. The more money a company has, the more it can spend on lawyers and experts to defend its interests. When you’re hurt on the job, your first step is to file a workers’ compensation claim.
This isn’t a lawsuit; it’s a claim for compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs associated with your injury. For an injured worker to get money from the workers’ compensation system, he or she must prove that the cause of the injury was their job.
OSHA Is Meaningful But Has Limitations.
OSHA standards are important for construction accident lawyers to know, but they can’t be your entire case. OSHA standards are federal regulations that apply to every state. OSHA’s rules protect all workers from hazards such as crushing, falling, electrical shock, and burns. OSHA sets strict deadlines for when companies must respond to safety complaints.
An OSHA violation can be evidence of negligence and a breach of contract in a wrongful death lawsuit. However, not every construction site is inspected by OSHA, and even when it is, the agency must prove that the employer had knowledge of the hazard and that the worker was exposed to it. OSHA’s fines are significant, but they are imposed after an investigation, which could take years. When you’re hurt, you need money now to cover your medical bills and lost wages.
The Burden of Proof Is On You.
If you’re hurt on the job, your employer and their insurance company will fight your workers’ compensation claim. They will claim that your injury wasn’t work-related and that you’re not entitled to compensation. Their goal is to deny you benefits and deny you justice in the process.
You need construction accident lawyers to fight back on your behalf and get the benefits you deserve. If you’re hurt and don’t file a claim, you’ll never get the money you need to recover. If you file a claim, it will be investigated.
During this investigation, you’ll have the opportunity to obtain crucial evidence that supports your claim. If you’re hurt on the job, it’s essential that you file a workers’ compensation claim and that you document everything related to your injury thoroughly. This can be incredibly challenging when you’re also trying to recover from your injuries.
The Distraction of Criminal Charges
Employers, their insurance companies, and their lawyers may investigate you and file criminal charges against you. They may do this to distract from the negligence that caused the accident and to delay your claim. Workers’ compensation claims are civil claims, but they are filed by the injured person. Criminal charges are filed by the government.
There are many ways in which a construction accident lawyer can help you defend yourself against such charges. They can help you understand the charges and the criminal justice system as a whole, including the laws that apply to your situation. They can also help you navigate the system and advocate for yourself throughout the process. The criminal system moves slowly.
Construction accident lawyers can help you navigate the criminal process and make sure that you’re treated fairly. They can also help you navigate the workers’ compensation process, negotiate a settlement that covers your medical bills and lost wages, and get you back on your feet as quickly as possible.
Conclusion
Construction companies have a lot of resources to fight injury claims. If you’re hurt in an accident on the job, your construction accident lawyer must understand OSHA standards and have the evidence to prove that your injury was caused by someone’s negligence. The sooner you get help from an attorney, the better. They can help you obtain the evidence you need to defend your claim and get you the compensation you deserve.
Be the first to comment