What to Do After a Construction Site Injury

Important things to do after a construction site injury include getting immediate medical attention and promptly reporting your injury to your employer. You should also consult with an attorney to understand your rights and assist with your workers’ compensation claim. 

The hours and days after your construction site injury are critical, as there are specific deadlines for reporting injuries and filing claims. Your employer’s insurance provider will begin working on your case, and if you aren’t prepared, you could face a delay or denial of your claim. 

Ensuring you get the benefits you deserve is one reason it is wise to consult with an attorney. Our Atlanta workers’ compensation lawyers have helped recover over $1 billion in awards and settlements for injured victims. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. 

Get Medical Attention

Don’t downplay your injury or brush it off. If you are hurt, get medical attention as soon as possible. For a serious injury, you may have required immediate emergency care. If you did not get medical attention at the time of the incident, see a doctor immediately. 

Some injuries have delayed symptoms that may not appear for days after your incident. Seeing a doctor means you get the medical help you need, as well as creating a record that will show the severity of your injuries. 

Report the Injury to Your Employer

In Georgia, you have 30 days to report your injury to your employer, but don’t put it off. Report your injury to your employer immediately. Make your report in writing, and retain copies of your report and any other documents your employer asks you to complete due to the injury. 

Consult With an Attorney

After a construction site accident, it is smart to consult with an attorney. It usually isn’t a good idea to try to handle a workplace injury case on your own. Remember that you’ll be dealing with your employers’ insurance company and their attorneys. 

A skilled lawyer who deals with workers’ compensation can protect your rights and ensure you are treated fairly. Your attorney can investigate your injury, help you file a claim for workers’ compensation, and assist with an appeal if your claim is denied. 

File a Workers’ Compensation Claim

Workers’ compensation can cover medical expenses and replace some of your lost wages, and in many cases, it may also cover vocational rehabilitation. Most employers in Georgia are legally required to carry workers’ compensation insurance for their employees. 

Continue With Medical Care

Follow up with your medical care and follow your doctor’s orders. They may suggest tests or procedures that can help show the extent of your injury. Listening to your doctor not only preserves your legal standing; it also ensures you are on the road to recovery. 

On the other hand, ignoring advice from a doctor or failing to complete medical treatments as required could give an insurance company reason to deny your workers‘ compensation claim. 

Document the Incident

One often overlooked thing you should do after a construction site accident is document everything that happened, as well as your costs and expenses that resulted from the accident. 

You may also write a narrative of the events that led to your injury, from your perspective. Include details such as what you were doing, the equipment you were using, and who was present. This can help your attorney understand your case and serve as a record of events. 

File a Lawsuit

Usually, if you’re injured in a construction site accident, workers’ compensation is the legal route you must take to get help with medical expenses and lost wages. However, if your employer did not carry insurance or if a third party contributed to the accident, you may have grounds for a lawsuit. 

Safeguard Your Information

While you may want to let your family and friends know about your injury, avoid sharing too much information, especially on social media. Insurance companies might try to use innocent comments to challenge the severity of your injuries or deny your claim. 

Get Help When You Are Injured in a Construction Accident

The time after a construction site injury can be confusing and frustrating. You’re hurt, you can’t work and pay your bills, and you might struggle to handle ordinary tasks you once took for granted. All you want is to recover from your injuries and put the accident behind you. 

When you are hurt on the job, workers’ compensation should help you get through the hard times. After your construction site injury, it is important to get medical attention and report your injury. Then, follow up with your medical care and file a claim to get the benefits you need. 

Our team at John Foy & Associates can help. When you are hurt, get The Strong Arm™. Our attorneys have over 350 years of combined experience advocating for injured workers and accident victims. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and discuss your care.