According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls on a construction site are one of the leading causes of workplace injury and death. In 2022, nearly 1 in 5 of all workplace fatalities happened in the construction industry, with falls, slips, and trips being the leading cause (38.4%). Between heavy machinery, dangerous tools, and human error, falls, slips, and trips on a construction site can result in injuries causing an average of 28 days of missed work.
If you are injured in a fall on a construction site, you may be unable to work and wonder how you will pay for the expenses related to your injury while missing paychecks. If you have suffered a fall on a construction site, our Detroit construction accident lawyers can help you receive maximum compensation for your injuries.
Why You Need a Workers’ Compensation Attorney
If you suffer a fall on a construction site, you are likely entitled to workers’ compensation. The specifics of workers’ compensation vary by state, and our skilled workers’ compensation attorneys can determine if you are eligible for these benefits depending on where you are employed. Our legal team can also help if your company disputes your workers’ compensation claim.
We will also investigate your case for any involvement of a third party’s negligence, product liability claims, and if you have grounds for a lawsuit. In many cases, accepting your workers’ compensation claim prevents you from bringing a lawsuit against your employer. However, if negligence or third-party liability contributed to the accident or your injury, you are permitted to sue. That’s why it’s critical to contact an experienced construction accident lawyer at Fieger Law immediately after your injury.
What Is Workers’ Compensation?
Most employers are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance to cover their employees. This type of insurance does not require you to prove that your employer was negligent to file a claim and collect benefits. Instead, you need only show that you are injured, and that the injury occurred in the scope of your employment.
Your compensation is based on your injuries and the circumstances of your case. Our attorneys use their expertise to take every aspect of your injury and recovery into account to calculate a fair award for your case.
What Does Workers’ Compensation Cover?
Workers’ compensation provides relief for lost wages, medical expenses, and any disabilities suffered because of your accident. However, workers’ compensation does not necessarily cover all of an injured worker’s expenses. Your employer’s insurance company can also deny your claim outright or not agree to pay the entire amount you need.
Never accept workers’ compensation without consulting with our lawyers first to ensure your best interests are being made a priority. We understand the complexities of construction site injuries and uphold your rights against insurance companies.
Third-Party Liability
Falls on a construction site can be caused by many factors, including other people and faulty equipment. Employers often hire subcontractors, architects, engineers, and many others to work on site. They also rely on equipment provided by manufacturers.
When the actions of these third parties cause your injuries, you may be entitled to monetary compensation through a third-party liability claim. Our lawyers serve clients throughout the U.S. and can help you recover damages from a third party based on the laws of your state.
Negligence
Negligence can occur when you fall from an improperly constructed scaffold, someone drives a vehicle recklessly or improperly, or you fall in a trench because of poorly constructed barriers.
In any of these situations, you may be able to sue the person responsible for the negligent conditions that resulted in your injuries. One of our construction site attorneys can investigate what aspects of your case might lead to a negligence claim and gather evidence on your behalf. This may include statements from other workers, photographs or videos of working conditions, or incident reports.
Product Liability Claims
A claim can be filed when your injury is caused by defective equipment. Sellers, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers of vehicles, heavy machinery, scaffolding, barriers, and many other types of equipment can be held accountable when defects in their products cause harm.
If your injury is due to a defective piece of equipment, our attorneys can help you file a lawsuit against the responsible party. We have experience taking major corporations to court and winning.
Our attorneys can help you determine what type of claim is best for your situation and develop a strong argument for your case.
Hire Fieger Law Following a Construction Site Injury
Injuries can happen on a construction site even if precautions are in place, so it’s essential to understand your rights.
The attorneys at Fieger Law have the experience and skills needed for your construction injury case. Our knowledgeable lawyers can help walk you through the process, determine the best course of action, and help you receive the compensation you are entitled to.
We have obtained many seven-figure or higher results, including a $25 million settlement to a Detroit man injured on the job. Our attorneys serve clients nationwide and work hard to hold companies accountable.
Contact Fieger Law for a free, no-obligation case evaluation and learn your legal options if you have been injured on the job site.
Originally published May 2, 2022.