With a variety of machines, chemicals, and multiple contractors, construction sites can be hazardous. Though federal law outlines workers’ right to a safe work environment, accidents still happen.
If you sustained injuries in a construction accident in The Hammocks, FL, you may be eligible to recover financial compensation through workers’ compensation or a third-party liability claim.
Contact a personal injury lawyer in The Hammocks, FL today to explore your legal rights after a construction accident. Call us to speak with a member of the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine team.
What To Do After A Construction Accident
After a construction accident, you may be in pain, in shock, and unsure what steps to take. Your first concern should always be your own safety. Once you are safe, it is time to protect your legal rights.
Here are the steps to take after a construction accident:
- Seek medical treatment right away, especially if the injuries could be life-threatening.
- Report your injuries directly to your employer, either to your boss, manager, or your company’s HR department.
- If possible, document your injuries and the location where the accident occurred through video or photographs.
- Contact a construction accident lawyer in The Hammocks, FL to ensure your legal rights are protected. You may have several paths for compensation.
If you were injured in a construction accident, contact the team at the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine.
Determining Liability For Your Construction Accident
Construction accident liability can be complex. Determining who is liable for your accident will depend upon the details of your case. However, the two most common liable parties are your employer’s workers’ compensation company or a third party.
Worker’s Compensation Insurance Company
In most cases, construction companies must have workers’ compensation insurance, even if they have fewer than six employees. If you were injured while performing a job-related duty, you are likely covered by workers’ compensation.
Situations where workers’ comp may not cover you include:
- If you were injured while violating company policy
- If your injuries were self-inflicted
- If you were committing a crime at the time of injury
- If you were under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the accident
Third Party Liability in a Construction Accident
In some situations, the party liable for your injuries may be a third party. A construction accident lawyer can determine who is responsible for the injuries you sustained.
Parties who may be liable for your injury may include:
- Architecture or engineer
- Contractor or subcontractor on the job
- Designer or manufacturer of a material or machine
- Third party consultant brought in to work on the project
In some cases, you may be able to recover compensation from both workers’ compensation and a third party. A construction accident lawyer can advise the best course of action for your case.
How a Construction Accident Lawyer Can Help Your Case
It is important to note that you do not need legal representation to file a workers’ compensation case. However, there are several benefits to working with a construction accident lawyer.
When you choose us to represent your legal rights in a construction case, we will:
- Explain how the workers’ compensation laws in Florida affect your right to recover damages.
- Determine who is liable for your injuries, including workers’ compensation, your employer, or another third party.
- Ensure all deadlines are met, to protect your legal right to recover compensation for your injuries.
- File required notifications and other documents on your behalf so that you can focus on healing.
- Gather all documents, including medical bills and other out of pocket expenses, to prove the amount of damages you have incurred.
- Purse all liable parties for compensation, including possible third-parties.
- Appeal your workers’ compensation denial, if necessary.
After a construction accident, our legal team can help. Contact the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine today for a free evaluation of your case.
Understanding Florida Worker’s Compensation Laws
Florida law outlines how workers’ compensation works in our state. Sitting down with a lawyer is the best way to understand how these rules apply to your case. However, here are a few things to keep in mind:
You Must Notify Your Employer Of Your Injury Within 30 Days
To protect your legal right to pursue compensation, you are legally required to notify your employer of your injury within thirty days.
If a condition occurs over time, you must notify your employer the condition is related to your job within thirty days of learning about the connection. (For example, if you need knee replacement from lifting heavy items at work over several years.)
Workers’ Compensation Doesn’t Pay Lost Wages Right Away
If you are out of work for less than seven work days, you are not compensated for lost wages. However, medical bills are generally covered.
Lost Wages Benefits Only Cover Two-Thirds of Your Salary
Florida law limits payment amount for lost wages from workers’ compensation. In 2019, the maximum amount you can receive at $939.
Contact a Construction Accident Lawyer in The Hammocks FL Today
When you go to work, you trust your employer to maintain a safe environment. Unfortunately, sometimes accidents happen. Construction sites can be incredibly dangerous, but you should not have to pay for your injuries.
A construction accident lawyer in The Hammocks, FL can help you recover compensation for your injuries. Let our compassionate team guide you through this legal process so you can focus on healing from your injuries.
Call the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine today.
We Can Help.
