There is no question that construction work is dangerous. So it is unsurprising that injuries on construction sites are common. Unfortunately, workers injured on a construction site do not know who is liable for their injuries or what steps to take following a construction site injury.
Steps To Take Following Your Construction Site Injury
If you have been injured following a construction site injury, follow these simple steps to ensure you protect your rights and get the compensation you deserve:
- Receive medical attention for your injuries as soon as possible following your accident. Document all medical visits, the doctors you visit, any and all medical treatments you receive and the medications you are prescribed.
- Tell your supervisors about your injury immediately. Ensure that you record the name of the person you reported to, and the date and time you did so.
- Write down the name(s) and contact information of any witnesses to your accident.
- If possible, snap a few pictures of your injuries, where the accident occurred and the equipment or tools involved in your accident or that contributed to your injury.
- If you have the opportunity, retain the tools or equipment that were a part of your injury – they may become important in proving your case, later.
Who Is Liable For My Accident?
Colorado’s workers’ compensation law likely prohibits claims against your employer for workplace injuries. These laws are in place to ensure that workers injured on the job receive fixed monetary awards to compensate them for their injuries, without having to litigate their claims against their employers. Unfortunately, this also means that workers’ compensation is an exclusive remedy with respect to your construction accident; you will not be allowed to sue your employers or co-workers, absent extenuating circumstances.
On the other hand, if a third party (not your employer or co-workers) contributed to your accident, you may have a claim against them for damages. While only a qualified personal injury attorney—like those at the Law Office of Jeremy Rosenthal—can inform you if you have a third party case – here is a list of potential third parties that you may be able to recover from if you are injure on a construction site:
- The construction site owner;
- General contractors and sub-contractors; and
- Construction site machinery manufacturers.
Whether or not you have a third party claim can be confusing and is best left to a knowledgeable personal injury attorney. You should discuss your case with a personal injury attorney who is familiar with construction site accidents to determine the extent of your rights and whether you are entitled to further compensation. The personal injury attorneys at the Law Office of Jeremy Rosenthal have experience with construction site litigation and will fight for your rights and compensation you deserve. Contact our attorneys for a free consultation today at (303) 825-2223 or visit us online.
