Construction sites can pose harm to your health and safety. Heavy machinery, power tools, uneven ground, and open electrical sources are hazards that can lead to serious injuries for both workers and visitors near the site.
If you suffered an injury or a loved one passed away due to someone else’s negligence on a construction site, a Cleveland County construction accident lawyer at Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, can help. Our legal team will investigate what happened, determine who’s liable, and hold the responsible party accountable in an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.
In This Article
- What Is a Construction Accident?
- What Should I Do After a Construction Accident?
- What a Construction Accident Lawyer in Cleveland County Can Do for You
- Statute of Limitations to File a Construction Accident Lawsuit in North Carolina
- Am I Entitled to Compensation If I Was in a Construction Accident?
- Call Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, Today for Help with Your Case
What Is a Construction Accident?
A construction accident includes any injury or fatality occurring on a construction site. The definition of a construction site can include property or land that is under alteration, development, or improvement. Typically, signs are posted that inform and alert people to potential hazards on the site, but this is not always the case.
If you or a loved one was injured in a construction accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and other losses. Our lawyer, who handles construction site accident cases in Cleveland County, can determine if you have a valid case and what next steps to take.
Common Construction Accidents in Cleveland County
Accidents occurring on construction sites aren’t always easily identified. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) lists the top four injuries as “falls, struck-by, caught-in/between, and electrocutions.”
However, many types of injuries can occur on a construction site, according to the National Safety Council (NSC), including:
- Falling debris
- Contact with harmful substances or toxins
- Injury or illness relating to gas leaks
- Exposure to extreme temperatures
- Accidents caused by air and water pressure
- Collapsing ground or surfaces
- Accidents caused by high vibration
- Fire & explosions
- Transportation incidents
For a legal consultation with a construction accidents lawyer serving Cleveland County, call 828.286.3866
What Should I Do After a Construction Accident?
After an accident, there are important steps to take. Acting quickly after a construction accident is vital to your health and well-being and can make a difference in developing a potential legal case.
Seek Medical Attention
After an accident occurs, the first thing you should do is seek medical attention. Call 911 or get to the nearest emergency room. Even if you think you are not seriously injured, it is in your best interest to still seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Some injuries do not present themselves right away. Waiting to receive medical attention can worsen your injury and make it harder to treat you effectively. In addition, a doctor can diagnose and document your accident-related injury and course of treatment.
Notify Your Employer About the Accident
If you were injured while working on the construction site, you will want to file for workers’ compensation. You must notify your employer of the injury in writing. Reports should be filed within 30 days of the accident. Waiting too long to file a report may forfeit your right to compensation.
Document Your Accident, Injury, and Recovery
Write down your account of the accident as soon as you are able while the details are still fresh in your mind.
Photographs of the accident site and any injuries can be used as evidence when building your case. Witness testimonies, medical documents (including hospital and ambulance bills, treatment and diagnoses, insurance claims, and other costs related to any medical treatment because of the accident), as well as a copy of your official report can also be used as evidence.
Cleveland County Construction Accident Lawyer Near Me 828.286.3866
What a Construction Accident Lawyer in Cleveland County Can Do for You
It is important to note that in many circumstances you may be able to file a workers’ compensation claim, or you may be able to file a third-party personal injury claim to recoup non-economic damages you suffered as a result of the accident.
These damages may include:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Disability (temporary or permanent)
- Scarring
- Loss of enjoyment of activities
A construction accident lawyer from Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, can do the following for you:
- Investigate the cause of your accident
- Gather evidence to build a strong case
- File a workers’ compensation claim on your behalf
- Determine the full value of your claim
- Negotiate with the insurance company
- File a third-party claim or lawsuit if applicable
- Take your case to trial if necessary
Your Workers’ Compensation Claim Could Be Denied
Your workers’ compensation claim can be denied under these circumstances:
- Failure to report your injury within 30 days of the accident
- Failure to seek medical treatment
- Seeing a medical provider outside of the approved list of providers
- Insufficient medical evidence
- Being injured while outside of work or not on duty
- Fighting or horseplay caused the injury
- Pre-existing conditions
- Insurance disagreements
- Lack of witnesses
An attorney on our team who handles workers’ compensation claims and construction accident cases can work to ensure your claim is approved.
Statute of Limitations to File a Construction Accident Lawsuit in North Carolina
It’s important to note North Carolina limits the amount of time you can file a third-party personal injury lawsuit or wrongful death action.
Personal Injury: You have three years to file from the date of the accident per G.S. § 1-52
Wrongful Death: You have two years to file from the date your loved one passed away per G.S. § 1-53
Complete a Case Evaluation form now
Am I Entitled to Compensation If I Was in a Construction Accident?
If you were in a construction accident, you could be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits under the North Carolina Industrial Commission. This can help cover economic damages such as:
- Lost wages
- Medical expenses (current and future)
Workers’ compensation usually covers about 2/3 of your average weekly wages, but it will not cover damages such as pain and suffering (as mentioned above). Non-economic damages would be covered via a third-party personal injury lawsuit. Our team can discuss this with you during your initial, free consultation.
Call Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, Today for Help with Your Case
If you suffered injuries in a construction accident that was someone else’s fault, our team can help. Call Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, to speak with a team member today. The call is free, and there is no obligation.
Call or text 828.286.3866 or complete a Case Evaluation form