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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 personal injury lawyer at Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, can help.
Our legal team will investigate what happened, determine who is liable, and hold the responsible party accountable in an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.
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 medical bills, lost wages, and other losses. Our personal injury attorney, who handles construction site accident cases in Cleveland County, can determine the merits of your 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 accident 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
If you have suffered injuries in any of these situations, let us know. Our law firm may be able to help you get the recovery you and your family need.
What Should You Do After a Construction Accident in Cleveland County?
After an accident, there are important steps to take. Acting quickly after a construction accident is vital to your health and well-being. It can also make a difference in developing a potential legal case.
Seek Medical Attention for Your Construction Site Injuries
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 still in your best interest to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Some injuries do not present themselves right away. Waiting to receive medical attention could 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.
Seeing a doctor immediately after the incident helps establish a link between your injuries and the accident. Following your doctor’s treatment plan also helps establish the severity of your injuries.
Notify Your Employer About the Construction Site 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. According to the North Carolina Industrial Commission, 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.
Call a Construction Accident Lawyer Serving Cleveland County
Our personal injury law firm can explain your legal options in a free consultation by phone. We can review the merits of your case and help determine the liable party. If you were working at the site, we can help you get a workers’ compensation claim started and let you know if you qualify for a third-party lawsuit. If you were unconnected to the construction site but were injured as a pedestrian or driver, we can assist you as well.
We can answer all your questions and help you get started on recovery.
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 goal should be your healthy recovery. We can handle the details of your claim and give you the time you need to heal.
Your Workers’ Compensation Claim Could Be Denied
You should be prepared for the possibility that your workers’ compensation claim could be denied. Your workers’ compensation claim can be denied under such conditions as:
- 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 accident 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 generally have three years to file from the date of the accident, per G.S. § 1-52
- Wrongful Death: You generally have two years to file from the date your loved one passed away, per G.S. § 1-53
Are You Entitled to Compensation If You Were in a Construction Accident in Cleveland County?
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 personal injury lawyers can discuss this with you during your initial free consultation.
Call Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, Today for Help with Your Construction Accident Case
If you suffered injuries in a construction accident that was someone else’s fault, our law firm can help. Call Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, to speak with a team member today. The initial consultation call is free, and there is no obligation.
