If you have recently been injured at a construction site, your first concern should be getting medical attention for your injuries. As soon as you have been taken care of medically, though, you need to consider the financial repercussions of the situation. Luckily, if the incident was a result of someone else's negligence, you can pursue monetary compensation for the damages with a personal injury claim. It is up to you if you want to talk to a lawyer for professional guidance, but there are situations when it is invaluable to have a professional by your side. Here are three instances when you will want legal counsel.
When the Conditions Surrounding the Accident Were Unnecessarily Dangerous
Contractors and other workers have a certain obligation to keep the construction site to a specific standard. If these workers fail to establish and maintain adequate safety measures or address potential hazards when they arise, they may be responsible for an accident if it occurs. When workers, passing motorists, or pedestrians get injured as a result of these said failures, an attorney can assist them with holding the responsible parties liable.
When There's a Dispute Regarding Liability
It isn't uncommon for there to be multiple contractors working on the same construction site. If each of the contractors are disputing liability for the incident and potentially blaming one another, a lawyer can step it and assist in determining who exactly is at fault and gathering the evidence to prove fault. Depending on the exact circumstances, contractors may try to blame you for the accident. If you are found to be at fault, the amount of compensation that you're able to recover will be reduced, so it is important that you have a lawyer by your side to help navigate this situation.
When the Injuries Are Significant
If you have sustained moderate to severe injuries as a result of the construction site accident, the medical costs can add up fast. Even if you have decent health insurance, there are other things that you have to be concerned about, like lost wages, since you will likely be out of work for some time while you recover. Plus, you need to consider non-economic damages like scarring and disfigurement, disability, and general pain and suffering. A lawyer can ensure that all potential damages are considered while determining a fair settlement, and they can make sure that evidence is gathered to prove each of them during the settlement negotiations.
For more information, contact a construction injury lawyer at a law firm like Shaevitz Shaevitz & Kotzamanis in your area today.
