Anyone who has worked in construction knows what a dangerous job it can be. Some construction work is considered riskier than being a police officer in the line of duty, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
In Rhode Island, our dedicated construction accident attorneys at Gemma Law Associates are the allies you need when the worst happens, and you have to fight for the total and fair compensation you deserve after being injured on a construction site. At Gemma Law Associates, our hands-on Rhode Island personal injury lawyer will:
- Sit down with you in person to get all the details about your accident and your construction site injuries
- Thoroughly investigate your accident to determine who’s at fault and whether there’s a history of negligence or safety violations.
- Take the lead in navigating the complex Rhode Island workers’ compensation system.
- Aggressively advocate for you if your case needs to go to court
- Relentlessly pursue the compensation you and your family need to get your lives back on track
Grappling With The Aftermath Of A Construction Accident
If you have been hurt or lost a loved one in an accident that someone else’s carelessness or recklessness caused or in an act of violence or abuse, you have a right to seek compensation for your medical bills and losses.
Gemma Law’s construction accident lawyers in Rhode Island have over 50 years of experience in helping injured construction workers protect their rights.
For a free legal consultation with a Personal Injury lawyer serving Rhode IslandCall 401.467.2300
What To Do If You’ve Been Hurt At A Construction Site
In the moments immediately after a severe accident at a construction site, everything can go by in a blur. If you have been injured, though, there are essential steps you need to take to protect yourself and your right to compensation after an accident.
- Report the accident to your supervisor. You may tell your supervisor or ask someone else to notify your boss while you visit the doctor. As soon as possible, you should submit a short written notification documenting the accident, including when and where it happened and who was involved. An attorney can help you write this notification.
- Seek medical attention immediately. Remember to tell the doctor that you were injured at work. It is essential to follow your doctor’s instructions, including taking all medications as prescribed and attending any follow-up appointments.
- Get contact information for any witnesses to the accident. Anyone with you or who saw the construction accident could have helpful information to help with your claim. Try to note the names and phone numbers of anyone who could help explain what happened.
- Schedule a consultation with an experienced Rhode Island construction accident lawyer. The Rhode Island workers’ compensation system is complicated, but a knowledgeable attorney can make sure your claim is documented correctly and filed according to strict deadlines. Depending on the circumstances in your case, a lawyer may also be able to identify additional sources of compensation for you.
If you or a loved one has been seriously hurt in a construction accident, you can’t afford to fight for compensation on your own. You need someone who knows the system and works on these types of construction accident cases day in and day out. Let the dedicated construction accident attorneys at Gemma Law Associates focus on your fight for compensation while you focus on improving.
Rhode Island Construction Accident Lawyer Near Me 401.467.2300
Construction Accident Compensation Options
Construction sites can be crowded with so many people ─ contractors, subcontractors, equipment operators, tradesmen, property owners, and managers ─ that when an accident happens, it may not be apparent who is to blame. In general, there are three options for pursuing compensation after a construction accident:
- Workers’ compensation claims: Most injuries suffered in construction site accidents give rise to workers’ compensation claims. Unfortunately, filing a claim is not as easy as it should be. Workers’ compensation insurers often try to deny claims and argue that an injury is not work-related. That’s why having a construction accident attorney in Rhode Island who is well-versed in the workers’ compensation process is so important.
- Claims against another liable party: Although those covered under workers’ compensation cannot file a third-party claim against their employer, they can file a third-party claim if the injury was caused by someone other than themselves, a co-worker, or their employer. Thus, workers’ compensation benefits can be supplemented by legal action against third parties such as general contractors, subcontractors, manufacturers of defective equipment, site managers, site owners, and insurance companies.
- Wrongful death claims: Under the worst circumstances, when a worker does not survive a construction accident, his or her family is left to figure out how to pay for medical bills and funeral expenses. A compassionate Rhode Island wrongful death attorney can help families get through this tough time and fight for justice for their loved one.
With so many parties involved, construction accidents can be extremely complicated. A knowledgeable Rhode Island construction accident attorney can review your options with you and identify every potential source of compensation.
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Understanding General Contractor’s Legal Responsibilities
With workers of various trades interacting on multiple projects, construction sites can be hectic. Nevertheless, you should know that the general contractor is required to:
- Provide a reasonably safe workplace
- Warn of hazards on the site
- Hire careful employees
- Comply with specifications regarding inspection and training
Subcontractors must also ensure job safety, but the ultimate responsibility lies with the general contractor. If you feel your accident was caused by negligence by the general contractor, discuss this concern with one of our attorneys immediately.
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Common Construction Worksite Hazards
Anyone who has stepped into work boots on a construction site knows this can be a dangerous business. The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration warns that common hazards include:
- Falls from heights such as ladders
- Being struck by an object
- Trench collapse
- Scaffold collapse
- Electric shock and arc flash/arc blast
- Failure to use proper personal protective equipment
- Repetitive motion injuries
- Lack of respiratory protection
- Powered industrial trucks
- Unsafe or improperly used equipment
- Being caught in or between (such as being caught in equipment or between equipment and a wall)
After these accidents come the hard questions: Was the worker adequately trained? Was the equipment defective? Was the equipment adequate for the job? Were common safety standards, practices, and regulations followed? Does the fault lie with the employer, third parties, or both?
For your sake, you need a qualified construction accident attorney in Rhode Island to investigate your case and determine the answers to these questions.
Let Us Help You Fight For The Compensation You Deserve
At Gemma Law Associates, our highly skilled construction accident lawyers are committed to fighting for justice for injured workers. No matter how complicated your case is, our seasoned attorneys will sort through all the evidence and build a strong claim for you.
Schedule a free case consultation today by calling or filling out our online form.
Call or text 401.467.2300 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form