Working in the construction industry is an inherently dangerous job. If you are a construction worker, you already know the risks: heavy equipment, dangerous construction materials, power tools, motor vehicles, scaffolds, ladders, hazardous materials, cables, cranes, the elements of the outdoors and more. When you are injured during the course of doing your job, you need compensation so you can pay your medical bills, and support yourself and your dependents while you are unable to work.
Some of the most typical injuries in construction accident cases are:
- Falls
- Scaffolding collapse
- Head injury
- Fractures
- Neck, back and shoulder injuries
- Occupational illness
- Burns from fire or explosions
- Chemical burns
- Electrocution injuries
- Lung damage
- Breathing problems
- Illness from exposure to toxic or caustic substances
This trauma is nothing less than catastrophic and life-altering. In the immediate aftermath, you may be mainly concerned with how you will make money if your injury prevents you from working. Most injured workers can turn to their workers’ compensation benefits. This insurance is provided by the vast majority of employers. It pays for your related medical care and replaces a percentage of lost wages while you are unable to work. It does not compensate you for pain and suffering, like a lawsuit may. Workers’ compensation is no-fault: Your employer can’t deny your benefits because they think it was your fault (except for in circumstances involving intoxication and other exceptions), and you cannot sue your employer because you think the injury was their fault.
Under certain circumstances, injured construction workers may be able to pursue compensation in a lawsuit filed against a negligent third party (not your employer). For example, if defective equipment or tools were the direct cause of an injury, then it may be possible to hold the manufacturer of the defective product accountable in a lawsuit, which would seek maximum compensation and justice on your behalf.
If you have been injured in a construction or worksite accident in New Hampshire, please call (800) 909-LAWS (5297). Attorney David Cole will investigate your claim to determine your potential options for pursuing compensation.