Many occupations carry a risk of injuries, but workers in the construction industry are more likely to be hurt in the workplace than employees in other areas. When the workplace landscape is constantly changing, accidents are common. The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports that around 20% of fatal work accidents in 2016 were in the construction industry.
At the Hampton Injury Law PLC, our Chesapeake construction accident lawyers know how work-related injuries can impact victims and devastate entire families. We are committed to guiding injured construction employees like you through the complicated Virginia workers’ compensation system, so you can receive the benefits right away. Please contact our firm to schedule a free consultation.
By law, most Chesapeake construction employers are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance in case of workplace injuries. These statutes provide benefits to workers who are injured on-site, so they can heal and get back to work quickly. As an employee who was hurt in a work-related accident, you may qualify for benefits like medical costs and lost wages. You do not need to show that your employer was at fault to receive monetary benefits, unlike most negligence-based claims.
Workers’ comp laws do not allow you to recover for pain and suffering, but there are certain exceptions which may apply when it comes to construction accidents. You can sue certain some third parties like subcontractors, vendors, or equipment manufacturers if negligence is to blame for your construction accident injuries. It is also possible to file a personal injury lawsuit if your employer does not carry workers’ compensation insurance or caused an accident through intentional conduct.
According to OSHA, around two-thirds of construction site fatalities annually are caused by just a few types of accidents. These “Fatal Four” are:
Safety violations are a common factor behind the Fatal Four categories of accidents. A construction site is constantly in flux, with moving machinery, transitions around equipment, and a revolving door of work crews. Under the circumstances, it is not surprising that construction accidents occur due to:
There are some injuries that affect construction workers more than those in other industries, such as:
At the Hampton Injury Law PLC, our legal team has the knowledge and experience necessary to ensure you get the benefits to which you are entitled under Virginia workers’ comp laws. For more information about your rights, please call our office or check out our website to set up a free case assessment with a Chesapeake construction accident attorney.
Virginia workman’s comp lawyer Jan Hoen is prepared to fight to protect your legal rights. Contact Hampton Injury Law PLC as soon as possible after a work injury and allow attorney Jan Hoen to use his resources and experience to fight for you.
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