Gloucester Construction Accident Attorney

The nature of a construction site makes it a dangerous place to work, and statistics compiled by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics prove this point. In 2017, more than 60,000 employees were hurt in construction accidents. Approximately 32,000 workers were forced to take days off, transfer positions, or work in a limited capacity.

Virginia’s workers’ compensation system is intended to support you financially during difficult times, so you may qualify for monetary benefits. If you were injured in a workplace accident, please contact Hampton Injury Law PLC to schedule a free case evaluation. A Gloucester construction accident attorney can explain eligibility and assist you with the claims process.

Construction Accidents Under Virginia Workers’ Compensation Law

The state workers’ comp system is intended to make it easy for eligible employees to obtain monetary benefits when they are injured on the job, including getting hurt in construction accidents. It is not necessary to prove that your employer was negligent. Instead, the goal of workers’ compensation is to provide you with benefits quickly and ensure you can return to your job as soon as possible.

However, filing a workers’ comp claim will be your sole remedy in more cases. There are three important exceptions to this rule, so you may be able to pursue a civil action if:

• Your injuries were the result of intentional conduct by your employer;
• Your employer does not carry workers’ comp insurance; or,
• A third party caused your injuries, such as a contractor, vendor, or other unrelated entity.

Strict Qualifications for Workers’ Comp Benefits

The key to receiving workers’ compensation benefits after a construction accident is showing that you are eligible under Virginia law. To qualify:

• You must work for an employer that has two or more employees, which triggers the requirement to procure workers’ comp insurance;
• You need to be an employee who is covered by the law, instead of an independent contractor or exempt worker; and,
• Your injuries must be the result of a construction accident that occurred while you were performing job-related tasks.

In addition, there are deadlines for filing workers’ compensation claims. First, you must notify your employer about the incident within 30 days after the incident. This notice must be in writing and include specific details about the construction accident. Second, you need to file proper documents with the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission within two years after you were hurt. This deadline only applies if your claim was denied by your employer’s insurance company.

Potential Benefits in a Construction Accident Case

Your monetary benefits depend upon the specifics of your injuries, but you may be eligible to receive:

• Compensation for your medical bills;
• Lost wages;
• Disability benefits; and,
• Death benefits, if you lost a family member in a construction accident.

A Gloucester Construction Accident Attorney can Assist with Your Claim for Benefits

If you were hurt at work and want to know more about your rights under Virginia’s workers’ compensation laws, please call Hampton Injury Law, PLC to schedule a no-cost consultation. A Gloucester construction accident lawyer can review your circumstances and explain your legal remedies.