What Should You Do Immediately After a Serious Construction Site Accident?

If you suffer a serious injury on a construction site in North Carolina, you must act quickly and carefully. Your response in the minutes, hours, and days after the incident can directly affect your ability to recover compensation and receive the medical care you need. A construction accident attorney is legally trained to guide workers and their families through the legal and procedural steps required after a construction injury, helping you avoid any mistakes or delays that could harm your case.

From a North Carolina Construction Accident Attorney: Understanding Your Next Steps After a Serious Construction Site Injury

Reporting the Injury to Your Employer

You must report your injury to your employer as soon as possible. Under North Carolina state law, you have 30 days to notify your employer in writing, but we recommend doing it immediately. If you wait, the insurance carrier may argue that your injury is unrelated to work. Include the time, date, and circumstances of the injury, and keep a copy of what you submit. If your employer fails to document or report it properly, you still have the right to file a claim directly with the
North Carolina Industrial Commission.

Meeting this deadline is also essential to securing any form of workers’ compensation. The state statute of limitations is two years, meaning you have two years to pursue legal action after an injury. While this may seem like a long time, it is worth considering the time it takes to build a strong case and starting early if you believe you are entitled to compensation. 

Getting Medical Care From an Approved Provider

Your employer or its workers’ compensation insurer must direct you to an authorized medical provider. If you go to a provider on your own, you may be held responsible for those expenses. Be honest and specific with the doctor about how the injury happened, and follow all treatment instructions carefully. Your medical records will become essential examples of evidence in your claim.

Documenting the Scene and Preserving Evidence

Even though your first focus is medical care, you or a coworker should try to document the scene. Take photographs of any defective equipment, dangerous conditions, or lack of safety measures. Identify witnesses who saw the incident, and get their contact information as soon as possible. Construction sites change quickly, and evidence may disappear within hours. Preserving evidence early can help us prove liability, especially if your injury may involve a third party, such as a subcontractor or equipment manufacturer.

Responding properly after a construction site injury can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. We support injured workers from the first report of injury through complex litigation when necessary, helping you secure the medical care and financial compensation you need to facilitate a positive and swift recovery. Schedule a consultation with us today at David & Associates at one of our locations in North Carolina, Wilmington, Clinton, Supply, Jacksonville, Wallace, and Whiteville, NC, to ensure that every party responsible is held accountable. 

Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »