Those who work in construction build our future, but they do it at the risk of their own.

Construction site accidents are still common, even in this age of OSHA and safety regulations. Thankfully, it’s also an age where victims of a construction site accident can get help, including monetary compensation. Still, it’s not always as sure a thing as you might think, and taking the right steps after an accident is essential.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do after a construction site accident.

Get Medical Attention—and Keep the Paperwork

If you’re injured in the accident you’ll (obviously) need to seek medical attention at the first opportunity. Less obviously, you should take care to request and keep all documentation relating to your treatment.

This will ensure you have meticulous records when it comes to insurance claims and potential compensation. This acts as a paper trail for your injuries, ensuring you have an exhaustive account of what happened.

Make a Report

If your employer is even vaguely competent, they will have a dedicated reporting system for recording accidents and incidents on site. Once again, this forms a key part of your paper trail, so be sure to follow this procedure and report your incident in full, including any injuries suffered.

If your employer doesn’t have policies in place for something like this…well, be sure to make a record of that, too. The courts will be interested to know, either way. 

Contact a Lawyer

One of the most important things to do after a construction site accident is lawyer up.

The law is a labyrinth, and, legally speaking, your employer is likely to become your opponent in the coming months. With a lawyer, you can ensure your side of the story meets a legal standard. Crucially, your lawyer will also advise you on how to behave—including leaving recriminations in the courtroom so you don’t jeopardize your case with a careless word.

Gather the Data

Data is one of the deadliest weapons in a lawyer’s arsenal. The more information you can gather about your case, the better.

Keep exhaustive documentation of where it happened, when, why, how, and everything that followed. As we mentioned, that includes all your medical treatments, along with how the accident has continued to affect you. Accidents can be life-changing, and the courts will want to know every detail.

Claim Compensation

If an accident has caused you any kind of loss, from lost earnings to lasting physical or emotional scars, then you’re likely entitled to compensation. This is where everything you’ve gathered so far is crucial.

These losses can lead to financial hardship, which a compensation claim can offset. If you’re struggling financially, you can consider a pre-settlement loan to keep you going. Check out more info about pre-settlement loans to see what’s funded.

Construction Site Accident: The To-Do List

This list is the perfect to-do list for a construction site accident. If in doubt, just remember that exhaustive documentation is the key. It could make or break a claim for compensation.

Looking for more handy guides? Make sure to check back often to see what’s new.