If you work in the construction industry in any capacity, then you are probably already well aware that this field brings many dangers with it. Fortunately, though, there are many safety measures in place, as well as safety gear and equipment, to help keep construction workers protected. The unfortunate part, however, is that, even when all safety recommendations are followed, accidents can and do still happen. And, sometimes, they happen because safety regulations were not being followed correctly. Whatever the case, if you are hurt on a construction jobsite, especially if it was through no fault of your own, you do have some recourse you can take.
Slips and Falls
Slips and falls are, sadly, very common construction-site injuries. Construction workers often find themselves working at great heights, and falls from scaffolding or ladders are quite common.
If this happens to you, usually the first step is to file a worker's compensation claim to help pay for your medical bills and other related expenses. If, however, you feel that the fall was caused by or could have been avoided by actions on the part of your employer, then you may want to speak with an attorney about potentially starting a personal injury suit.
Toxin Exposure
Another unfortunate thing that can sometimes happen when working in the construction injury is that you can be exposed to dangerous toxins, such as lead or dust, which can lead to chronic respiratory issues.
If you find out that you have been exposed to dangerous toxins and/or if you develop an illness or other problems as a result of exposure or potential exposure to workplace toxins, then you will want to speak with an attorney right away to determine if you have a lawsuit on your hands.
Exposure to dangerous toxins and chemicals is generally taken quite seriously by the law, and you will definitely want to seek justice if you have been harmed in this way. Keep in mind that some exposure can take years to cause consequences, so even if you think you have not been hurt by the exposure, problems could occur later, which is why talking with a lawyer is smart.
These are just two examples out of a great many potential construction site injuries. The bottom line is that, no matter what type of injury you sustain, even if you think your employer was not at fault, it's still a good idea to seek legal counsel to learn about your rights and potential courses of action for you to take. For more information on construction injury law, contact a law firm like Shaevitz Shaevitz & Kotzamanis.
