Construction Accident Lawyer

Construction is a notoriously hazardous industry. Unfortunately, the dangerous nature of the job itself too often leads workers to believe that they are simply bound to “tough it out” in the event that they suffer work-related harm. If you work in construction and have recently suffered injury due to job-related circumstances, please understand that you are not obligated to act as if nothing has happened simply because your job is dangerous. Engaging in dangerous work doesn’t mean that you deserve to get hurt or that you have to accept hazardous working conditions.

The law aims to protect construction workers from unreasonable risk and has mechanisms in place for them to seek compensation in the wake of suffering harm. Contact an attorney today to learn more about your rights and options under the law. As a California construction worker, you’re almost certainly entitled to compensation and protection, whether you’re a union worker or not, documented or undocumented, young or not so young anymore.

Workers’ Compensation Benefits

Both documented and undocumented workers are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits in the event that they incur work-related harm. Almost all full-time and part-time employees in California are entitled to this coverage. While independent contractors are not ordinarily covered by workers’ comp, many independent contractors who should be rightfully classified as employees are entitled to this coverage.

Note that pursuing workers’ comp coverage is a very time-sensitive endeavor. If you don’t take certain steps within a few days of suffering harm, you may be barred from receiving compensation that would be rightfully yours otherwise. In short, don’t wait to speak with an attorney about pursuing these benefits.

Personal Injury Damages

As an experienced construction accident lawyer – including those who practice at the Cohen Injury Law Group – can confirm, many construction workers are well-positioned to file a personal injury lawsuit after suffering work-related harm. While employees cannot directly sue their employers if they’re also entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, they can sue others whose negligent, reckless, or intentionally dangerous conduct directly contributed to the cause(s) of their harm. For example, if a manufacturer of industrial equipment provided a defective machine and that machine’s defect contributed to the cause of a worker’s injuries, they’re in a strong position to sue that manufacturer for damages.

A Word About Settlements

If you’ve been offered a settlement by your employer or anyone else who may be partially or totally responsible for your harm, don’t sign any paperwork until a lawyer has reviewed the terms you’ve been offered. By signing a settlement offer, you’ll almost certainly be signing away your rights to pursue additional compensation in the future. This may be the right move for you if a settlement has been fairly valued. But if it hasn’t, you may be left holding the bills for the majority of your recovery. Speak with an attorney to determine if any settlement terms you’ve been offered have been made in good faith.