Construction work is considered one of the most dangerous jobs in the United States. Unfortunately, this dangerous job accounts for many serious workplace accidents and death every year. In fact, construction accidents account for one in five workplace fatalities in America. Accidents can still happen on construction sites despite proper precautions and safety procedures. Common accidents include slips, falls, scaffolding accidents, burns, electric shocks, explosions, chemical spills, crane accidents, falling objects, equipment malfunction, and welding injuries. If you have suffered an injury in a construction accident in Idaho, knowing your legal options is important. You may have more options than you realize. Whether you decide to file for workers’ compensation benefits or pursue a personal injury claim against a third party, a seasoned attorney can help you choose the best outcome for your situation.
Workers’ Compensation Claims
Workers' compensation is a type of insurance that provides benefits to employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses. The insurance covers lost wages in the form of weekly payments to compensate for medical expenses, wages, and rehabilitation costs if necessary. Whether construction workers suffer an injury on the job due to their own carelessness or the negligence of others at the workplace, they are entitled to receive workers’ compensation benefits from their employer. However, in most cases, workers’ compensation is the only legal remedy available to injured workers – except in unique situations. Typically, in exchange for receiving workers’ compensation benefits, an employee waives their right to sue their employer for negligence or other damages related to the accident. Third-party liability claims vary in origin and scope; for example, if a construction worker falls from scaffolding due to faulty equipment manufactured by a third-party company and suffers serious injuries. As a result, they may pursue a personal injury lawsuit against the manufacturer. In such cases, it's important to have experienced legal counsel who can help evaluate all available options and determine the best course of action.
Third-Party Negligence Claims
While filing a workers’ compensation claim will cover the costs of a workplace injury, for example, lost wages and medical bills. A worker may be entitled to pursue a personal injury claim against a third party if the third party’s negligence caused their construction injury. Typically, third-party liability claims are levied against property owners, contractors, architects, and equipment manufacturers who are held liable for accidents caused by insufficient safety measures. While workers’ compensation provides essential benefits for injured workers in Idaho, it does not always cover all expenses related to an accident nor provides relief when there's gross negligence from third-party companies or entities.
The Importance of Hiring an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney
When deciding how to proceed after a construction accident, it’s important to start by meeting with an experienced attorney to consider all legal options available to you. A seasoned and knowledgeable personal injury lawyer can help you review the details of your case and determine the best course of action that protects your rights and provides fair compensation to cover your injuries. Your attorney serves as an advocate whose job is to work tirelessly to ensure you have all the information needed to make an informed decision on your case. If you have suffered an injury on a construction site in Idaho, seeking legal counsel from an experienced attorney who has worked on other construction accident cases is important.
Contact May Rammell & Wells for Assistance Fighting for Your Rights
The lawyers at May Rammell & Wells have over 70 years of combined experience in personal injury law and will evaluate your case to determine all available legal options. We will aggressively fight on your behalf while guiding you through each step of the legal process. Construction work involves inherent risks, but your workplace should still meet safety regulations. If you have suffered an injury while working on a construction site in Idaho, don't hesitate to seek legal assistance from our dedicated team, determined to get every client the justice they deserve.
Call (208) 623-8021 or contact us online to get started.