Construction workers face serious injury risks daily, from falls and equipment malfunctions to toxic exposures. If you’ve been injured on a construction site, understanding your rights and taking immediate action can protect both your health and your financial recovery.
Workers’ compensation typically covers medical care and lost wages, but knowing how to properly report your injury and navigate the claims process is essential.
After a construction accident, three critical steps are most important: receiving immediate medical attention, reporting the injury to your employer within the required timeframe, and consulting with Sabbeth Law, PLLC, for legal assistance.
Common Construction Site Injuries
Construction workers encounter numerous hazards that lead to serious injuries:
- Falls from heights: Scaffolding collapses, unsecured ladders, and unprotected edges cause severe trauma
- Struck-by accidents: Falling tools, materials, or equipment can cause head injuries and fractures
- Electrocutions: Contact with live wires, defective power tools, or overhead power lines
- Caught-between incidents: Workers trapped by machinery, collapsing structures, or heavy equipment
- Toxic exposure: Inhalation of asbestos, silica dust, chemical fumes, or contact with hazardous materials
These incidents frequently result in traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, burns, broken bones, respiratory illnesses, and long-term disabilities that affect your ability to work and support your family.
Immediate Steps After a Construction Injury
Seek Medical Attention
Your health comes first. Even seemingly minor injuries can worsen without treatment, and delayed medical care can complicate workers’ compensation claims. Some employers designate specific medical providers you must see initially—check with your supervisor or HR department about these requirements.
Report the Injury Promptly
Strict deadlines govern injury reporting. In Vermont, you should report your injury immediately, and your employer must file a report with the state within 72 hours. New Hampshire employers have five days to report workplace injuries to the state administrator.
Never wait to report an injury, even if symptoms seem minor. Injuries that appear insignificant can develop into serious conditions requiring extensive treatment and time away from work.
Contact a Construction Accident Lawyer
Speaking with an experienced attorney early protects your rights throughout the claims process. A skilled Vermont construction accident lawyer can help you understand your full legal options, ensure proper filing of workers’ compensation claims, identify potential third-party liability, and prevent costly mistakes that could jeopardize your benefits.
Many construction accident attorneys offer free consultations and work on contingency, meaning you pay nothing unless you recover compensation.
Document Everything
Preserve evidence that supports your claim:
Save correspondence with your employer about the injury
Take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any hazardous conditions
Collect contact information from witnesses
Keep all medical records, bills, and documentation of missed work
Workers’ Compensation Coverage
Workers’ compensation insurance provides benefits regardless of who caused the accident (with limited exceptions). Coverage typically includes:
Medical Benefits: Full payment for injury-related medical treatment, including doctor visits, hospital stays, surgery, physical therapy, and prescription medications.
Wage Replacement: Partial compensation for lost earnings while you recover. Both Vermont and New Hampshire offer temporary disability benefits for workers who need time to heal before returning to work.
Permanent Disability Benefits: Workers who sustain lasting impairments may qualify for permanent partial or permanent total disability benefits, depending on how the injury affects their ability to work.Vocational Rehabilitation: If your injury prevents returning to your previous role, vocational assistance may help you train for suitable alternative employment.
When You May Need Legal Representation
While workers’ compensation covers most construction injuries, additional legal options may exist in certain situations:
Third-Party Liability Claims: If someone other than your employer contributed to your injury—such as a negligent subcontractor, equipment manufacturer that produced a defective tool, or property owner who failed to maintain safe conditions—you may have grounds for a personal injury lawsuit beyond workers’ compensation.
Denied or Disputed Claims: Insurance carriers sometimes deny legitimate claims or offer insufficient benefits. Legal representation can help challenge wrongful denials and secure the full compensation you deserve.
Serious or Permanent Injuries: Catastrophic injuries with long-term consequences often require skilled legal advocacy to ensure adequate compensation for future medical needs and lost earning capacity.
Learn How Sabbeth Law, PLLC Can Help
Construction work involves inherent dangers, but employers must provide reasonably safe working conditions and carry workers’ compensation insurance. If you’ve been injured on a construction site, taking prompt action to protect your health and financial security is crucial.
Understanding your rights under workers’ compensation law and recognizing when additional legal claims may be applicable ensures that you receive full compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
Whether your case involves straightforward workers’ compensation or complex third-party liability issues, experienced legal guidance helps navigate the claims process and maximize your recovery.
Contact our Sabbeth Law, PLLC today for a free consultation to discuss your construction injury case and learn about your legal options.