Kannapolis Construction Injury Lawyer

Kannapolis Construction Injury Attorney

Construction work is a physically demanding job that involves working with heavy machinery, tools, and materials. Unfortunately, it is also one of the most dangerous occupations, with a high risk of accidents and injuries. Construction injuries can range from minor cuts and bruises to serious, life-altering injuries and even death. These injuries can occur for various reasons, such as falls from heights, electrocution, burns, and equipment malfunctions. Construction workers are at a higher risk of injury than workers in many other industries, and employers must take steps to ensure their safety.

At Ayers, Whitlow & Dressler, our experienced personal injury lawyers in Kannapolis, NC, are dedicated to helping those injured on a construction site. We understand the financial, physical, and emotional toll a construction injury can have on an individual. We are devoted to helping our clients obtain the compensation they need to move forward with their lives. We have extensive experience in personal injury law and will provide you with the knowledge, resources, and support you need to fight for your rights properly.

What Causes Construction Site Injuries in Kannapolis, North Carolina?

Construction site injuries can occur due to a variety of hazardous conditions. Common causes of construction site accidents and injuries include:

• Falls from heights: Falls from elevated surfaces such as ladders, scaffolds, roofs, and other structures are a significant risk for construction workers. These falls can be caused by unstable structures, lack of proper fall protection equipment, failure to secure equipment and materials, or human error. Falls can lead to severe injuries such as fractures, head and brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and in some work accident cases, fatalities.
• Electrocution: Construction workers risk electrocution when working near power lines, electrical machinery, or exposed electrical wires. Electrical hazards can also result from wet or damp conditions, which can increase electrical current conductivity. Electrical injuries can range from minor electrical shocks to severe burns, cardiac arrest, and even death.
• Struck by objects: Workers can be struck by objects such as falling tools, debris, and equipment, resulting in serious injuries such as fractures, head injuries, and lacerations. These accidents can occur due to improper storage or handling of materials, lack of safety barriers or nets, or failure to wear proper head protection.
• Caught in/between equipment: Construction machinery such as cranes, bulldozers, and excavators pose a significant risk of workers being caught between or underneath them. Workers can suffer crush injuries, amputations, and fatalities due to heavy machinery accidents. A lack of proper safety procedures, inadequate training, or mechanical failure can cause these accidents.
• Overexertion: The physical demands of construction work can lead to overexertion injuries, such as sprains, strains, and muscle tears. These injuries can occur due to repetitive motions, heavy lifting, awkward postures, or working in extreme temperatures. Overexertion can result in long-term damage to joints and muscles and can affect a worker’s ability to perform their job.
• Exposure to hazardous substances: Construction workers can be exposed to hazardous substances such as asbestos, lead, and silica, leading to long-term health problems such as lung disease and cancer. Exposure can occur through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact, and workers can be exposed to these substances during demolition, renovation, and other construction activities. Protective measures such as wearing respiratory masks and gloves and proper disposal of hazardous materials are critical in preventing exposure to these substances.

What To Do if You Have Been Injured in a Construction Accident

• Seek medical attention: If you have been injured in a construction accident, your health and safety should be your top priority. Seek medical attention immediately, even if your injuries seem minor. Delaying medical treatment can worsen your condition and complicate your recovery. Keep all records of your medical treatments, including bills, receipts, and medical reports.
• Report the accident: Report the accident to your supervisor or employer as soon as possible. Reporting the injury will help to establish a record of the incident and ensure that the proper steps are taken to prevent similar accidents from happening in the future. Provide a detailed account of the accident, including the date, time, location, and any witnesses who saw what happened.
• Collect evidence: Collect as much evidence as possible to support your claim. Take photographs of the accident scene, including any equipment or machinery involved and any visible injuries you have sustained. Collect contact information from witnesses who saw what happened. Keep a journal of your symptoms and how they have affected your daily life.
• Contact an attorney: Contact an experienced personal injury attorney who can help you understand your legal rights and options. Your attorney can advise you on how to proceed with your case and can help you seek compensation for your injuries and other damages. Your attorney will also help you to communicate with the insurance companies and make sure that you don’t settle for less than what you are entitled to.
• Follow up with your medical treatment: Follow your doctor’s orders and attend all necessary medical appointments to ensure you receive the proper care and treatment for your injuries. Keep all medical records and bills, including prescriptions, hospital stays, and rehabilitation.
• Keep track of your expenses: Keep track of all your expenses related to your injuries, including medical bills, lost wages, and any other expenses you incurred due to the accident. This information can be used to support your claim for compensation. Also, record how your injuries have affected your ability to work and your quality of life.

What Does North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Cover?

Workers’ compensation is a type of insurance that provides benefits to employees who are injured or become ill due to their work. In general, workers’ compensation covers the following:

• Medical expenses: Workers’ compensation covers the cost of medical treatment related to the injury or illness. This includes doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, prescription medications, rehabilitation services, and other necessary medical care. It’s important to note that the treatment must be reasonable and necessary to treat the work-related injury or illness.
• Lost wages: Workers’ compensation provides wage replacement benefits to employees who cannot work due to their work-related injury or illness. These benefits are designed to help employees cover their living expenses while they recover.
• Rehabilitation: Workers’ compensation may cover the cost of rehabilitation services to help injured employees recover and return to work. Rehabilitation services may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, and vocational training. The goal of rehabilitation services is to help employees regain their physical abilities and job skills so they can return to work as soon as possible.
• Death benefits: If an employee dies due to a work-related injury or illness, workers’ compensation may provide death benefits to their dependents or beneficiaries. The death benefits may include funeral expenses, a lump sum payment, and ongoing benefits to the dependents.
• Legal fees: Workers’ compensation may cover legal fees associated with filing a claim or appealing a denied claim. This includes hiring an attorney, filing fees, and other legal expenses. Legal fees are typically only covered if the claim is approved.

It’s important to understand that workers’ compensation is a no-fault system. Employees do not need to prove their employer was at fault for their injury or illness to receive benefits. In exchange for this no-fault system, employees typically relinquish their right to sue their employer for additional damages.

The Value of Construction Injury Lawyers

• Knowledge of the law: Construction injury lawyers deeply understand the laws and regulations related to construction accidents and workers’ compensation. They can advise injured workers on their legal rights and options and ensure that they comply with legal requirements and deadlines. This knowledge can be constructive in complex cases that involve multiple parties or legal issues.
• Experience with similar cases: Construction injury lawyers who have experience with similar cases can provide valuable insights into how to approach a case. They can draw on their experience to assess the strengths and weaknesses of a case and provide guidance on how to proceed. This can help injured workers decide whether to accept a settlement or go to trial.
• Assistance with paperwork and documentation: Construction injury lawyers can help injured workers gather and organize the necessary paperwork and documentation to support their cases. This includes medical records, accident reports, witness statements, and other evidence that may be needed to prove liability and damages. Letting a lawyer handle this paperwork can reduce stress and help ensure that everything is completed correctly and on time.
• Negotiation with insurance companies: Insurance companies are often more interested in protecting their bottom line than in fairly compensating injured workers. A construction injury lawyer can negotiate with insurance companies on their client’s behalf to ensure they receive the full compensation they are entitled to. This can involve negotiating settlements, appealing denied claims, or trialing the case.
• Trial representation: If a construction accident case goes to trial, a construction injury lawyer can represent the injured worker in court. This involves presenting evidence, cross-examining witnesses, and making legal arguments to support their client’s case. Having a lawyer to handle this representation can be particularly helpful for injured workers who may be overwhelmed or intimidated by the legal process.

Contact Ayers, Whitlow & Dressler Today

At Ayers, Whitlow & Dressler, our experienced construction injury lawyers are committed to providing injured workers with the legal support and guidance they need to secure the total compensation they are entitled to. For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact us today. We look forward to working with you.