If you work at a construction site in New York and suffered injuries in an unfortunate mishap, you must workers’ compensation claim. The workers’ compensation system exists to help injured workers with financial losses, such as wage losses and medical bills. If you are looking for help with my construction accident case, there are law firms that can guide you further. Most attorneys dealing with such claims and lawsuits work on a contingency basis, and therefore, you only pay your lawyer after you recover money. Here are some aspects worth knowing.
Knowing the laws
State laws in New York allow injured construction workers to sue their employers for negligence in certain circumstances. You could get workers’ compensation benefits, too. If another party was liable for your injuries, you may have a third-party personal injury lawsuit, which allows you to get a settlement by proving fault.
Take the right steps
- Immediately after a construction accident, seek medical care. Choose a healthcare provider authorized by the Workers’ Compensation Board, although in an emergency, you can go to the closest doctor.
- You are also required to inform your employer about the accident within 30 days. Do not skip this step.
- You have to get the Employee Claim Form C-3 to file the workers’ compensation claim. The deadline for this is two years from the date of injury.
The workers’ compensation system is not based on fault. However, if your employer was negligent, which caused the accident, you might be able to file a lawsuit against the company according to the New York Labor Law.
Filing a third-party personal injury lawsuit
In many construction accidents, there could be other parties responsible for the situation. For instance, if you are working close to a road and another vehicle rams into the site, the vehicle driver is liable for your injuries. You can file a personal injury lawsuit and seek compensation.
Get a construction accident attorney
Not all law firms in NY deal with construction accident lawsuits, and it is essential that you choose one that’s reliable and has good reviews. You can also refer to ratings on Google to find more details. Besides giving you a free assessment of your claim, they will also take care of the workers’ compensation claims process and complete the necessary paperwork. They will also check if a third-party lawsuit is possible and will gather evidence to prove the same.