Construction-Site Injury Myths Corrected

Construction sites can be extremely dangerous locations, and it is fairly common for accidents to result in serious injuries. When a person suffers a construction accident, there may be several myths that can cloud their ability to make informed decisions.

Myth: You Can Not Sue for Construction-Related Injuries That Occur in Public Spaces

While you might assume that construction-related accidents are largely limited to the workers on the site, it can be unfortunately common for individuals that are simply passing near construction sites to be injured. This can often be due to improper warning signs and barriers. Also, accidents could be attributed to negligence on the part of the workers, as they could cause debris to fall from great distances. Determining liability for accidents that occur on public property can be fairly complicated, as it may be possible to name the local government, the general contractor, or even individual workers.

Myth: Construction Workers Can Not Sue for Damages

When a worker is unfortunate enough to suffer an injury on the job, they may assume that worker's compensation is the only form of compensation that they can receive for these injuries. It is common for these insurance policies to have stipulations that prevent you from filing suit against your employer. Yet, there may be other individuals that were responsible for your damages and injuries. For example, the manufacturer of a faulty tool or a third-party contractor that failed to adequately perform their task may also be liable for the damages that you suffered.

Therefore, you will want to consult with your attorney prior to making a final decision about taking legal action. After they explain the facts surrounding your injury, these professionals will be able to help you understand which parties may be held liable for your damages.

Myth: Worker's Compensation Will Not Cover You When You Caused Your Injury

Worker's compensation can be invaluable when you have been unlucky enough to be injured. Yet workers will often be hesitant about pursuing one of these claims when they are partially or totally responsible for the injury. However, these policies do not require proving liability to cover the damages. Rather, it is only necessary for the injuries to have occurred on the work site and for you to pass a drug pass. In instances where you avoid reporting these injuries, it can be more difficult to prove that they occurred at work, and this may make compensation more difficult to obtain. Therefore, you should always report your injuries as soon as they occur to ensure they are documented.

Talk to a personal-injury lawyer for more information. 

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