Horton & Mendez, Injury & Car Accident Attorneys, is a Monroe construction accident lawyer, representing injured workers and their families. If you live in the area or were injured while working in Monroe, NC, contact an experienced Monroe workers’ compensation lawyer now for help.
Most Common Construction Site Accidents in Monroe, NC
The City of Monroe is the county seat of Union County, North Carolina, and a short drive from the Charlotte Metropolitan Area. The area is growing, with the city highlighting new construction projects, including single-family home developments, apartments, factories, and development districts.
The causes of construction site accidents in Monroe, NC, range from falls to workplace violence.
Falls
Falls are the leading cause of death in the construction industry. Construction workers may trip and fall on the same surface or fall from a ladder, scaffolding, or machinery. A lack of fall protection, structure collapse, poor communication, or inadequate footwear may all cause falls. Minimizing the need to work from an elevated position may reduce the risk of falling.
Motor vehicle accidents
Construction workers face the danger of transportation accidents involving vehicles used on a construction site. A construction site typically doesn’t have defined roads or parking areas, which could help ensure safe traffic flow. Projects near roads, alleys, and parking lots have the added danger of nearby traffic.
Electrocutions
Electrocution accounts for eight percent of construction site deaths. Exposed wires, moisture, and energized equipment pose dangers for workers. Inadequate training and poor communication can also contribute to electrical injury in the construction industry.
Hazardous exposure
On jobsites, construction workers may be exposed to a variety of dangerous substances including silica, asbestos, heavy metals, fuels, solvents, and carbon monoxide. These substances may be toxic, poisonous, corrosive, or flammable. A person may be injured immediately or may be harmed by repeated exposure.
Workplace violence
Workplace violence in the construction industry may involve coworkers, customers, contractors, or visitors. Assault, equipment sabotage, use of a weapon, robbery, and other acts of aggression may result in injury.
OSHA reports that 20% of all workplace deaths occur in the construction industry.
Understanding Liability in Construction Accident Cases
In general, Monroe, NC, construction accident claims start with workers’ compensation. Companies with three or more employees must have workers’ compensation insurance. These benefits apply to both full-time and part-time employees, hourly and salaried workers. It also applies to undocumented workers.
To obtain workers’ compensation, you must report your injury. You don’t have to prove who was at fault or whether or not the employer caused the accident.
In construction workers’ compensation claims, there can be questions about which employer will handle the claim. North Carolina workers’ compensation law N.C.G.S. § 97-19 addresses contractors and subcontractors to ensure employees are covered.
You may have a construction site accident lawyer represent you to make your claim. Our construction accident lawyers can investigate coverage and how best to pursue the claim.
Workers’ Compensation vs. Third-Party Construction Claims
Workers’ compensation may not be the only way a Monroe construction accident lawyer can help you claim compensation. While workers’ compensation is usually the only remedy against an employer, a construction site often involves contractors, building site owners, nearby drivers, and other parties. The injury may be the result of one or more of these parties acting negligently. An injury may also result from a defective product or equipment.
Negligence is a legal term meaning a lack of care. Negligence doesn’t mean causing an accident on purpose. Rather, it means doing something or failing to do something that creates an unreasonable risk of injury.
If negligence applies, you may have a lawsuit against the party responsible. The claim is separate from workers’ compensation, but the two claims may impact each other. Our construction accident lawyers can create a legal strategy for your claim.
Steps To Take After a Construction Injury in North Carolina
When a construction injury occurs in North Carolina, address immediate safety concerns first. Prevent additional harm from equipment, traffic, energized sources, and unstable surfaces. Seek emergency medical attention for anyone hurt.
Gather information related to the accident, including names, contact information, and statements from witnesses. Take photos of the accident scene and your injuries. If objects and equipment are involved, take photos and note the type and model of equipment.
Report the accident to your employer as soon as possible. You must report the injury to your supervisor or human resources within 30 days. Reporting in writing is always best, and email is acceptable. The process should start through your employer and the insurance company. Engage a construction site accident lawyer to assist throughout the case.
Compensation Available in Monroe Construction Accident Cases
In Monroe construction accident cases, the compensation available depends on the type of case. In workers’ compensation, you may receive a percentage of your pre-injury wages if you are unable to work. You may also receive medical care, disability compensation, and vocational rehabilitation. If the accident results in loss of life, surviving family members may claim death benefits. The type and amount of compensation will depend on the specific case details.
In a third-party negligence lawsuit, you may claim full compensation for lost wages, pain and suffering, and other non-economic damages.
Our Monroe construction accident lawyers can evaluate and negotiate your benefits. Many claims are resolved with a settlement.
How To Prove Negligence in Construction Injury Claims
In construction accident claims, key evidence may be in the hands of the party responsible, who may be reluctant to provide it. Our lawyers can use the legal process to inspect equipment and demand production of records. Negligence may not be immediately obvious when an accident occurs. Our lawyers investigate and collect evidence to prove your case.
Why Hire a Monroe Construction Accident Lawyer After a Serious Injury
Horton & Mendez, Injury & Car Accident Attorneys is a Monroe construction accident lawyer. While you recover, you can know that your case is in the hands of an experienced legal team.
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