In personal injury law, a construction accident lawyer advocates for workers who are injured on the job to help ensure workers’ rights are protected. Suppose you have been injured in a construction accident. In that case, a construction accident lawyer can guide you through the complexities and challenges of workers’ compensation law, making sure that you and your loved ones know what legal options are available for you. They can even identify whether the possibility of additional compensation exists besides that provided by workers’ compensation. Just as importantly, through their efforts in promoting workers’ rights, construction accident lawyers help foster a culture of safety on construction sites and ensure that construction companies and subcontractors are in compliance with federal and state workplace safety standards.
How a Construction Accident Lawyer Can Help
Given the nature of heavy construction, worksite accidents can have severe consequences. Injuries can be catastrophic if not fatal. In Maine, workers’ compensation is there to cover medical expenses and lost wages when a workplace injury occurs. However, it does not account for additional damages, such as pain and suffering. It also doesn’t take into account third-party negligence. If you were hurt on the job at a construction site because of third-party negligence, say a subcontractor failed to properly set up scaffolding or maintain equipment that caused or contributed to your injury, an experienced construction accident lawyer can help you determine if you have grounds for a separate claim against them. This claim may result in a more substantial payout than workers’ compensation benefits and can provide additional compensation beyond the standard requirements.
If a loved one’s death was caused by a construction worksite accident, a construction accident lawyer can help you file a wrongful death claim to ensure you receive full compensation for your loss. Having an experienced lawyer negotiate with the insurance company will make sure those responsible are held financially accountable, including compensation for funeral expenses, lost income, and emotional distress.
Promoting Construction Site Safety
More than ensuring a fair settlement for workers, construction accident lawyers also promote a culture of safety by looking into areas of compliance and safety violations at construction job sites. They investigate whether safety regulations and standards were violated, not only to strengthen the cases of injured workers, but to make necessary changes, if needed, to improve workplace safety.
By law, employers must provide a workplace free from recognized hazards that are likely to cause death or serious physical harm. Nationally, OSHA sets specific standards for construction safety, including regulations for fall protection, scaffolding, electrical safety, excavation, and so forth. Maine regulations follow OSHA standards in the private sector workplace, with the state’s Department of Labor oversight. The Maine DOL promotes a workplace environment that prioritizes employee well-being, safety, and fairness through collaborative efforts between employees and management, facilitated by consultation services, training, and regulatory oversight.
In public sector workplaces, the Maine Board of Occupational Safety and Health is responsible for developing and enforcing workplace safety standards, ensuring they meet or exceed federal requirements. The board also conducts hearings to resolve disputes related to labor standard violations, issuing decisions on citations and penalties.
Suppose an investigation by a construction accident lawyer on behalf of an injured worker finds that their employer was in non-compliance with safety standards. In that case, it can result in citations, fines, and other penalties from OSHA. The construction company could also be held responsible for potential legal liability for injuries or fatalities resulting from non-compliance with safety regulations. By adhering to legal and regulatory requirements, construction companies can avoid legal penalties while creating safer work environments, leading to more efficient and effective construction operations.
If you’ve been hurt on the job and are unsure about your workers’ compensation rights or eligibility for a third-party claim, or if there is a dispute concerning your workers’ compensation claim, consider calling the law firm of Hardy Wolf & Downing to discuss your situation. Our team of construction accident lawyers is dedicated to protecting workers’ rights and promoting a culture of safety on construction worksites. For us to review your claim, contact Hardy Wolf & Downing to arrange a free consultation. We will fight for you to ensure you receive all available benefits and the compensation you are entitled to.