Construction zones are one of the most dangerous workplaces in the United States. You often hear of mishaps, accidents, and even deaths in these places. Falls are one of the most common causes of injury and death among construction workers. Your safety is the responsibility of your employer. If you’re not getting the right compensation, we’ll represent you as your Michigan construction accident lawyer.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has created numerous guidelines and laws that protect construction workers from harm while on the job. As an employee in the construction industry, it’s your right to receive training on how to do your job safely. Additionally, your employer is responsible for providing a safe working environment that complies with OSHA’s regulations. If you believe that your employer has failed to meet any of these obligations and it has led to an accident or fall, you may have grounds for a legal case.

 

The Employer’s Responsibility

 

Construction workers often deal with elevated heights and powerful machines. They hold tools that could lead to harm if no proper safety precautions exist. As a part of your work, your employer is responsible for taking measures to ensure your protection. These include:

  • Guardrail systems
  • Personal fall arrest (PFA) systems
  • Hole covers
  • Safety gear
  • Harnesses
  • Secure scaffoldings

The lack of any of these measures is negligence. A construction accident that traces back to something preventable means that the employer did not provide ample protection.

 

Workers’ Compensation

 

All construction companies offer workers’ compensation as a part of their employee benefits. If an injury-causing accident occurs, the worker can file a claim to cover treatment. It also supports the workers while they are not able to work. In the case of wrongful death, the family can approach the company to claim workers’ compensation.

By claiming workers’ compensation, the employer is no longer at fault. The worker can no longer file a case even if the employer’s negligence was the cause of the accident.

However, this system can be tricky to navigate at times. Employers can deny or even dispute the claims of their workers. They can also offer an amount that doesn’t adequately cover the injury or death. In this case, hiring a lawyer is the best thing you can do. They will know how to navigate the system and get you adequate compensation.

 

Negligence Case

 

Victims can pursue a case outside of the workers’ compensation system. The best way to approach this is to hire a specialist—a personal injury lawyer.

Your lawyer will help you gather evidence and negotiate. They will ensure that your employer does not avoid their responsibility. If you can prove negligence, it is possible to get a much larger sum.

A negligence case is also an option to pursue if the accident happened due to faulty equipment. You can seek compensation from a manufacturer for defects or malfunctions. In many cases, negligence settlements occur away from the court, leading to a faster claim.

If you want to pursue a negligence case, make sure to keep all documentation with you. It is important to preserve the accident scene and save medical reports. Collect everything proving that the injury or death links back to negligence.

 

Secure Your Rights with Gallon Law

 

A worker can claim compensation after a serious accident and injury. Gallon Law is here to help you learn more about personal injury and workers’ compensation. Michigan Construction accident lawyers have handled many cases, helping families get what they deserve. Contact us today at 419-843-6663 or use our online contact form.