Construction sites are inherently dangerous environments where workers face risks of injury from various hazards such as falls, equipment malfunctions, and falling objects. If you’ve been injured while working at a construction site in Massachusetts, it’s crucial to understand your legal rights and options for seeking compensation for your injuries. Our experienced personal injury attorneys specialize in representing injured construction workers, and we’re here to help you navigate the complexities of construction accident cases in Massachusetts.
Hazards in Construction Sites
Construction sites pose numerous hazards that can lead to serious injuries or fatalities. Common hazards include:
- Falls from heights, such as scaffolding or ladders
- Struck-by accidents involving falling objects or moving equipment
- Electrocution from exposed wires or faulty electrical equipment
- Caught-in or caught-between accidents involving heavy machinery or equipment
- Slip and fall accidents due to uneven surfaces or debris
Employers have a legal duty to provide a safe working environment for their employees and to comply with state and federal safety regulations, such as those outlined by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). However, accidents can still occur due to negligence, inadequate training, or defective equipment.
Workers’ Compensation for Injured Workers
In Massachusetts, injured workers are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits regardless of fault. Workers’ compensation provides coverage for medical expenses, lost wages, and disability benefits for employees injured on the job. If you’ve been injured in a construction accident, it’s essential to report the injury to your employer as soon as possible and seek medical attention promptly. Your employer is required to provide you with a claim form and notify their workers’ compensation insurance carrier of your injury.
Workers’ Compensation Claim
Consider a scenario where a construction worker sustains a back injury after falling from a ladder at a construction site in Massachusetts. The worker notifies their employer of the injury and seeks medical treatment for their back pain. The employer provides the worker with a workers’ compensation claim form, which the worker completes and submits to the employer’s insurance carrier. The insurance carrier approves the claim and provides the worker with compensation for medical expenses and lost wages during their recovery.
Third-Party Liability Claims
In addition to workers’ compensation benefits, injured construction workers may also have grounds for third-party liability claims against parties other than their employer. This may include contractors, subcontractors, equipment manufacturers, or site owners whose negligence contributed to the accident. Third-party liability claims allow injured workers to seek additional compensation for damages such as pain and suffering, loss of consortium, and future medical expenses not covered by workers’ compensation. Continuing with the previous scenario of a fall from a ladder, suppose that ladder was defective, collapsing due to a manufacturing defect. The worker may have a third-party liability claim against the ladder manufacturer for product liability. By filing a third-party claim, the worker can pursue additional compensation beyond what is available through workers’ compensation.
Massachusetts Personal Injury Attorneys
If you’ve been injured in a construction accident in Massachusetts, don’t hesitate to contact our law firm for experienced legal representation. We are here to advocate for your rights and help you recover the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Call us for a no obligation case evaluation to learn if you have a personal injury claim.
