As a Tampa resident, you may feel as though construction is happening everywhere and all the time. Well, workers in the construction industry work hard to make our city look more attractive, all while promoting a better quality of life and safety for its residents. But it is sadly true that their work comes with great risks that may commonly result in minor to catastrophic accidents. Read on to discover how a construction accident might work and how a seasoned Tampa work injury lawyer at Merricks Law Group, P.A. can help you handle its aftermath.
In what ways might a construction accident occur?
A construction zone can be quite a dangerous site to be present on. But this is especially true if construction materials, equipment, or machinery are defective or workers act negligently. Without further ado, a construction accident might occur in any of the following ways:
- A construction worker may go through a multi-story fall from a defective ladder or scaffolding.
- A construction worker may get a head injury from debris that falls from scaffolding or a rooftop.
- A construction worker may get electrocuted from working with exposed wires or faulty wiring.
- A construction worker may get burned by alkaloids, acids, or other dangerous chemicals present.
- A construction worker may get lung, middle ear, abdominal, or eye damage from an unexpected explosion.
What should I do if I am injured as a construction worker?
As a Tampa construction worker who gets injured while performing your job duties, you are more than likely covered by workers’ compensation. This no-fault insurance may financially support your medical bills and a portion of your lost wages until you are physically capable of returning to your job post.
However, you must understand that workers’ compensation is not automatically guaranteed. That is, you must take the steps necessary to file a formal claim. These steps read as follows:
- Inform your supervisor of your construction accident and its subsequent injuries within 30 days.
- Fill out all the official forms your employer gives you to submit your workers’ compensation claim.
- Schedule an appointment with a medical professional under your employer’s insurance provider.
- Ask the medical professional for a statement of your construction accident’s direct correlation to your injuries.
- Ask your employer for a copy of the First Report of Illness or Injury they filed with their insurance provider.
Sadly, even if you go through all the right steps, your initial workers’ compensation claim may still get denied. However, you may still fight for compensation by petitioning with the Florida Employment Assistance Office and the Florida Office of the Judges of Compensation Claims (OJCC) Clerk’s Office. Of note, you must file this petition within 2 days of receiving notice of your denial.
You may rest easier knowing that a competent Hillsborough County personal injury lawyer can serve as your needed support system during this difficult time. So please call us at Merricks Law Group, P.A. today.
