As careful as you might be, accidents happen. Construction workers are at higher risk of getting hurt due to the nature of the job. As such, it’s vital that every employee in the industry understands their rights regarding workers' compensation and personal injury law. Below is a brief overview of what these professionals should know.

Workers' Comp

In most situations, you will be eligible for compensation in the aftermath of a work-related construction injury. Your health is a priority, so seek prompt medical attention after the incident. Afterward, complete an accident report and any associated paperwork with your employer. Get a copy of all the documents for your records; supervisors file these forms with the state's workers' comp claims board.

The situation could go one of two ways. Your employer may recognize the extent of your injury and support a workers' compensation claim. Or, they may choose to fight it, in which case you'd have to prove the severity of the damages and its impact on your ability to work. If this happens, a personal injury law attorney will help navigate the system and guide you through the next steps to take.

Personal Injury Cases

By filing a workers' comp claim, you forfeit the right to file a personal injury lawsuit against your employer. There are, however, some exceptions. Construction sites typically have a lot of people from many different businesses coming together to work on a project. If you were hurt because of the behavior or negligence of an individual or business that is not your employer or coworker, it’s possible to file a claim against the responsible party.

Product liability issues could also lead to a construction accident. If, for instance, you were using a certain piece of equipment in the way it was intended and it malfunctioned and caused the injury, you could have a case against the manufacturer. Product liability falls under the jurisdiction of personal injury law and requires establishing the damages resulted from a defect in the design or how it was made.

If you are dealing with any of the above issues, turn to The Law Office of Steven Privette. For over 30 years, Attorney Privette and his team have been representing clients in and around Willow Springs, MI, in all aspects of civil litigation. They offer individualized attention and quality counsel to secure maximum compensation. Call (417) 469-3535 to schedule a consultation today. Visit online to learn more about their background in personal injury law, and follow them on Facebook for regular news and updates.