Construction sites are frequently unsafe, and at times, they simply do not comply with the standards set out by OSHA. Unfortunately, construction site accidents are not uncommon, and if you’ve been hurt in one, regardless of who was at fault, you can depend on an experienced Prince George’s County construction accident lawyer right here at McCarthy, Winkelman & Mester, L.L.P. to fight for the compensation you need to heal. Contact us today to learn more about construction accidents, workers’ compensation benefits, third-party claims, and how our firm can guide you through every step of the process ahead.
Prince George’s County Construction Accident Lawyer | Serving MD, VA, & Washington D.C.
Construction workers often put their lives on their line to make ends meet, which is why our firm is so proud to assist all construction workers who’ve been harmed in construction site accidents. We are here to return to favor. You can depend on a seasoned Prince George’s County work injury lawyer right here to fight for your right to a swift recovery.
Common Causes/Types of Construction Accidents
Construction sites are often jam-packed with workers, machinery, and various types of building materials, which, in combination, can, at times, lead to very serious injuries. Some of the most common causes and types of construction accidents that our firm sees are as follows:
- Scaffold collapses
- Explosions
- Defective machinery
- Unsafe elevators
- No protection from falling debris
- Dangerous property conditions
- Ladder accidents
- Falls
Common Injuries Sustained in Construction Accidents
As you can imagine, construction accidents often produce some of the most gruesome injuries, and often, these injuries entitle the hurt party to financial compensation in some form. Some of the most common injuries sustained in construction site accidents are as follows:
- Burns
- Electrocutions
- Reactions to chemicals
- Broken bones
- Sprains
- Disfigurement
- Brain damage and other head injuries
- Lacerations
- Scarring
What to do After a Prince George’s County Construction Accident
When someone is injured on the job, it is critical that they take several steps to document the accident and ensure their safety. After a construction accident, if possible, the injured party should do the following:
- Notify their employer and call 911. Emergency services will be sent to the scene.
- Ask anyone who saw the accident happen for their contact information.
- Take pictures of the cause of the accident (unsafe property conditions, defective machinery, etc.)
- Obtain a copy of all medical documentation/bills concerning the injury.
- Retain the services of an experienced Prince George’s County personal injury lawyer.
Workers’ Compensation Claims Vs. Third-Party Claims
Most employers in the state of Maryland with one or more employees are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. There are certain exceptions, but very few–if you’ve been injured on the job, there is a good chance that your employer carries workers’ compensation insurance. When you file a workers’ compensation claim, you are essentially seeking compensation from your employer’s insurance company. As long as your claim is granted, you should receive compensation to help cover the cost of your medical bills and a portion of your lost wages until you can return to work once again.
That being said, you should understand that at times, workers’ compensation benefits won’t cover the entire cost of an injury sustained on the job. Fortunately, not all hope is lost–employees who are injured on the job can file third-party claims with the assistance of an attorney. A third-party claim is an injury claim made against a liable third party who is not your employer. For example, if we can prove that you were injured because of a poorly designed piece of machinery, or because of unsafe property conditions, negligent independent contractors, or any other careless third party, you should have a valid third-party claim.
Statute of Limitations for Workers’ Compensation Claims in Maryland
When someone is injured on the job, he or she must notify his or her employer of the injury with 10 days of the accident occurring. That being said, it is always best to inform your employer of your injury the day that it happened. From here, you must bring your workers’ compensation claim within 60 days of the date the accident occurred. Waiting longer than 60 days will most likely result in you losing your right to file your workers’ compensation claim.
Once you file your claim with the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission, they will respond within 30 days with a verdict regarding whether you will receive benefits or not. If you are denied benefits, you and your experienced Prince George’s County work injury lawyer can appeal the denial within 30 days of the date the decision was mailed to you. Do not enter the appeals process alone–our firm can work to ensure that you receive the compensation you need to move on with your life.
Statute of Limitations for Third-Party Claims in Maryland
The statute of limitations for third-party claims in Maryland is three years, in line with the statute of limitations for most other personal injury claims in the state. That being said, as always, the longer you wait to file your claim, the harder it can be to prove it. This is why we always advise prospective clients to act sooner, rather than later. We are prepared to assist you today.
Contact a Prince George’s County Construction Accident Lawyer
Our society owes a great debt to our construction workers, which is why the attorneys here at McCarthy, Winkelman & Mester, L.L.P. are proud to represent those who’ve done so much for our communities. Contact us today to schedule your free initial consultation with our competent and dedicated legal team.