Five Common Mistakes To Avoid After Construction Accidents In Washington State
Many residents of Washington State make a living working in the construction field. While it can be lucrative, construction is also one of the most dangerous industries.
Falls, heavy equipment accidents, and exposure to hazardous materials are among the threats and can cause serious, potentially life-threatening injuries. What you do in the hours and days after can impact your ability to get compensation. Our Issaquah construction accident attorney shares five common mistakes to avoid and the steps you need to take to protect your rights in a claim.
Common Mistakes Made By Workers When Issaquah Construction Accidents Happen
Construction accidents in King County can be overwhelming, which can cause workers to make mistakes that jeopardize their rights to compensation. Benefits may be available through the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I), but they get distributed through insurers, who often attempt to deny or dispute claims. The following are five common mistakes that can quickly derail your case:
- Not reporting your injuries immediately: Even if the injury seems minor, always report it to your supervisor as soon as possible.
- Not getting immediate medical care: Waiting too long to see a doctor can lead to complications and gives insurers room to argue that your injury wasn’t work-related.
- Relying solely on L&I: L&I provides workers’ compensation benefits. However, if you are an independent contractor or outside factors contributed to your injuries, such as faulty materials or machinery, you may have grounds for a third-party lawsuit.
- Making statements to insurers without getting legal advice: Insurance representatives routinely try to minimize payouts. Always speak with an attorney before giving statements or signing documents.
- Not keeping documentation: Save medical bills, pay stubs, and any correspondence related to your injury.
How To Protect Your Rights After Issaquah Construction Injuries
OSHA (the Occupational Safety and Health Administration) warns that construction accidents are among the most common causes of work-related injuries. When construction injuries in Issaquah happen, it can leave you facing heavy medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs. To make the maximum recovery, take these steps:
- Inform your supervisor or the construction site manager immediately and ensure they complete an accident report.
- Gather evidence, if possible, including photos from the scene and witness contact info.
- Get medical care right away from an approved provider, follow treatment instructions, and adhere to activity restrictions.
- Keep copies of all medical bills and other costs, along with a journal documenting your symptoms and how they impact your life.
Keep in mind that under the Washington Code, even if you are not eligible for workers’ compensation, you may be able to hold third parties liable.
Request a Consultation With Our Experienced Issaquah Construction Accident Attorney
If you get hurt on a construction site in Issaquah, Injury Law Group NW is here to help. Whether facing an uphill battle with L&I or considering a lawsuit, we provide the experienced, professional legal representation you need. Call or contact our office online today to request a consultation with our Issaquah construction accident lawyer.
Sources:
lni.wa.gov/claims/for-workers/file-a-claim/
osha.gov/data/commonstats
app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=51.24
