Sugar Land, Texas, and areas around Sugarland have been experiencing a commercial boom in recent years. That growth has led to the increased presence of construction work, as companies build new buildings and renovate older ones.
Unfortunately, that increase in construction work has also led to an increase in on-site construction accidents. In the event you or someone you know has suffered an accident on one of these sites, there are some things you need to know before moving forward with legal actions, one of which may be to contact an experienced personal injury attorney like Adam Capetillo. Mr. Capetillo has helped victims of construction accidents get fair compensation for medical bills, loss of income, and recovery for other damages related to the accident.
Construction Sites are Dangerous
Even under the best of circumstances, construction sites can be extremely dangerous. The process of building involves heavy equipment, dangerous building materials, and a variety of opportunities for potentially hazardous situations. Common dangers posed by a construction site can include:
• Electrocution
• Maiming due to equipment/material mishaps
• Falls, either from the building or off a ladder, table, or elevation equipment
• Injuries caused by a lack of proper protective personal gear, such as hard hats or work boots
The site can often include uneven work surfaces or holes which increases the chances of a slip and fall. Sometimes accidents occur on a construction site even when everyone working on the site performs due diligence on all safety requirements. It is fundamentally a more dangerous environment to work in.
Compensation
Because injuries can occur so easily on a construction site, it’s important to understand in Texas, you may not be protected as a worker.
Any legal action taken in response to a construction accident should start with the idea of “just compensation.” This term refers to the damages owed to a victim to recover lost wages or lost income. It also refers to the cost of medical bills, physical and/or mental rehabilitation, chronic or ongoing pain or disabilities arising from the accident, and any future medical costs. Ideally, the victim receives enough money to be paid back for any expenses they incurred and to be provided with enough money for future expenses. However, your employer may not want to cover your expenses.
For example, if you work in the construction field and suffer an injury on the job, the inability to work due to that injury would result in a loss of income, the income you and your family depend on. You may incur medical expenses that you cannot afford to pay and that is not covered by your health insurance. You may have a back injury that unfortunately is permanent, and you will need long-term therapy and will suffer from chronic pain. You may even be unable to return to the type of work you used to do together. Unfortunately, your employer may not care enough to provide you with proper compensation.
The state of Texas has the Texas Workers’ Compensation Act but unlike some other states, Texas does not require an employer to have workers’ compensation coverage. Even if the construction company has a worker’s compensation policy, it may not fully address your needs. It is really an insurance policy companies buy to protect themselves and to address any workplace injuries by providing limited money to the injured worker. There are limits to the amount of the claim and these limits may protect the business but not compensate fully the injured worker.
What to Do If You Have a Construction Accident
If you have suffered an accident on a construction site, seek medical help immediately. You want a record of what injury or injuries you received. Report the accident to the employer within 30 days of the accident, then follow up with the employer to make sure they report the injury to their insurance company if they have worker’s compensation insurance. If you are unsure if your company is willing or able to provide you compensation, call a lawyer!
If the insurance company fails to respond or the compensation is not enough, seek legal help on how to proceed. Adam Capetillo is a caring experienced personal injury attorney located in Sugarland Texas and may be the champion you need.