With a population of over three million people, the Lakeland/Tampa Bay area is one of the largest and most populous metropolitan areas in the United States. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that the construction industry is thriving in the area.
Construction workers are often required to work in hazardous environments — that’s just the nature of the job. If you work in the industry, this begs the question: What happens after you’ve sustain injuries in an accident on a construction site? This personal injury attorney in Lakeland, Florida is going to discuss below.
Next Steps After a Construction Site Accident
Following a serious construction site injury — such as a spinal cord injury or a traumatic brain injury (TBI) — you may require extensive medical treatment to resume your life, which can add up to a significant amount on money. While you try to move on with your life, you may lose your job or be forced to change careers, resulting in a significant decrease in your income.
Most construction workers know that they can file a workers’ compensation claim following a job site accident, but there are some additional sources of compensation to consider as well.
If you want to learn more about your legal options after a construction accident, your best option is to consult with an experienced construction site accident attorney in Lakeland, Florida.
The Limits of Workers’ Comp Insurance
If you are injured in a construction site accident in Lakeland, and if you are covered by workers’ compensation insurance, you can file a claim to seek compensation for:
- All medical expenses and treatment for your injuries.
- A portion of your lost income.
- Transportation costs for getting to and from doctor’s appointments.
However, workers’ compensation does come with one big caveat: you cannot bring a personal injury claim against your employer. This means that, even if your employer is directly responsible for the accident and your injuries, you cannot sue them.
There is also the issue of how little coverage this insurance provides.
Although workers’ compensation could be helpful if you have a minor broken bone or soft-tissue injury, it may not be enough to cover a serious disability — such as paralysis or a traumatic brain injury. In the case of more serious injuries, insurance companies will almost certainly dispute your claim to avoid paying full compensation.
What Other Options Do You Have?
Workers’ comp protections only apply to your employer; other parties such as subcontractors, property owners, truck drivers, and manufacturing companies are not immune from liability.
This means that while workers’ compensation does not allow you to sue your employer for personal injuries, you may be able to hold others liable for the construction accident that resulted in your injuries with the help of an experienced job site accident attorney in Lakeland, Florida.
For example, if a contractor fails to warn you about excavation and you are caught in the blast-induced damaged zone, you may be able to bring a compensation claim against them. Similarly, if you received an electrical shock while using a malfunctioning power tool, you may be eligible to recover compensation by filing a product liability claim against the seller or manufacturer.
Speak With Our Job Site Accident Attorneys in Lakeland, Florida Today
Are you looking to partner with the premier construction site accident attorneys in Lakeland, Florida? If so, the team at O’Toole Law Group is here to help. We have been fighting for the rights of construction workers in the area for over three decades.
We can conduct a detailed investigation into the circumstances surrounding your accident to get you the compensation you are owed. If your injuries are only covered by workers’ comp, we will fight for the maximum compensation possible; however, we can also explore other possibilities, such as third-party product liability or personal injury claims.
Call us today at (863) 533 5525 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.
