When you’re working in construction, there is every chance that you could be hurt due to another person’s negligence. If you’re hurt at a job site or a busy industrial area, you could be looking at serious injuries or even permanent disability. Protecting your interests after an accident is important, which is why it’s wise to speak with someone familiar with the laws in Ohio.
After an accident, you have the right to get into contact with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. OSHA will investigate the situation to help determine what happened and why your accident may have been your employer’s or fellow coworkers’ fault due to negligence or neglect. There are other parties who may also be held responsible for your injuries, including those who manufactured the equipment you were using at the time of the accident and the property owners. You will need to collect evidence against them if you want to hold them accountable, because it will have to be shown that they were neglectful in some way and that their neglect caused you injuries.
Most of the time, your on-the-job injuries are going to be covered by workers’ compensation. This means that you may not have to fight for compensation and should have your medical bills covered. Unfortunately, workers’ compensation is limited, and you may not get as much money as you’d like. In those cases, it’s best to look into further options for compensation to help you get the money you need.
Your workplace is supposed to be safe. If your contactor or the property owner made it unsafe for you to work, don’t sit back and let it go. Your health was at risk, and you deserve to be compensated.
Source: FindLaw, “Construction Injury FAQ” Oct. 30, 2014