Construction Law

Steps to Take After a Construction Job Site Accident

Providing a safe and healthy work environment is a very important part of your construction company’s daily operations. Though, despite your best efforts, accidents will and do happen. This is why it is important for employers and managers to know the appropriate measures to take when a job site accident occurs.

Below are four steps that are highly recommended by a Tampa construction law firm for construction companies to follow when they find themselves involved in a construction job site accident.

Step One: Be Prepared

The first step in dealing with a construction job site accident is to be well prepared. Construction job site accidents do happen, which is why it is very important for construction employers, contractors, and subcontractors to be prepared for this occurrence. All workers and management staff on the site should be well trained, know who to contact, and what protocols to follow if an accident occurs. An experienced construction law firm in Tampa, such as Cotney Attorneys & Consultants can help ensure that you fully understand your rights and obligations as an employer in the event of a construction job site accident.

Step Two: Act Diligently

If there is a medical emergency, call 9-1-1 immediately to get proper medical attention. After all medical issues are resolved, it is very important to gather and preserve as much evidence of the accident as possible. Document the names of all parties involved and witnesses of the accident, and make sure to have photographic or video evidence of the accident site and its condition.

Step Three: Report Appropriately

OSHA:

Aside from being required to record and log any incidents involving the injury of any personnel on the site, if an accident involves the hospitalization of at least three individuals or results in the death of one or more individuals, the incident must be reported to OSHA within 8 hours of the hospitalization or death of the individuals.

Workers’ Compensation:

If an employee is involved in an accident, it is advisable to report the accident to the company’s workers’ compensation insurance provider as soon as possible. Workers’ compensation insurance is a state-mandated insurance that provides financial relief to workers that are injured on the job. Workers’ compensation insurance also provides protection for employers from potential lawsuits resulting from a construction job site accident.

Although workers’ compensation insurance does provide a safeguard against most lawsuits, it is still very possible for an injured employee or family members of a deceased employee to bring suit against the employer.

Step Four: Hire an Experienced Law Firm

When dealing with a construction job site accident, especially one that involves the injury or death of a worker, it is essential to seek the advice and guidance of an experienced Tampa construction law firm. Hiring a construction law firm experienced with complex cases such as ones involving construction job site accidents can help you avoid costly lawsuits and may increase your chances of success should your case be brought to court.

If you’ve experienced a construction job site accident, don’t delay. Contact us today.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.