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What Should You Do after Getting Involved in a Construction Accident?

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The construction industry contributes significantly to the United States economy. But the work does not come without any risks. Construction workers who are a part of the local sites are exposed to constant threats every day.

Working among heavy equipment in the worksite poses potential hazards to the workers. However, if you are getting involved in a construction accident in Oakland, you are entitled to the workers’ compensation.

What Should You Do after Getting Involved in a Construction Accident

But the compensation comes with various limitations and risks, and you will need the support of an Oakland personal injury attorney to face the complications. Before that, do you know how to handle the situation in the early stages? Read more to see what you should do if you find yourself in such an unfortunate situation.

Seek Medical Attention Immediately

When you are involved in a construction accident, your very first concern should be protecting your health. No matter how careful you are in a site, it is very likely that you will experience an accident at some point at work. According to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), four hazards are responsible for the deaths of more than half of construction workers. It includes:

  • Electrocutions
  • Falls
  • Getting caught between or in equipment
  • Getting struck by any object on the site

In case you get involved in any such accidents, call for medical attention immediately.

Report the Incident As Soon As Possible

Once you have taken care of the injuries, you have to immediately report the incident to the respective authorities. In Oakland and other cities in California, you must report the incident to the employer within thirty days. Along with it, you should also provide the Workers’ Compensation Claim Form (DWC 1) to your employer within one year of the injury.

Given the pressure you will be under, you may accidentally sign away your rights in some cases. Reach out to an experienced Oakland personal injury attorney for help while filling out documents and accident reports.

Gather Required Information

According to the compensation laws in California, if you are injured in a construction accident in any part of Oakland, you can get various benefits in the form of medical costs, temporary and permanent disability benefits, death benefits, and more.

To claim the workers’ compensation benefits, you must prove that the injury did not occur intentionally, that it happened while you were doing a work-related task and a few other criteria. So, make sure to take photographs of the accident scene, your injuries, and the worksite.

Contact an Expert Oakland Attorney

If the accident occurs in Oakland, you can either file a workers’ compensation claim or file a third-party lawsuit. However, in Californian cities, you cannot receive workers’ compensation and then sue your co-worker or employer for the construction accident.

But, if you sustain the injury because of a third party, you can submit a claim and file a third-party lawsuit against that particular party. To work all this out, you must get in touch with an Oakland personal injury attorney.

In case you or anyone from your family has been injured in a construction accident in Oakland, immediately reach out to a local attorney for consultation and help.

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