The construction industry is one of the most important in the country, and Bartlett, Tennessee, is no different. Without construction workers, we would not be able to have modern homes, buildings, restaurants, and schools. Even though construction is such an important industry, it is still one of the most dangerous in which to work.
A Bartlett personal injury lawyer from Gatti, Keltner, Bienvenu & Montesi PLC will fight to protect your rights when injured in a construction accident.
The Importance of Construction Sites
Did you know that there are roughly 252,000 construction sites throughout the country at any given time? This is according to data from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). There are more than 65 million construction workers on those construction sites in the United States, meaning that accidents are bound to happen.
People Who Can Become Victims of Construction Accidents
Construction accident victims are not just construction workers. Anyone who visits or walks past a construction site can become a victim of a construction accident. For example, a delivery driver dropping off roof shingles can become a victim of a construction accident – so can someone walking down the sidewalk past the construction site.
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Causes of Bartlett, Tennessee, Construction Site Accidents
Construction site accidents are very common and take the slightest mistake, defective tool, or hazard to happen. OSHA has coined a phrase known as the fatal four. The fatal four construction accidents account for more than 20 percent of worker fatalities in the country and are as follows:
- Caught between objects
- Falls
- Electrocution
- Struck by an object
The above list includes the most common construction site accidents that lead to fatalities. Other ways in which construction workers can suffer injuries include the following:
- Lack of protective equipment
- Accidents with forklifts
- Faulty or defective equipment
- Improper training on power tools and machinery
- Struck by a vehicle
- Hazardous chemical exposure
- Violations of OSHA policies
- Negligence on the part of subcontractors
- Trench collapses
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Common Bartlett Construction Site Injuries
Bartlett construction site workers can suffer any of the following injuries in a construction accident:
- Teeth loss
- Vision and hearing loss
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Paralysis
- Broken bones
- Amputation
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Burns
- Spinal cord trauma
- Road rash
- Exposure to hazardous chemicals
- Respiratory illnesses
- Cancer
- Electrocution
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Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim for a Bartlett Construction Site Accident
Should you suffer an injury working on a construction site in Bartlett, you can file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits. Doing so would provide you with a portion of your salary while you recover from your injuries. However, receiving workers’ compensation benefits bars you from filing a lawsuit against your employer.
Receiving workers’ compensation benefits is not cut and dry. The insurance company for your employer will try to deny your claim by saying your injury did not happen on the job or is not serious enough for you to miss work. This is why you should always consult with an experienced construction accident lawyer in Bartlett about your case.
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Lawsuits Are Possible Following a Construction Site Accident
There are two ways in which you can file a lawsuit after a construction site accident that left you injured. The first is filing a lawsuit against your employer instead of claiming workers’ compensation benefits. The second is filing a lawsuit against a third party even after receiving workers’ compensation benefits.
Third-party claims can be filed against anyone who is not employed by your employer, including the following:
- Vendors
- Contractors
- Product manufacturers
- Motorists
- Members of the public
Tennessee has a cap of $750,000 for non-economic damages in personal injury cases. This means that you can only recover up to $750,000 when seeking damages for pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and other items that do not have a traditional price tag.
Compensation You Can Recover in a Construction Accident Claim
Should you decide to file a lawsuit against your employer or a third party for your construction site accident injuries, you can recover compensation for the following:
- Time missed at work
- Lost wages and benefits
- The cost of vocational training
- Cost for in-home nursing care
- Past, current, and future medical expenses
- Costs to modify your home and vehicle if you are paralyzed
Enhancing Your Construction Accident Claim
You need to do everything possible to increase the chances of your construction accident claim succeeding. The first thing you must do is secure a Bartlett construction accident lawyer who understands the law and will have your best interests in mind. You should also do the following:
- Request copies of the report of any investigation conducted by your employer, OSHA, or another agency
- Stick with all orders issued by your doctor, including taking prescribed medication until directed to stop
- Avoid discussing the accident or your injury on your social media accounts
- Submit all evidence you have from the accident to your attorney
- Raise questions and concerns to your attorney as soon as possible
- Avoid speaking with attorneys for your employer or insurance adjusters without your attorney present
How to Find a Construction Accident Attorney in Bartlett
Suffering an injury on a construction site can be devastating. The most important thing you can do outside of seeking medical care is to find a reputable and trusted construction accident lawyer. If you know someone who was injured on a construction site and used an attorney, ask them for a recommendation.
You can also consult with multiple lawyers in the Bartlett area. Be sure to request testimonials from former clients. When meeting with the attorney, ask them any question on your mind about the accident and the process of filing a lawsuit.
Call a Bartlett Construction Accident Attorney Today
Were you injured on a construction site in Bartlett, Tennessee? Your injuries can wind up costing you thousands of dollars in missed work, expensive medical bills, and other expenses. You should not have to foot the bill for your medical care.
Call a Bartlett construction accident lawyer from Gatti, Keltner, Bienvenu & Montesi PLC, or complete our contact form to schedule a consultation today.