Workers’ Compensation for Construction Accidents: How Can a Lawyer Help?

If you have been hurt in Philadelphia in a workplace accident, or if your family member has been fatally harmed due to the negligence of another party, you may be able to receive compensation from those responsible. To decide if you can sue, you must determine several things. For example, what kind of injury did you suffer? What was the cause of that injury? Was it the fault of someone else and not merely an unfortunate accident? If so, what is the other party’s financial ability to pay for your injuries? You can only answer these questions by consulting with a workers’ compensation attorney Philadelphia.

The following guide will help you find out more about all you need to do in the event of a workplace accident. 

Gather Evidence

The first thing to do after a workplace injury is gather evidence of what happened. If there were eyewitnesses, ask them to write down everything they remember about the incident. 

Take pictures, get names of any medical professionals involved, get witness statements if possible, get anything else that will help your case later on during trial (if necessary). 

Your worker’s compensation attorney in Philadelphia can help you with this process by taking up the task of conducting a thorough investigation and gathering the required evidence to make your case strong on a minimal fee.   

Lost Wages

Keep track of lost wages due to the injury; however, it may be helpful to find an accountant to give more credibility to your claim when it comes time for settlement negotiations. Most experts recommend keeping every pay stub for at least three years as proof of lost wages. It is highly recommended that you keep track of all of your pay slips, and wages regardless of your current situation. Even if you have not suffered any accidents, keeping track will help you in the long run if you happen to be unfortunate enough to be paid incorrectly, or not on time. If that is the case then there are several laws in place to protect you and your money. These can vary state-by-state, but it is really easy to see the late paycheck laws California(or the state you are in) by doing a quick online search. 

 Contact an Attorney

You might be eligible for Philadelphia workers’ compensation benefits if you were hurt while on work or because of any negligence on the part of your employer to ensure your safety.  However, they may or may not offer those benefits voluntarily. 

If you have been hurt on the job and would like to file a claim, it is better to speak with an attorney first to avoid wasting time and money on something that may not be helpful in your situation. An experienced workers’ compensation lawyer in Philadelphia will be able to tell you whether or not you qualify for such benefits and how much you can expect in return.

Third-Party Injury

Suppose injury was caused by another party (third person). In that case, they will most likely need to compensate you for medical bills, pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of income, and any other expenses brought upon you due to their negligence. 

You can achieve this by filing a civil suit against the party at fault.

What to Remember When Hiring an Attorney for Your Case

When choosing an attorney, make sure they are well experienced in your state’s laws. 

They should also have experience with exactly what kind of case you are involved in. It is best to hire an attorney who is professionally sound in legal matters since you can expect a better level of understanding and legal advice from them. Your attorney’s endeavor should be towards  determining who is responsible for your injuries and working towards getting the adequate compensation for your said injuries, regardless of who is to blame for causing them. They should be unbiased and honest. 

Final Thoughts

A workers’ compensation attorney in Philadelphia can help ensure that both your rights and the rights of your family members are protected. The unfortunate event of an accident can be extremely traumatic along with all the added burden it brings in the form of physical inconvenience, expenditure and mental stress. Choosing to act wisely at such a time can significantly reduce the ordeal. You can remember the tips given above to be well-prepared for any unwarranted happening at the workplace.