Construction site injuries in Chester County can be some of the most severe that a worker can suffer. If you were injured on a construction site, you deserve compensation.
Fortunately, Workers’ Compensation benefits are available to injured construction workers in Chester County. No matter if your injuries were minor or more serious, Workers’ Compensation is intended to cover certain expenses while you heal. The Workers’ Compensation process can be complex, but our firm can help you prepare and file your claim to get your benefits as quickly as possible.
For a free case review with our construction site injury and compensation attorneys, call Lerner, Steinberg & Associates at (215) 355-6400 today.
Typical Construction Site Injuries that You Can Recover Compensation for in Chester County
Construction sites in Chester County are inherently dangerous. Workers can be injured in several ways, which can result in a wide range of serious injuries for which they can claim Workers’ Compensation benefits. The following are the most common injuries that occur on Chester County construction sites:
Spinal Cord Injuries
These injuries can be caused in several ways, like improper equipment use or lifting heavy objects repetitively. Spinal cord injuries can occur even when using proper equipment if not maintained well enough. Injuries to the spinal cord can also occur if a worker falls from a dangerous height or is struck by falling debris, both common dangers on most construction sites. No matter how your spinal injuries were caused, our construction site injury and compensation attorneys can help you prepare your claim to get your benefits as quickly as possible. These injuries can lead to life-long changes that might require medical attention for the rest of the victim’s life.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are another type that commonly occurs on construction sites in Chester County. The injuries include concussions, fractured skulls, and other types of head trauma. TBIs are often caused by falls from heights or being hit by falling objects. Traumatic brain and head injuries are more likely to happen if proper safety measures are not followed on a construction site.
Broken Bones
Broken bones are one of the most common injuries on construction sites. Like the first two types of injuries mentioned, broken bones often result when workers fall or are hit with debris. Fractures can also occur while operating heavy machinery without proper safety equipment in place. Broken bones can also happen off the construction site, like when a construction worker is in a vehicle accident while picking up materials or making a delivery.
Burn Injuries
Burns often happen when workers come into contact with hot surfaces or tools at construction sites. Severe burns can also occur when workers are exposed to chemicals or other substances contaminating their eyes, hands, or other body parts. Burn injuries tend to result in extreme pain from damage to the skin and nerves and usually need skin grafts to repair the damaged area. It is not uncommon for victims of construction site burn injuries to be left with scarring and disfigurement, which Workers’ Compensation should cover.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue injuries are very common on construction sites in Chester County. Typical soft tissue injuries include cuts, bruises, sprains, and strains on the muscles, tendons, or ligaments. While some of these injuries are minor and might only require a day or two off from work, others can develop more serious issues that could require surgery. Regardless of the severity, you can usually recover Workers’ Compensation for any treatment stemming from your construction site injury.
Repetitive Motion Injuries
Repetitive motion injuries happen to construction workers when they perform the same motion repeatedly without taking breaks between each movement. This is also known as “repetitive stress.” Common repetitive motion injuries include carpal tunnel syndrome, nerve damage to the elbow (tennis elbow), tendonitis, and chronic back pain. These injuries also include stress fractures caused by standing on hard surfaces for long periods. It can be challenging to prove that your injuries result from repetitive motion at work. Still, you are entitled to recover Workers’ Compensation benefits for lost wages and medical bills related to your condition.
The Process to Recover Compensation After a Construction Site Injury in Chester County
While construction sites should have the steps to filing a Workers’ Compensation claim posted around the job site, this is not always the case, and workers might not know where to start after getting injured. By following the following steps, you can ensure the best chances of having your Workers’ Compensation claim approved.
Report the Accident to Your Employer
The first step to every Workers’ Compensation claim is to report your injuries to your employer. Waiting to report your injuries can negatively affect your claim. The insurance company might deny your claim by arguing that your injuries were not legitimate based on how long you took to report them. You also need to report your injuries to your employer so that they can file a notice of claim with the insurance company that provides their Workers’ Compensation coverage. Once you report your injuries, your employer will likely provide a list of doctors who can treat you.
Get Treatment from an Approved Physician
An important requirement to receive Workers’ Compensation is that you must visit a physician approved by your employer if your employer gives you a list after getting injured. You will have 90 days to be examined. Your physician will determine your injuries, provide a treatment plan, and conclude how long you will need to be out of work. However, if the approved physician recommends an invasive procedure, like surgery, you can usually seek a second opinion with a doctor of your choice.
Gather Evidence for Your Claim
The next important step to claiming your benefits is to gather evidence to submit with your claim. Injured construction workers are required to file their own claims and can be denied if proper documentation is not provided. This includes your medical records, employer reports of the accident, photos, and other relevant evidence that will support your claim.
Filing Your Workers’ Compensation Claim
After documentation has been collected, you can submit your Workers’ Compensation claim to the Pennsylvania Department of Labor. The state requires employers and insurance companies to process Workers’ Compensation claims in a timely manner, giving them 21 days to give final approval. The more evidence you have documenting your accident and the injuries it caused, the more likely you are to have your claim approved without needing to file an appeal.
Our Chester County Construction Site Injury and Compensation Lawyers Can Help
Contact Lerner, Steinberg & Associates today at (215) 355-6400 for a free case consultation with our construction site injury and compensation lawyers.
