The workforce of America and in the Hampton Roads area is without a doubt our backbone. As our economy permits expansion, the blue-collar workers of the area are hard at work building our future. As such, new residential, commercial and industrial construction is booming. As with an increase in any business, the risks increase and so do the accidents. Whether the accident occurred while you or a loved one was working on a roof installing shingles, painting a billboard sign, laying a foundation or driveway, or any other construction related accident, you must consider all of your options.

There can be as many reasons for an accident as types of accidents. For example, a welder may be injured when he drops a blowtorch because the floor is not properly tread proof or the torch handle was defectively manufactured.  Many liability issues are often present in construction accidents from who is responsible, the general contractor, subcontractor, another trade previously on site or the developer-owner. Further, issues of liability insurance can be tricky when an injured person attempts to have his medical bills paid for after an accident. Resolution of these difficult and complex issues require professional assistance from an attorney.

Before you initiate any legal action or consult an attorney, consider the following factual, legal and evidentiary issues to lay a foundation for your claim and to help establish the context to protect your rights:

• Were you working on a public or private project?

• Are you covered under your employer’s health insurance policy?

• Are you a named additional insured on the general contractor’s policy?

• Have you filed a report with the insurance company covering the project?

• Have you had medical treatment?  Visited the Emergency room?

• What circumstances led to the condition which contributed to your accident?

• Who was involved in your accident?

• Have you filed a grievance or complaint with any city, state or federal agency regarding your accident?

• Have you applied for unemployment benefits subsequent to your accident?

• Have you applied for worker’s compensation benefits as a result of your accident?

• Did the accident occur on the job or after hours but at the site?

• Did the accident occur while you were using a vehicle in the scope of your employment?

• Did you utilize all proper safety devices such as hardhat, electrical gloves or utility boots to prevent the sort of accident you were involved with?

• Has anybody else been similarly injured on the job site where you were injured?

• Have you maintained any records of the accident condition, such as field notes or photographs?

It is important that an experienced legal team evaluate a construction accident claim. Complex legal, factual, and evidentiary issues may be involved. If you, a loved one, or friend are injured in a construction accident, you should take immediate steps to protect their interest. Do not compromise your rights by making statements to the press, insurance investigators, potential defendants, their representatives, and do not sign anything. Consider the suggestions in our accident guide, and call us immediately. We are here to help. At Larry King, P.C., we recognize the unique issues pertaining to your claim. You can call us at (757) 595-8100 seven days a week, 24 hours a day, everyday of the year. We also offer a free legal-infoline service, and you can now contact us on this web site by using the following Personal Injury Contact form. We are committed to doing the extra things it takes to help our clients.