Construction workers face some of the most dangerous working conditions in New Jersey. From vehicle accidents to electrocutions, to falling tools and debris, construction workers encounter countless risks on a daily basis. Each one of these risks can change workers’ lives in the blink of an eye.
If you have been injured while working on a construction site, you know this all too well. Dangerous working conditions, careless co-workers, defective tools, and other factors injure almost 200,000 construction workers each year. Fortunately, while many construction site accidents involve some sort of fault or negligence, as an injured worker, you do not need to prove this in order to recover workers’ compensation. In New Jersey, workers’ comp is a no-fault system. This means that your employer is required to pay, regardless of the cause of the accident (with only a few exceptions).
Common Construction Site Injuries
Unfortunately, many construction workers still fail to collect the benefits they deserve. This is the result of two primary factors: (a) not understanding their right to file for benefits, and (b) their employers wrongfully denying benefits claims. As an employee, it is critical to understand your rights and know how to use them to your advantage. At Petro Cohen, P.C., we regularly represent injured construction workers throughout New Jersey. If you have questions, we encourage you to schedule a complimentary consultation with one of our attorneys.
Since worker’s compensation is a no-fault system, construction workers can claim benefits for a wide variety of injuries. Many employees mistakenly believe that they can only claim workers’ comp if they were injured while performing their job duties, or if their employer was somehow involved in the accident. This is not the case. As a general rule, as long as you were injured within the scope of your employment, you will be entitled to benefits for your injury.
Some of the most common construction site injuries that can entitle you to workers’ compensation include:
● Falling from ladders, scaffolding, trucks, and buildings
● Being struck by contractors’ and subcontractors’ vehicles
● Being struck by falling tools, materials, and debris
● Electrocutions
● Injuries caused by dangerous tools or machinery
Read more about the most common causes of construction site injuries.
How Can I Claim Workers’ Compensation?
The first step toward filing for workers’ compensation is reporting your injury to your employer. The New Jersey Division of Workers’ Compensation provides a guide for injured employees, but if you have been injured at work, we strongly recommend that you hire an attorney to handle your claim. Not only will this ensure that you are able to collect maximum benefits for your injuries, but an experienced injury lawyer will be able to determine if you have any third-party claims as well.
Petro Cohen, P.C. | Experienced Lawyers for Injured Workers in New Jersey
To learn more about your rights after a construction site accident, we invite you to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. At Petro Cohen, P.C., we are dedicated to representing injured workers, and we want to help you protect your rights. Call (888) 675-7607 or contact us online today to meet with an attorney at one of our offices in Northfield, Cherry Hill, Cape May Court House, or Hamilton.