Construction Law
What to Do Following an On-Site Injury
Injuries are an unfortunate reality for workers in the construction industry. Whether a worker is exposed to heights, heavy equipment, or moving vehicles, there is always the potential for an accident. Below, we will discuss what contractors should do immediately following a jobsite injury. While the information in this article does not constitute professional medical advice, it should at least prepare you in the event that a worker is injured under your watch. For information on your legal obligations once a worker’s medical needs are seen to, consult with a Fort Lauderdale construction lawyer at Cotney Attorneys & Consultants.
Contact Emergency Services
As soon as a worker is injured, it is imperative that you act without hesitation. Your worker should receive immediate medical attention. Contact 911 immediately if emergency services are needed, especially in cases that involve head trauma or severe bleeding. This is no time to consider the legal fallout of an on-site injury — we’ll get to that. For less severe injuries, such as a broken bone, an urgent care center may be equally suitable.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Once a worker’s immediate medical attention is seen to, both you and your worker will be on the clock. First, as an employer in the State of Florida, you are required to contact your insurance company within seven days of being notified of the injury. Similarly, your worker has seven days to file for workers’ compensation insurance. Remember, under Florida Statute 440.205, you are prohibited from retaliating against a worker for filing a workers’ compensation claim.
Contact an Attorney
Following any on-site injury, you should consult with a Fort Lauderdale construction lawyer from Cotney Attorneys & Consultants to determine whether or not your employee’s workers’ compensation claim is valid. One of our attorneys can work with you to determine if the injuries were caused by their negligence, intoxication, or intentions to commit fraud. In any of these scenarios, a workers’ compensation claim would be invalid and your insurance premium would not increase.
Furthermore, your worker may still seek additional benefits by bringing legal action against you. Under Florida Statute 440.19, a worker has up to two years following an accident to file a petition with the Division of Administrative Hearings. For this and the above reasons, always consult with a Fort Lauderdale construction lawyer following an on-site injury.
If you would like to speak with one of our Fort Lauderdale construction lawyers, please contact us today.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.