Some of the most serious and permanent injuries occur while working on construction sites or working with industrial machinery. Getting injured on the jobsite can impact your ability to work and provide for your family. Often, employers require their workers to operate, clean, and/or adjust machinery without proper safety precautions in place. Other common industrial injuries result from falls due to improper safety equipment, scaffolding collapses, gas explosions and electrocutions. 

Construction and jobsite injuries are complicated because employers have different responsibilities depending on whether the law considers you an employee or independent contractor. While employers are required to provide workers’ compensation insurance for their employees, they are not required to provide it for independent contractors.

In addition, workers’ compensation coverage has its own limitations. While it is available to cover medical expenses for an injured worker, the workers’ compensation system does not allow an injured worker to recover for pain and suffering, including disfigurement. If a third party (someone other than your employer) is responsible for the injury or if certain exceptions apply, you may be able to recover significant damages in addition to workers’ compensation benefits. 

If you have been injured in a construction accident or by industrial equipment, please contact my office to schedule a free consultation.