How to Get Compensated for Construction Accidents in New Jersey
Construction workers are often exposed to a variety of dangers while on the job. Injuries sustained in construction accidents can be extremely severe and sometimes even fatal. Construction is consistently ranked as one of the most dangerous industries to work in New Jersey and the country. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), there were 1,061 construction worker fatalities in 2019—nearly one-fifth of all worker deaths that year.
There are many dangers construction workers in New Jersey face every day, but some of the most common causes of construction accidents are:
- Falls from heights
- Falls from scaffolding and roofs
- Being struck by an object
- Being caught between objects
- Electrocutions
- Being struck by a vehicle
These accidents can often be fatal, but even if they’re not, they can still result in serious injuries that can have a lasting impact on a worker’s life.
Construction accidents can be caused by many different things, including negligence by the property owner, the general contractor, or another worker. To prove that someone else was at fault for your accident in New Jersey, you will need to gather evidence and testimony from witnesses. An experienced New Jersey construction accident attorney will know how to do this and can help you collect the damages you are entitled to.
Most construction accidents result in serious injuries that may require extensive medical treatment and time off from work. You may be able to recover these costs, as well as pain and suffering damages, from the party responsible for your accident. A construction accident attorney in New Jersey can help you negotiate a fair settlement with the person or entity responsible for causing the accident, their insurance company, or, if necessary, take your case to trial.
Workers’ Compensation for Construction Accidents in New Jersey
In New Jersey, construction workers who are injured on the job are generally covered by workers’ compensation. This type of insurance provides benefits to employees who are injured or become ill as a result of their job. Workers’ compensation can cover medical expenses, lost wages, and more.
To receive workers’ compensation benefits, an employee must notify their employer of their injury as soon as possible. The employer then has a limited period to file a claim with their workers’ compensation insurer. Once the claim is filed, the insurer will investigate the accident and determine whether or not the employee is eligible for benefits. If the insurance company denies your claim, you can appeal the decision.
Why Claims Are Denied
There are several reasons why your claim may be denied, but the most common is that the insurance company does not believe that your injuries are work-related. To prove that your injuries are work-related, you will need to provide medical evidence that links your injuries to your work. An experienced workers’ compensation attorney in New Jersey will know how to obtain the necessary medical evidence and will also be familiar with the appeals process.
How Hiring a Competent New Jersey Personal Injury Lawyer Helps
If you consult a skilled New Jersey personal injury attorney, they can review the denial letter and determine if there are grounds to appeal. If so, the attorney can help gather evidence and build a strong case for appeal. A New Jersey attorney adept at handling construction accident cases can also negotiate with the workers’ compensation insurance company on the worker’s behalf. If the workers’ compensation claim is still denied after an appeal, the worker may be able to file a lawsuit.
Again, a competent New Jersey personal injury lawyer can review the case and determine if there is enough evidence to file a lawsuit. If so, the attorney can help the worker file the lawsuit and navigate the legal process. In some cases, it may also be necessary to file a lawsuit against the property owner. An experienced attorney in New Jersey will know how to investigate your case and will be able to determine if there is any third-party liability.
Contact a Workers’ Compensation Attorney Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a construction accident, it is crucial to speak with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney. An attorney can help you navigate the workers’ compensation system and ensure that you get adequately compensated for your injuries and sufferings. The construction accident attorneys at the Law Office of James W. Taylor, Jr. have, over the past three decades, helped hundreds of people who have suffered due to the negligence of others to get justice and the compensation they deserve. Call us today at 201-418-0143 to book your FREE consultation.