Experiencing a construction accident could change your life in several ways. Serious repercussions could jeopardize your career and trigger worse medical conditions.
You will need support to get through the months that follow. Educating yourself on some common mistakes people make can help you avoid those pitfalls so you can optimize the support you do receive.
Not reporting
Working in construction exposes you to numerous health and safety hazards every day. According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, construction work has a much higher risk of injury or death than most other industries.
If you experience an incident that injures you, the biggest mistake you could make is to not report it. Taking immediate action to notify your employer of the situation might expedite the support you need while also shedding light on potential hazards to prevent similar incidents.
Not documenting
Once you report the incident, you will want to diligently document everything you experience. Take notes about the timeline before, during and after the accident. Record information about the medical treatment you received, communication with your employer and the timeline of your recovery. Overlooking the need to document could have serious repercussions, especially if you need to take legal action.
Not advocating
You deserve prompt medical treatment, financial support and compensation, especially if your injuries resulted because of your employer’s negligence. Second-guessing yourself and not advocating for your needs can prevent you from getting the support you deserve.
In serious cases, advocating for yourself might involve taking legal action. Your decision to promptly report your accident, document the details and stand up for your rights can provide invaluable support in this situation.