Getting a permanent injury in a life-threatening construction accident is something you do not easily forget. An accident like this does not just damage your ability to work but other aspects of life as well. In New York, construction sites contain various dangers, including falls and equipment malfunctions. Therefore, the consequences of an accident can be devastating.
During the aftermath of a construction accident, it is not uncommon for victims to face emotional and mental injuries as well. Thankfully, New York law allows individuals to pursue compensation beyond standard workers’ compensation if their injuries resulted from negligence. However, the journey to finally get this compensation can be a hard and complex one.
The process often involves documentation, medical evaluations, and following strict deadlines. This is where the help of a legal professional becomes invaluable. An experienced construction accident attorney from the Kelner & Kelner law firm can improve your chances of success. Meanwhile, read this blog to know what you can do following your accident.
What can I do after a construction accident that permanently disables me?
It can become challenging to lead a normal life after undergoing an accident that permanently disables your body. However, there are a few things you can do to protect your rights and get the compensation you need.
- See a doctor.
If you have suffered a construction accident, one of the first things you should do is see a good doctor. Your health should be your topmost priority, as immediate care means a quicker recovery process. Moreover, you will be able to record the extent of your injuries, which proves invaluable during an insurance claim. This is because medical records prove your damages.
- Understand your rights.
When it comes to your rights, it is important to specifically understand workers’ compensation laws. Workers’ comp is designed to cover damages, such as medical bills, lost wages, etc. If you have become permanently disabled, it becomes all the more important to understand how these laws apply to your situation. Make sure you know laws specific to your state.
- File for workers’ compensation.
If you have gotten injured, filing for workers’ compensation is crucial. Construction injuries resulting in disability often create a long list of medical bills accumulating to hundreds of thousands of dollars. Once your claim is approved, you may either receive a lump sum or a structured payout for ongoing support.
- Know your disability rights.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) makes sure that disabled people are granted reasonable accommodations. If your disability prevents you from performing the duties of your job like before, your employer must provide accommodations. Understanding these rights is essential to avoid being discriminated against at your job.
- Understand permanent disability benefits.
There are certain permanent disability benefits that can greatly impact the quality of your life. However, these benefits may not be available right away; they will only become accessible after you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI). MMI is the point at which your healthcare provider determines that your condition will not improve further.
- Prepare for challenges in your claim.
When applying for benefits, be prepared to face some challenges in your claim. Insurance companies may try to devalue your claim by disputing the severity of the disability. They will try to reduce the payouts or claim that your injury does not require the benefits you are seeking. This is where the services of an experienced attorney prove effective.
- Hire an attorney.
Finally, dealing with your employer and the insurance company and handling a claim altogether while battling with your health is not ideal. Having a legal expert by your side takes some of the burden and allows you to focus on healing your injuries.
Need help after a construction accident?
Navigating the insurance claim after a workplace construction accident can be challenging. However, by taking these steps, you can effectively help yourself. Hire an attorney today!
