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Baltimore Construction Accident Lawyers

Helping Injured Workers Collect Maryland Workers’ Compensation Benefits

Construction is one of the most dangerous occupations, resulting in a high rate of job-related injuries and deaths. Most employers are required to carry Workers’ Compensation insurance to protect injured employees and their families. Under Maryland’s Workers’ Compensation program, a worker can collect funds to pay for medical care, disabilities and lost wages arising from an on-the-job accident. Unfortunately, the red tape involved in recovering your rightful compensation can make the process inaccessible at a time when you need immediate financial help.

Since 1980, LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton has collected more than $100 million in settlements on behalf of our personal injury and Workers’ Compensation clients. Our dedication to our clients and our substantial experience in these practice areas enable us to recover the maximum available benefits through your claim as quickly as possible.

Accidents happen every day in the workplace, regardless of where an employee works. However, some industries tend to be much more dangerous, and the risk of serious injury is far greater. The construction industry is known for being particularly risky, whereby employees are exposed to a wide range of hazardous conditions every day. Construction accidents can be catastrophic, leaving an injured employee unable to work for an extended period of time, and in some cases permanently. Injuries from construction accidents can range from broken bones, joint injuries, and tendonitis to burns, amputations, and traumatic brain injuries. In most cases, Workers’ Compensation benefits cover the costs associated with construction accidents.

Common Construction Accidents

The following are some of the most common examples of construction accidents:

Falls: This is the most common type of construction accident, responsible for 22 percent of all non-fatal construction injuries. Employees who work on scaffolding, roofs, ladders, or any other elevated surface are at risk of falling.

Falling objects: Heavy objects and debris from above can easily fall on workers who are on the ground.

Equipment-related injuries: Construction workers often operate heavy, powerful equipment like forklifts, nail guns, cranes and jackhammers. If the equipment malfunctions or is used improperly, it can cause severe injuries.

Backovers and crushing accidents: When operating a truck, forklift, or other construction vehicle, if the operator is not careful, he or she can run over another worker, or pin or crush the person against a wall, causing severe, often fatal injuries.

Fires and explosions: These can be extremely dangerous, causing severe burns, which can be excruciatingly painful and are often followed by a lengthy recovery.

Trench or building collapses: When a worker becomes trapped in a trench or building as it collapses, it can have devastating consequences, often resulting in fatalities.

Repetitive motion injuries and overexertion: An example of overexertion that can be extremely dangerous is when an employee is working outdoors during hot weather. Heat stroke can be life-threatening if not treated in time.

Lead exposure: Construction work can lead to lead exposure and, eventually, poisoning.

Respiratory disease: Construction workers are often exposed to dust, fumes, and other irritants that can cause a range of respiratory conditions.

Common Injuries from Construction Accidents

Construction accidents can cause serious, life-threatening injuries that often leave the injured employee unable to work for an extended period of time. The following are examples of some of the most common types of injuries that construction workers face:

Amputations
Broken or fractured bones
Burns
Bursitis
Carpal tunnel
Disc injuries
Electrocutions
Falls
Head Injuries
Heart attacks
Joint injuries
Loss of hearing
Scars and disfigurement
Tendonitis
Traumatic brain injuries

Steps to Take Following a Construction Accident

In order to have a successful Workers’ Compensation claim, there are some things you should know that can help make the process go more smoothly. Insurance companies may try to use certain tactics in order to deny your claim or limit the amount of compensation. An experienced Workers’ Compensation lawyer can help you obtain the coverage you deserve.

Report the injury immediately. Do not wait to report your injury to your superior. Doing so could jeopardize your case, and have a negative impact on your claim. Notify your supervisor about the injury as soon as possible, including all relevant details about how, when, and where the injury occurred.

Seek medical attention. If you have been injured at a construction site, it is crucial that you seek medical treatment as soon as possible. Keep organized copies of all medical treatment, including prescriptions, physical therapy, and occupational therapy. Do not skip any scheduled appointments, as the insurance company may assume that you are healed, or that the injury was not as severe as you claimed it to be. This could result in a termination of benefits.
Provide necessary documentation. You may be required to fill out a workplace accident report in which you will provide a detailed account of the circumstances of your work injury. Be sure to complete this correctly or it could hold up the claims process. The report must be consistent with other reports so that there are no discrepancies that could jeopardize your claim.