Did you know that the construction industry is responsible for nearly one in five worker deaths in the US?
Construction sites are commonly dangerous for workers. Due to the hazards in this environment, workers can sustain injuries if they are not careful enough or if there is negligence in the safety rules and precautions.
Death in a construction accident leaves the grieving families with difficult decisions. According to Phoenix construction accident lawyer Luis P. Guerra, if you are one of the many construction workers seriously injured on the job, or if your family member lost their life in a construction accident, you need an experienced and assertive attorney to protect your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you rightfully deserve.
Let’s take a look at these legal deadlines and steps to take to help you protect your rights during an already painful time.
Understanding Construction Site Deaths and Their Causes
The construction site entrance leads to an environment where the cranes and heavy machinery operations create a temporary loss of awareness regarding the daily hazard challenges construction workers encounter.
The primary causes of workplace fatalities occur when workers fall from elevated positions, get hit by descending items, experience electrical dangers, and operate malfunctioning tools or equipment. The smallest workplace accident occurs when workers make their first unintentional mistake, which results in permanent injury.
When put into perspective, such death is even more severe due to bad working conditions, poor safety training, and lack of safety culture. Exposure to dangerous materials and bad weather makes things worse, which means more risks.
Understanding the cause of construction accidents can help workers to avoid getting into accidents. Be committed to attending or providing proper training programs to reduce workplace hazards.
Factors Influencing Filing Deadlines for Wrongful Death Claims
When filing for wrongful death claims, it’s important to be aware and mindful of the deadlines and procedures that you should follow. Review the wrongful death statute of limitations, as this varies in different states.
The available legal options will be determined by the employment status of the deceased person, which includes both employee and independent contractor status. The case details and accident responsibility will determine different filing deadline requirements.
Securing evidence and consulting a lawyer can help ensure that you act within the required time frame and protect your rights.
How to Handle Legal Matters After a Construction Site Death
Dealing with legal issues is tough after a construction fatality. Besides the legal concerns, you may also have to deal with the trauma it caused.
But you have to push through and follow the steps you can follow to ensure a smooth procedure. Prepare first with vital records like witness statements, security records, and contracts. This information is very crucial to your case.
Then speak with a lawyer specializing in the case of a wrongful death. The authorized specialists who possess the necessary expertise to guide you through complete legal procedures will explain your rights to you. The moment of filing a lawsuit is very significant; hence, you must act swiftly.
The option of speaking to counselors together with the support group membership will provide you with both guidance and comfort. During your legal proceedings, emotional support will prove to be particularly beneficial. You should request assistance from others whenever you require help.
Steps to Claim Compensation for Construction Site Deaths
How would they want to make a claim if they lost the life of a dear relative in a very remarkable death on a construction site?
Collect all the important documents related to the dead. They include medical charts, work history, and death reports. Make a phone call to an attorney experienced in construction cases.
They’ll help you determine what kind of compensation you can get, like workers’ comp or a claim for negligent death, and explain the laws. The filing of a lawsuit should be on time after they have figured out your rights to getting paid.
You need to retain all information about the discussions and spending that pertains to the case. Insurance companies will help you feel secure because they will make sure you receive fair payment for your damages.
Seeking Justice After a Construction Site Fatality
It is very difficult to fight for justice when you lose a loved one as they succumb to an accidental death due to negligence, but standing up to it can make a lot of difference.
Collect all the necessary data regarding this accident, including medical records, witness statements, and reports on all the different paragraphs of safety codes related to it.
Hire a lawyer with expertise in civil litigation for construction fatality cases. They will help you understand the intricacies of your case. And if you have confusion or concerns, don’t hesitate to ask.
You should ask your family and friends for assistance when you face this difficult period. The process may not return your lost loved one, but the emotional support from friends and family can give relief and security.
Unexpected death in a construction site accident is not easy to accept. But life must continue. And when you know your rights and the legal recourse available to you, you can have hope for your family’s future.
