Construction sites are among the most dangerous workplaces, with injuries ranging from minor cuts to severe, life-altering conditions. If you are injured on the job, properly documenting the accident is essential to securing the workers’ compensation benefits you are entitled to.
Without strong evidence, your claim may be delayed or even denied. Knowing what steps to take immediately after the accident can make a significant difference in the success of your case. Contact PLBH at (800) 435-7542 to request a free legal consultation.
Report the Injury Immediately
One of the most important steps after a construction accident is reporting the injury to your employer or supervisor as soon as possible. Workers’ compensation laws have strict deadlines, and failing to report the injury promptly can hurt your claim.
Key Points When Reporting the Injury
- Provide details – Describe exactly how and when the accident occurred.
- List witnesses – If coworkers saw the accident happen, include their names.
- Submit a written report – While verbal reports are common, having documentation is stronger evidence.
Delays in reporting an injury can give the employer’s insurance company a reason to question whether the accident actually happened at work.
Seek Medical Attention and Keep Records
Even if your injury seems minor at first, seek medical care immediately. Some injuries, such as concussions or internal damage, may not show symptoms right away but can worsen over time.
Medical Documentation Needed for a Claim
- Emergency room or doctor’s visit records – These show the extent of your injury and establish a direct link to the workplace accident.
- Diagnosis and treatment plan – Include any prescriptions, physical therapy recommendations, or surgery requirements.
- Work restrictions – If your doctor advises that you should avoid certain tasks, get this in writing.
Following medical advice and keeping all records will help prove the severity of your injury and justify the benefits you seek.
Take Photos and Collect Evidence
Evidence from the accident scene can strengthen your claim and disprove any attempts to blame your injury on something outside of work.
What to Document with Photos or Videos
- Hazardous conditions – Exposed wires, unstable scaffolding, or unsafe machinery.
- Your injury – Take pictures of visible injuries immediately after the accident.
- Safety equipment (or lack of it) – If missing or defective safety gear contributed to the injury, document it.
- Weather conditions – If rain, snow, or extreme heat played a role in the accident, record it.
Visual evidence can be critical in proving negligence or unsafe work conditions that led to the injury.
Keep a Personal Injury Journal
A daily journal describing your pain levels, medical treatments, and how the injury affects your daily life can be valuable evidence.
Details to Include in Your Journal
- Pain levels – Document any discomfort, swelling, or mobility issues.
- Work limitations – If you are unable to perform your normal job duties, note the restrictions.
- Doctor visits and treatments – Keep a timeline of medical appointments and therapies.
- Mental and emotional impact – Anxiety, depression, or stress related to the injury should also be recorded.
A well-maintained journal can help demonstrate the lasting effects of your injury beyond just the initial accident.
Obtain Witness Statements
If coworkers or bystanders witnessed the accident, their statements can support your claim. Witness testimony can:
- Confirm how the accident happened
- Back up your account of events
- Disprove claims that the injury was pre-existing or unrelated to work
Ask witnesses to provide written statements as soon as possible, while their memory of the accident is still fresh.
File Your Workers’ Compensation Claim
After gathering all necessary documentation, you must file your workers’ compensation claim within the legal deadline. If your claim is denied, an attorney can help you appeal the decision.
Why Some Claims Get Denied
- Insufficient evidence – Lack of medical records or accident reports.
- Delayed reporting – Waiting too long to notify your employer.
- Employer disputes the claim – The company may argue that the injury was not work-related.
Having strong documentation can prevent delays and increase your chances of receiving full benefits.
How an Employment Attorney Can Help
Construction accident injuries can be life-changing, and workers’ compensation laws can be complex. A workers’ compensation attorney can help by:
- Filing paperwork correctly and on time
- Gathering strong medical evidence
- Challenging claim denials and employer disputes
- Negotiating for full benefits, including medical care and lost wages
If you have suffered a workplace injury on a construction site, contact PLBH at (800) 435-7542 today to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.