Raleigh Trench Accident Lawyer
Construction sites can pose a considerable risk of injury to Raleigh workers, mainly when unsafe conditions or negligent safety standards are present. If you were injured in a recent trench accident while on the job, you could be eligible for compensation. A Raleigh trench accident lawyer could help determine whether the negligence of a third party, such as a contractor, caused your injuries. A knowledgeable attorney could discuss what benefits may be available to you and your options to pursue financial damages.
Do not hesitate, call today to begin discussing your case.
Common Trench Accident Injuries
When a trench caves in on a worker, this can result in catastrophic injuries, or in some cases, prove to be fatal. Common injuries suffered by workers involved in trench accidents include broken bones, fractured bones, eye injuries, spinal cord injuries, head injuries, paralysis, organ injuries, internal bleeding, and brain injuries.
Trench accidents can often be linked back to negligent practices, such as improperly dug trenches, inadequate inspection protocols, and poorly placed spoils. The impact of one negligent error on a construction site can cost someone their health and even their life.
Workers’ Compensation Claims in Raleigh
When a worker is injured on the job, they can apply for workers’ compensation to cover a portion of the costs they have incurred due to the accident. Companies that employ three or more individuals are required by law to carry workers’ compensation coverage.
Very rarely can a worker sue their employer for an injury sustained on the job. However, filing for workers’ compensation coverage can alleviate some of the financial strain imposed by a devastating trench accident injury. Workers injured on the job are required to notify their employer within 30 days of suffering an injury, but the law provides them up to two years to initiate a claim.
Workers’ compensation coverage can pay for medical bills and some of the individual’s lost wages. For example, if the worker is temporarily unable to return to their duties due to the severity of their injuries, they could be granted temporary total disability coverage. This coverage would comprise two-thirds of the workers’ median earnings per week before the injury. A trench accident attorney in Raleigh could explain the workers’ compensation process and what benefits may be sought.
Seeking Monetary Damages in a Third Party Personal Injury Claim
While workers’ compensation coverage may provide partial benefits after a serious trench accident, it does not compensate the injured party for damages such as pain and suffering. If the carelessness of a third party contributed to the workers’ injury, they could file a personal injury lawsuit against the individual or entity. If financial recovery is achieved, this would be above and beyond any workers’ compensation coverage obtained. A Raleigh trench accident attorney could investigate an injured workers’ case to determine whether another negligent party was involved who could be liable for their damages.
Consult with a Raleigh Trench Accident Attorney
A Raleigh trench accident lawyer could help you better understand your legal rights and guide you through the process of filing a claim. An attorney could help you to secure benefits for workers’ compensation as well as seek financial recovery from any liable third parties.
A lawyer could offer advice regarding the next steps of your case. Contact a Raleigh attorney today to receive a confidential evaluation of your injury claim.
