Working in construction requires excellent training, especially in health and safety practices. However, accidents can still be inevitable. While there are statutes that protect workers from the adverse consequences of a workplace injury, such as claiming workers’ benefits, it can still be hard to fathom how to live life after a construction accident.
When an injury debilitates a construction worker, what happens next? Potential effects of construction injury may include:
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Permanent disability
- Economic losses
Soon as the injury happens, an employee must report it immediately and seek workers’ compensation. A construction worker in Chicago has 45 days to report a work-related injury. A report later than this can result in the denial of workers’ compensation.
What can you do?
A severe construction injury can change a worker’s life in unimaginable ways. If you or a loved one is suffering a construction injury, here are some measures you can take:
- Seek legal assistance. Laws protect workers in case of construction injuries. Working with an experienced lawyer can speed up your demand for workers’ compensation or third-party claims.
- Get professional mental health support. Accidents can cause PTSD, leading to other complications like depression and anxiety disorders. Getting the proper mental health support may never erase the memory of the accident. Still, it can provide the tools and resources to heal from the emotional and mental wounds caused by the accident.
Most construction workplaces strictly impose health and safety measures. However, accidents can still be inevitable. Getting legal help when a construction injury happens can help enforce your rights to get the compensation you deserve.