Raleigh Construction Accident Lawyer
A construction accident can leave you with medical bills to pay and concerns about your lost income. You may also be confused about whether you should make a workers’ compensation claim, a third-party claim, or both.
Table of Contents
- Why Choose Riddle & Riddle for Your Raleigh Construction Accident Case
- Workers’ Compensation vs. Third-Party Claims in NC Construction Cases
- What to Do After a Raleigh Construction Accident
- Common Raleigh Construction Accident Injuries
- Frequently Asked Questions About Raleigh Construction Accidents
- Talk to a Raleigh Construction Accident Lawyer Today
A Raleigh construction accident lawyer at Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers can help you navigate the aftermath of your accident. Give us a call at 919-876-3020 or contact us online to learn how we can help.
Why Choose Riddle & Riddle for Your Raleigh Construction Accident Case
When you need a construction accident lawyer in Raleigh, NC, contact Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers. Our firm is built upon the belief that Justice Counts™ for everyone, and we’ll bring more than 40 years of experience to your construction accident case. As you learn about our legal team, you’ll see why we should fight for you.
Not only has our firm been representing injured construction accident victims for decades, but we also have a North Carolina Board-Certified Workers’ Compensation Specialist on staff. This is a credential recognized by the NC State Bar that is held by very few attorneys statewide.
Our local office at 4600 Marriott Dr. also has in-house investigators with law enforcement backgrounds who can go directly to the construction site to preserve evidence before it disappears. This can be invaluable in helping you to build a strong claim.
Raleigh Construction Accident Case Results
Workers' Compensation vs. Third-Party Claims in NC Construction Cases
The North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Act entitles workers to get medical bills and lost wages covered after a work injury, regardless of who is at fault for the incident.
In most covered workplace injury cases, workers’ compensation is the exclusive remedy against your employer. This means you generally do not have to prove fault or construction accident liability to receive benefits, but you are limited to the types of compensation available under North Carolina workers’ compensation law.
You may want to make a third-party claim against a non-employer, though. This means suing someone besides your employer. With a third-party claim, you may be able to recover broader damages, including compensation for pain and suffering. A Raleigh construction injury attorney can help you identify potential defendants for a third-party claim, such as subcontractors, equipment manufacturers, or property owners.
If you are pursuing a third-party claim, you will need to show that the defendant had a duty to you, was negligent, breached, or failed to fulfill the obligation in a way that caused you harm. You’ll also need to demonstrate the extent of your damages.
You can pursue both a workers’ comp claim and a third-party claim at the same time. This may allow you to maximize compensation, rather than being limited to the statutory benefits available through workers’ compensation. Your attorney can help you to decide on the right legal strategy.
What to Do After a Raleigh Construction Accident
After a Raleigh construction accident, you should:
- Get medical help to document injuries. You must usually see a doctor who is chosen by your employer to get treatment if you want workers’ compensation to cover the costs of care, except in emergencies. If you want to change doctors, you will need to petition the Industrial Commission and must have grounds to make the change.
- Report the injury to the employer immediately if possible, or at the latest within 30 days. You should complete Form 18—the Notice of Accident to Employer and Claim of Employee, Representative, or Dependent to document your injuries. This must be completed within 30 days and filled out completely to provide detailed information about your employer and injury. This form officially establishes a legal claim on your behalf.
- Avoid giving recorded statements without counsel so you don’t put your claim at risk.
- Comply with your doctor’s treatment plan, carefully documenting any missed work or medical bills incurred.
There is a two-year statute of limitations for making workers’ compensation claims and a three-year limit for third-party personal injury lawsuits, so you have limited time to take action. It’s important to reach out to a Raleigh workers’ compensation lawyer as soon as possible so your attorney can help you meet the required deadlines and begin working on building a case.
Common Raleigh Construction Accident Injuries
A North Carolina construction accident lawyer can help after you experience any type of accident. Some of the most common incidents that a construction site accident lawyer in Raleigh can help with include:
- Falls from heights
- Being struck-by objects
- Electrocution
- Caught in/between accidents
These injuries are so common that they are often referred to as OSHA’s Fatal Four or Four Focus Hazards.
Unfortunately, with extensive construction in downtown Raleigh, including high-rise development, as well as ongoing highway expansion projects at I-440 and I-540, many workers in Raleigh find themselves in high-risk environments and could suffer these or other injuries.
Regardless of whether you have been harmed by these incidents or another type of accident on a Raleigh construction site, you should be entitled to benefits under the state’s workers’ compensation laws.
Frequently Asked Questions About Raleigh Construction Accidents
Can I file a lawsuit against my employer after a construction accident in NC?
Generally, you cannot sue an employer after a construction accident in NC. You will usually be limited to making a workers’ compensation claim to recover payment for losses. You may be able to sue a third party to recover additional damages, including for pain and suffering.
What if I am an undocumented worker injured on a Raleigh construction site?
Undocumented workers are often covered by workers’ compensation. You should talk with an experienced attorney to find out about your options for recovering compensation for your injuries. You should also follow the proper process for making a workers’ compensation claim, including completing Form 18 to report your injury within no more than 30 days of the incident.
How long does a construction accident workers' comp claim take in NC?
The timeline for a workers’ compensation claim varies depending on many factors, including the severity of your injuries. There are strict deadlines to meet, and there is a two-year statute of limitations for making your claim, so don’t hesitate to take action.
What if the construction company disputes that my injury happened at work?
You can work with a Raleigh construction accident lawyer to gather evidence and build a claim. If you can prove your injury happened at work, you should be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits even if your employer or insurer does not want to pay.
Talk to a Raleigh Construction Accident Lawyer Today
Our case results speak for themselves when it comes to construction accident claims. Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers will represent you in your workers’ comp and third-party liability claims. When Justice Counts™, you can count on Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers.
We offer a free no-obligation consultation, so give us a call at 919-876-3020 or contact us online to learn how we can help.