One of the most risky workplaces is a construction site. The danger of getting injured is high at multi-floor under constructed buildings as you might pass under it and get hit by a falling brick or cement bag. If you are somewhere up on the scaffolding, the chances of falling from a height is always there or you might just slip. Thus, if safety precautions are not adhered to, personal injuries abound. And that is when the personal injury lawyer needs to step in. However, if you do suffer with an injury, then calling on the assistance of a personal injury lawyer is a must. They will help you with filing the compensation claim with the Workers Safety Insurance Board (WSIB). To ensure that you get the compensation you deserve, there are some things that you need to do after the unfortunate accident has occurred.
Things to know about the construction site
- Know about the owner of the construction site. To determine liability, the interaction between your employer and the construction site owner needs to be clarified.
- Did the property owner interfere with the safety at the construction site or put limitations that compromised with the safety leading to injury.
- Has negligence of your employer led the injuries?
- Are there sub-contractors working from different companies at the site? Have they compromised with safety?
As most of the sub-contractors are brought in from different companies, not all of them have the same level of safety standards to adhere to. If they are one of the reasons of your injuries, they are partially liable for the personal injuries you sustained.
What to do when you are injured
- The first thing that you need to do is seek medical care for the sustained injuries. Make sure that all injuries, treatment and medical costs are documented properly.
- Notify your supervisor and report the accident. It is essential that you adhere to the Occupational Health and Safety guidelines as per your employer’s policies.
- It is important to document the circumstances and location of the accident. This will include the condition of safety equipment, type of safety devices used, state of the site where construction is going on.
- If safety equipment has manufacturing defects, the manufacturer is liable for part liability in the personal injury case.
- Keep contact information of witnesses because when the case is filed and legal action is needed, witness testimony will play a part in defining liability.
- Preserve any evidence of equipment failure if that was the reason of the accident
Additionally, it is important to file a claim as quickly as you can. Most of the claims are rejected because they were filed much after the accident and crucial evidence is lost. It is important to document your injuries, recovery and treatment apart from tracking the medical care and cost incurred. When you hire a personal injury attorney in Ontario, provide all of this information so they are able to work and draft a solid case.