Even when everyone on site follows safety precautions and wears protective gear, construction work can be dangerous and even deadly, thanks to the ever-present risk of accidents involving heavy machinery and materials. Even something as seemingly minor as a slip and fall can have life-altering consequences if it happens during construction work. If you’re unfamiliar with the rights you have under Nevada workers’ compensation and civil law, you may have no choice but to deal with those consequences alone.
Fortunately, there’s help available from the seasoned personal injury attorneys at Shook & Stone, who know through extensive experience how to handle all aspects of an injury case. Whether you need help recovering fairly through a third-party lawsuit, pursuing a workers’ comp claim, or both, a Reno construction accident lawyer could be the ally you need to obtain every cent of the compensation you deserve.
Getting Workers’ Comp Benefits After a Construction Accident
With very few exceptions, construction workers in Reno and all over Nevada should have access to workers’ compensation insurance coverage through the employer or—under certain circumstances—the licensed contractor they work for. This coverage is fault-free, meaning you can file a claim and receive benefits without having to prove that someone specific is to blame for causing your work-related injury or illness through their misconduct.
The typical workers’ comp insurance policy should cover all “reasonably necessary” medical expenses for treatment you need to reach “maximum medical improvement,” as well as travel expenses for trips to and from appointments. You should also be able to seek reimbursement for about two-thirds of whatever wages or salary you miss if a work-related injury or illness keeps you out of work for several days or weeks, as well as permanent disability benefits in the event you suffer an irreversible disability that affects your ability to work in the future. A qualified Reno construction accident attorney can go into more detail about what benefits your particular policy might provide during an initial meeting.
Who Else Could Be Liable for a Construction Injury?
Notably, workers’ comp does not cover any “non-economic” forms of harm that can stem from a construction injury, such as physical pain, psychological trauma, or lost enjoyment of life, nor will it cover damage to personal property during a construction accident. To recover for these damages, you’ll need to prove that someone other than the company providing you with workers’ comp coverage directly contributed to causing your injury or illness through their own “negligence.”
This process can be substantially more complex and time-consuming than filing a workers’ comp claim. Still, it can be vital to explore this option if a construction accident leaves you with a serious injury that will have long-lasting negative effects on your life. Once again, a proactive construction injury lawyer in Reno could assist with identifying potentially at-fault parties, establishing their “negligence” through all available evidence, and demanding fair compensation from them.
Get in Touch with a Reno Construction Accident Attorney
No two construction workers are exactly alike, and the same goes for on-the-job accidents that leave construction workers dealing with serious injuries. When it comes to getting fairly reimbursed for losses you sustained in this kind of incident, there’s no substitute for guidance from legal professionals with a track record of getting positive results from many past cases similar to yours.
A Reno construction accident lawyer from Shook & Stone could discuss your rights and legal options in detail during a free and confidential consultation. Call today to schedule yours.
