A growing need to build new homes and buildings creates jobs, but it also brings risks to North Carolinians in that line of work, as well as visitors to construction sites. Unfortunately, the construction industry is one of the leaders in workplace injuries and fatalities.
If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a construction accident, our Asheville personal injury lawyers at Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC will help you navigate the legal process. Contact us today to schedule your free, no-obligation case review and learn more about the benefits of hiring an Asheville construction accident lawyer from our team.
Establishing Liability for Your Construction Accident in Asheville
At Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, our team has worked with over 10,000 clients, and we hold a Google Reviews rating of 4.9 out of 5 based on hundreds of testimonies. We are skilled at what we do and know how to investigate an accident to pinpoint fault and liability.
It’s no secret that construction zones are hazardous. No matter your role on the work site, risks can come from:
- The collapse of a partial build, trench, or scaffold
- Proximity to power lines or electrical work
- Constant, loud noises
- Repetitive motions
- Lifting and moving heavy objects
- Large equipment and vehicles crisscrossing the site
- Falls from heights
- Inhaling particulates
Liability for a construction site accident may lie with one individual or company, or there may be multiple at-fault parties. Our personal injury attorneys will investigate how the accident happened, who was responsible, and who is liable for compensating you for your losses.
Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim in North Carolina
If you were injured on a construction site while performing your job duties, you may qualify to file a workers’ compensation claim.
According to the North Carolina Department of Insurance, workers’ comp is a no-fault program. No matter who was at fault for your accident, if your employer carries workers’ comp insurance, their insurance company should cover some of your losses, including medical bills and a portion of your lost wages.
Filing a Personal Injury Claim or Lawsuit After a Construction Accident in North Carolina
If your company carries workers’ compensation insurance, you generally cannot file a personal injury lawsuit against your employer for damages. However, you may be eligible to file an injury claim or lawsuit in some situations, such as:
- A third party, such as a subcontractor or equipment manufacturer, caused your injuries.
- You were injured on a construction site as a passerby or while on a job not related to construction (such as food delivery or transportation).
If you were injured on a construction site, our Asheville construction accident attorneys will help you determine who is liable for your losses and build a case based on your financial and non-financial losses.
Our Asheville construction accident attorneys at Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC can provide more information on this complicated area of the law. Contact our personal injury law firm today for a free initial consultation.
Construction Accident Losses that May Be Covered by a Compensation Settlement or Judgment
Recovering financial compensation for your losses means you and your family can receive the help you need to pay unexpected bills, meet new physical challenges, and move forward with your life. Losses that may be compensable, depending on the type of claim you make, include:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost income and loss of future earnings, if applicable
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of quality of life
The amount of compensation you receive for your economic and non-economic damages will depend on factors such as the severity of your injuries, the type of claim you qualify for, your past earnings, and your age.
We Help Those Who Have Lost Loved Ones in Asheville Construction Accidents
According to the North Carolina Industrial Commission, if your loved one died from an injury or illness sustained at work, workers’ compensation insurance provides death benefits covering funeral costs and the financial support provided by the deceased to their dependents.
If your loved one passed away in a construction site accident unrelated to their job or caused by a third party, you may qualify to file a wrongful death claim.
Our Asheville attorneys at Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC will help you and your family through the legal process, explaining who may receive benefits, how much they may receive, and for how long.
What to Do After Being Injured in a Construction Accident in Asheville
You can protect your future by following certain guidelines for workplace injuries, even if you think you have a third-party claim or may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit. We recommend doing the following:
- Seek emergency medical care immediately.
- Schedule follow-up care with an employer-approved medical professional, and follow their treatment plan carefully.
- Report your accident to your employer verbally and follow up with a written report.
- Keep personal notes on the circumstances surrounding the accident, your injury, actions taken by you and your employer, medical treatment provided, and your physical and emotional state.
- Seek legal advice from a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Understanding your legal rights and your options for pursuing a fair settlement or judgment could profoundly affect your family’s future.
Workers’ Compensation and Personal Injury Lawsuit Statutes of Limitations in Asheville, NC
Whether you pursue a workers’ compensation claim or a third-party personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit, the following legal deadlines govern your actions:
- Workers’ comp – You have two years from the accident date to file a workers’ compensation claim, per N.C. Gen. Stat. § 97-58.
- Third-party personal injury lawsuit – You have three years from the date of your accident to file a civil claim, per N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1-52.
- Wrongful death lawsuit – You have two years from the date of your loved one’s death to file a civil claim, per N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1-53.
Your Asheville construction site accident lawyer can explain whether any exceptions to these deadlines may apply to your case.
You Pay Only When We Win Your Asheville Construction Accident Case
Our team at Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC offers free case reviews. If an Asheville construction accident lawyer from our team takes on your case, we will accept no fees unless and until we recover a compensation settlement or judgment award for your losses.
Contact our legal team today to get started. Get answers to your important questions, so you can focus on recovery while we handle the rest.