What Construction Workers Need to Know About Workers’ Comp
About 1 in every 25 New Jersey employees works in the construction industry, and these jobs are among the most dangerous in the United States.
Workers' compensation is a state-mandated system funded by employers to provide a financial safety net for employees who are injured or become ill on the job. It provides medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs, and in cases of permanent and significant injuries, additional compensation.
Many construction workers and their families may be vaguely aware of workers' compensation, but understanding what injuries are covered is vital for ensuring injured workers get the benefits they deserve. Here are some of the most important points:
1) Employers and employees share responsibility in making construction worksites safe, and several different government entities and legal touchpoints work toward safer workplaces.
For example, employers who violate OSHA regulations can be fined, sued, and in egregious cases, face criminal charges. Workers' compensation covers workplace injuries and certain off-site situations, but injured employees file personal injury lawsuits if the injury resulted from negligence from the employer or someone else.
Meanwhile, employees should report unsafe conditions promptly and take safety protocols and training seriously.
2) The most common construction site injuries and deaths are varied. Falls comprise about 36 percent of construction-related deaths, while other major causes of fatalities include electrocution and being struck by moving equipment, falling debris, or something similar. Unsafe working conditions, like ice or extreme heat, and improper equipment maintenance and use also frequently lead to injury or death.
3) What workers' compensation covers depends on the facts of their situation. For example, workers can receive medical treatment and temporary disability pay for missed work if they suffer physical injuries from an accident, but they are only entitled to additional compensation if the injury is "permanent and significant."
When it comes to repetitive stress injuries, like carpal tunnel syndrome and tendinitis, workers need to prove that the "work effort is greater than that of ordinary life."
If you or a loved one is injured on a job site or while completing job duties, consult an attorney who specializes in injury cases to ensure you're getting all the benefits you deserve.
Levinson Axelrod's team has been handling personal injury cases for more than 85 years. If you have questions or want to schedule a free consultation, visit njlawyers.com or call (732) 702-3124. Let them put their legacy and institutional knowledge to work for you!
Additional Resources
- What injuries Are Covered By Workers' Compensation?
- The Top Causes of Construction Site Injuries & Deaths in New Jersey
- Difference between Workers' Comp and Personal Injury Lawsuits for Construction Workers
- Common Misconceptions about Construction Accident Claims in New Jersey
- Safety Violations at New Jersey Construction Sites
