Construction sites are some of the most dangerous workplaces in Tennessee, and injuries on the job can range from broken bones and burns to traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord damage. If you’ve been hurt on a construction site, the steps you take in the hours and days that follow can affect your ability to recover fair compensation. Here is what to do after a construction accident in Tennessee.
Contact a construction accident attorney in Knoxville today — call (865) 691-2777.
Step 1: Seek Immediate Medical Attention
If you have suffered a serious injury on a construction site, call an ambulance or get to an emergency room right away. Don’t try to tough it out or assume the pain will pass. Medical treatment not only protects your well-being but also creates a documented record that links your injuries (spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, etc…) directly to the workplace accident.
Step 2: Report the Accident to Your Employer
Tennessee law requires you to report a work-related injury to your employer in writing within 15 days of the accident. Your written notice should include your name and address, the time and place of the accident, a brief description of what happened and what caused it, and your signature. Keep the language straightforward and factual. Avoid adding unnecessary detail that could be used against you later.
Send your notice by certified mail with a return receipt so you have proof it was delivered. Once your employer receives your report, they are required to file a First Report of Injury Form with their workers’ compensation insurer within one business day. From there, the insurer must accept or deny your claim within 15 days.
Step 3: Document the Accident Scene and Your Injuries
If you can, take photos and videos of the accident scene. Photograph your injuries as well and continue documenting them as they heal or worsen. Write down everything you remember about the incident: what you were doing, who was present, and what went wrong. Collect contact information from any coworkers or witnesses. Save all medical records, bills, and correspondence related to your injury.
Step 4: Understand Your Rights Under Tennessee Workers’ Compensation
Tennessee’s workers’ compensation system is designed to provide injured workers with medical benefits and wage replacement, regardless of who was at fault for the accident. You have the right to receive treatment for your injuries and compensation for lost wages while you recover. However, the system can be complex, and insurers do not always have your best interests in mind. Consult with a construction accident lawyer early in the process to protect your rights—they can explain your legal options and prevent you from accepting less than you deserve.
Step 5: Work with Your Attorney to Secure the Compensation You Deserve
Once your claim is filed, the waiting begins. The insurer will investigate and either accept or deny your claim. If your claim is denied or you’re offered an inadequate settlement, your Knoxville workers’ compensation attorney can file an appeal and fight for a better outcome.
Speak with a Construction Accident Lawyer in Tennessee Today
If you have been injured on a construction site in Tennessee, The Lawyers of Brown & Roberto will help you take the right steps, protect your rights, and pursue every dollar of compensation you’re owed. Contact us at (865) 413-3907 for a free, confidential consultation with our Tennessee construction accident attorneys.