Construction accidents and industrial accidents can be devastating, both to the injured construction worker and to his or her family. Injuries sustained in a construction site accident tend to be serious, often resulting in high medical bills and significant wage loss. After being injured in a construction accident, it is vitally important to contact a Minnesota construction accident attorney as soon as possible to make sure that an adequate investigation can take place and that your rights are fully protected.
Most construction sites by nature include many dangerous elements that hold
the potential for injury. Heavy equipment and machinery, scaffolding,
uncompleted buildings—all of these and more create a potentially unsafe
workplace.
Construction injuries include:
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Falls resulting in broken bones and neck and back injuries
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Equipment accidents resulting in injury
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Vehicle or other operated machinery accidents
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Exposure to toxic chemicals or other harmful products
One common issue arising from a construction accident is whether the injured worker was an employee or an independent contractor. The determination of this issue has a tremendous impact upon the extent of benefits an injured party receives or even if the injured party receives benefits at all. Whether you are an employee or an independent contractor determines whether you are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits or whether you can directly sue the employer or general contractor for your work-related injuries. Often employers will argue that a worker is not an employee and, therefore, not entitled to benefits under the workers’ compensation statute. Frequently, the worker is, in fact, an employee and is entitled to full benefits. Minnesota has detailed rules concerning who is an independent contractor and who is an employee. Minnesota Rule §5224.0020 sets forth guidelines distinguishing the employees from independent contractors on construction sites.
Another issue that arises from construction site accidents involves third party liability. If there is a third party (a person or company not affiliated with the company for which the injured party is an employee) at fault in causing the injury, then the injured worker may be able to sue that third party directly. Because all of these issues are highly fact-based, prompt investigation is key. It is critically important to seek legal advice as soon as possible.
Minnesota Personal Injury Attorneys
The attorneys at The Meshbesher Law Firm understand the complex issues involved in construction site injuries. We understand that that you may be severely injured, out of work, and in great physical and emotional pain. You may be rightfully worried about your future. Our attorneys treat each case with care and consideration, and are determined to help our injured clients put their lives back together.
To speak to one of our experienced Minnesota personal injury attorneys immediately, call us at 612-349-5215. You can also e-mail us your questions. Click here to Submit your question online The Meshbesher Law Firm will fight to make sure you get what you have coming to you.
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612-349-5215
