Construction Workers’ Injury Lawyer | Louisville, KY

Despite advances in safety on construction sites, construction workers become injured every day in Kentucky. Have you or a loved one become injured while doing construction work in Kentucky? If so, you may be entitled to compensation through a personal injury lawsuit or a workers’ compensation claim. Dealing with the aftermath of a construction worker’s injury can seem daunting and overwhelming. You probably have mounting medical bills, and you may be unable to return to work. One of the best things you can do is discuss your case with an experienced Kentucky construction injury lawyer.

Discuss Your Construction Injury With a Louisville Lawyer

The sooner you speak with an experienced construction injury lawyer, the better. At Hessig & Pohl, we offer potential clients a free initial consultation so they can discuss their case with us and ask questions. Our personal injury lawyers have a proven track record of success with construction injury claims. We will help you negotiate with the insurance company, file all the appropriate paperwork, and ensure that you obtain the total amount of compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule your free initial consultation.

The Most Common Types of Construction Accident Injuries in Kentucky

Construction workers face some of the most dangerous job sites in the country. Construction sites frequently have heavy machinery, equipment, and other hazardous conditions contributing to injuries and deaths. The majority of construction-related injuries and deaths include the following:

  • Falls
  • Being caught between objects
  • Electrocution
  • Being struck by machinery or objects 

Many construction injuries are caused by negligence on the part of the company’s owner or the foreman. When employers choose to violate safety protocols, their employees can become seriously injured on the job. For example, when scaffolding collapses, equipment that has not been properly secured can fall off the scaffolding and injure people below. The construction workers on the scaffolding can also become injured or die from falling off the scaffolding.

Similarly, when employers do not ensure that electric cables are correctly grounded and de-energized, construction workers can become electrocuted. In other cases, power tools that are worn out or faulty and are not replaced can cause electrocution or other types of injuries. Finally, when an employer does not excavate a trench properly by or provide escape routes, construction workers can become exposed to toxic fumes.

Obtaining Workers’ Compensation Benefits

Under Kentucky law, employers must carry workers’ compensation insurance. Workers’ compensation is a program paid for by employers that will cover the medical bills, medical expenses, and lost wages of employees who become injured on the job or due to a workplace accident. Employers fund the workers’ compensation program, and the state of Kentucky administers the program.  

If you have been injured at work, we recommend discussing the case with the lawyer as soon as possible. You will need to file a claim within the statute of limitations and promptly begin documenting your injury so you can maximize your compensation.

To recover workers’ compensation benefits, the injury or medical condition must have happened on the job or as a result of the job. Injuries outside the scope of an employee’s employment, such as a pickup sporting event or horseplay at work, or injuries the employee suffered during a lunch break could reduce the benefit amount or exclude the employee from benefits.

There are two types of workers’ compensation benefits claims in Kentucky — medical only or medical and loss of work. Under Kentucky law, workers’ compensation benefits cover injuries incurred in workplace accidents as well as fatalities. Some of the most common types of injuries covered by workers’ compensation benefits include the following:

  • Broken bones
  • Herniated discs
  • Sprains
  • Joint injuries
  • Lumbar injuries
  • Injuries involving motor vehicle accidents on the job
  • Injuries from scaffolding collapsing
  • Trauma caused by heavy equipment failures
  • Scalding from hot liquids
  • Exposure to harmful chemicals
  • Repetitive motion injuries
  • Counseling or treatment for a traumatic incident related to work
  • Slipping on icy walkways while on the job

You May be Eligible to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit

If your loved one has been injured due to your employer’s negligence, you may be entitled to damages through a personal injury lawsuit. Most construction workers who are injured on the job choose to file a workers’ compensation claim to receive benefits or file a personal injury lawsuit. There are limits to workers’ compensation benefits. For example, if you pursue workers’ compensation benefits, you will not obtain damages for pain and suffering and other non-economic damages. 

However, there are benefits to seeking workers’ compensation benefits. Typically, you will begin receiving workers’ compensation benefits quickly. If you are unsure what avenue to pursue, the best thing you can do is discuss your case with a lawyer. At Hessig & Pohl, We will advise you of all of your legal options, helping you pursue the option that will benefit you and your family the most. 

Damages Available in a Construction Accident Lawsuit

Workers’ compensation may not cover all of the damages you have suffered as a result of your construction accident injury. Pursuing a personal injury lawsuit will help you obtain compensation for non-economic damages associated with your accident. One of our personal injury lawyers will begin negotiating an out-of-court settlement with the defendant whose negligence caused your injuries. When settlement negotiations do not reach an advantageous conclusion, one of our trial-ready lawyers will take your case to court. Successful plaintiffs are entitled to the following damage:

  • Current and future medical care expenses
  • Lost wages
  • Diminished earning capacity
  • Property damage
  • Loss of support
  • Damages for pain and suffering

Contact a Louisville Personal Injury Lawyer Today

 If you or your loved one have been injured in a construction accident, the legal team at Hessig & Pohl is ready to help you. One of our trial-ready lawyers will investigate the construction accident and build a strong case for you to receive the compensation you deserve. You can focus on healing from your injuries while we fight for your right to compensation. Contact us today to schedule your free initial consultation.

Marty fought for me when the insurance company denied my claim. We sued and got the insurance limits.

- JERAMY

Louisville personal injury lawyer