Construction workers who have accidents ask themselves what do I do. Do I report the accident?

Does it matter if I had a scaffold accident or fall, or a fall off a ladder, or if I slipped or tripped on debris?

Do I need a lawyer? How do I find a good lawyer, better yet a great one. Do I go to my union and ask them?

Here are some answers.

When You Have an Accident?

1. Report the accident. Get a copy of the report. Make sure it is accurate, particularly if an unsafe method of work or condition was the cause.

2. Get medical care. Don't tough it out. If it's minor it will get better but if not you will have done the right thing anyway. I can't tell you how often workers get hurt and don't report it or don't get care and then a week later their shoulder or their knee or their back is still painful and now they get care and see a lawyer and the first defense that comes up is why didn't they report it and get care immediately.

3. Find and go to a lawyer that specializes in construction accidents and has a record of success to back it up. Don't just rely only on what a friend tells you. Do your own research. If you get a recommendation, check out the lawyers results. Make sure they are lawyers who really specialize in construction cases. Not just some here or there. A lawyer that has handled a dozen construction cases has less experience than one who has handled hundreds of them.

Every body prefers a recommendation. That makes sense. But please do your own research. Thats what the internet is for.

4. Ask to meet the trial lawyer who will try your case if it goes to trial. Ask if they are just "associated" with the firm or employed by them. You want to know that the lawyer who will try your case is a full time employee. Even if they are in the same physical office, thats not enough. Lawyers with separate practices share suites.

5. Get and continue to receive proper and necessary medical care. If your doctor says your fine and you don't think so, go to another doctor and tell your lawyer.

6. Ask your lawyer whats going on with your case when you are not sure.

Good luck.