Construction sites are bustling environments where workers face various risks daily. Despite stringent safety regulations and protocols, accidents can and do happen. When they do, construction accident claims can help victims recover damages for their injuries. Understanding the types of damages available in these claims is crucial for pursuing fair compensation. This article explores the different types of damages you can seek in a construction accident claim, offering a detailed overview of how you can recover what you’re owed. If you or a family member were injured in a car accident, contact a nationwide car accident attorney from Local Accident Reports as soon as possible. One of our skilled personal injury lawyers can answer any questions you may have about the insurance claims process and even file the necessary paperwork on your behalf. Call us today to schedule your free consultation.
Medical Expenses
Medical expenses are one of the most straightforward forms of damages you can recover in a construction accident claim. This category includes all costs associated with treating your injuries from the accident.
What It Covers:
- Emergency Room Visits: Costs for immediate medical attention after the accident.
- Hospital Stays: Expenses for inpatient care, including room fees, medical supplies, and nursing care.
- Surgical Procedures: Fees for surgeries required as a result of the accident.
- Medication Costs: Prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications needed for recovery.
- Physical Therapy: Sessions for rehabilitating injuries, improving mobility, and regaining strength.
- Ongoing Medical Care: Future medical treatments, specialist consultations, or long-term care needs.
Examples:
If you broke a leg in a construction accident, you could claim the costs of the emergency room visit, surgery, hospital stay, physical therapy, and any medications prescribed.
Lost Wages
Lost wages refer to the income you lose due to being unable to work while recovering from your injuries. This compensation can cover both past and future lost earnings.
What It Covers:
- Income from Employment: Wages, salaries, or hourly pay lost while you are out of work.
- Lost Bonuses: Any bonuses or incentives you missed out on because of your inability to work.
- Future Earning Capacity: Compensation for the potential future earnings you may lose if your injuries lead to long-term or permanent disability.
Examples:
If you were a construction worker who missed six weeks of work due to recovery from a fall, you can claim the wages for those six weeks. If your injury affects your ability to work in the future, you can also claim compensation for potential future earnings.
Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering damages compensate for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident and your injuries.
What It Covers:
- Physical Pain: The pain experienced from the injury itself, including any chronic pain resulting from the accident.
- Emotional Distress: Anxiety, depression, or emotional suffering caused by the injury and its impact on your life.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Compensation for the inability to participate in activities you enjoyed before the accident.
Examples:
If you suffered severe back injuries in a fall and have ongoing pain, you could seek damages for the physical pain and suffering. If your injury has caused emotional distress or prevented you from enjoying hobbies or activities, you can claim compensation for those losses as well.
Property Damage
Property damage refers to compensation for any personal property damaged or destroyed in the accident.
What It Covers:
- Repair Costs: Expenses for fixing damaged property.
- Replacement Costs: The cost of replacing property that was destroyed or lost.
Examples:
If your personal tools or equipment were damaged in the accident, you could claim the repair or replacement costs for those items.
Loss of Consortium
Loss of consortium refers to the loss of companionship and support that your family members suffer due to your injuries.
What It Covers:
- Loss of Companionship: Compensation for the reduced ability to enjoy family life and relationships.
- Loss of Support: The impact on the emotional and financial support that you provide to your family.
Examples:
If your injuries prevent you from spending time with your spouse or participating in family activities, your spouse might claim loss of consortium damages for the emotional and relational impacts.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are awarded in cases where the defendant’s actions were particularly egregious or malicious.
What It Covers:
- Punishment: These damages are meant to punish the defendant for extreme negligence or misconduct.
- Deterrence: They serve to deter others from committing similar wrongful acts.
Examples:
If the construction company was found to have grossly violated safety regulations, punitive damages might be awarded to punish the company and deter future violations.
Wrongful Death Damages
In the tragic event that a construction accident leads to death, wrongful death damages can be claimed by the deceased’s family.
What It Covers:
- Funeral Expenses: Costs for burial or cremation services.
- Loss of Financial Support: Compensation for the financial contributions the deceased would have provided.
- Loss of Companionship: Damages for the emotional impact on family members from losing their loved one.
Examples:
If a construction worker dies from a fall, the family can claim compensation for funeral costs, lost financial support, and the emotional loss of their loved one.
Rehabilitation and Home Modifications
If your injuries require ongoing rehabilitation or modifications to your home, you can claim these expenses as part of your damages.
What It Covers:
- Rehabilitation Costs: Expenses for ongoing rehabilitation therapies.
- Home Modifications: Costs for making your home accessible if you have a permanent disability.
If you need to modify your home for wheelchair access or require special equipment for daily living, these costs can be included in your claim.
Legal Fees and Costs
Legal fees and costs refer to the expenses incurred during the legal process.
What It Covers:
- Attorney Fees: Fees paid to your lawyer for handling your case.
- Court Costs: Expenses for filing claims, obtaining evidence, and other legal procedures.
Examples:
Your claim may cover the costs of hiring an attorney, court filing fees, or expert witness fees required for your case.
Navigating a construction accident claim involves understanding the various types of damages you can pursue. From medical expenses and lost wages to pain and suffering and wrongful death damages, each type of compensation serves to address different aspects of your injuries and losses. If you or a loved one has been involved in a construction accident, knowing what damages you can claim can help ensure you receive fair compensation for your suffering.
Schedule Your Free Consultation Today
At Local Accident Reports, our experienced nationwide construction accident lawyers are dedicated to helping you understand your legal options and pursue the compensation you deserve. We have a proven track record of successfully handling construction accident claims and are here to guide you through the legal process.
To schedule a free consultation, call us at (888) 657-1460 or fill out our online contact form. We are committed to advocating for your rights and securing the justice you seek.
