If you have been injured in a construction site accident in Los Angeles, you are probably not just struggling physically, but also financially. You are likely wondering how to pay medical bills and deal with lost income as a result of being unable to work while recovering from your injuries. This is the time you may wonder if you really need a construction accident lawyer to represent you.

While the answer to this question might vary based on each individual's situation, it is often a resounding "yes." This is especially true if you have suffered injuries that required you to get medical attention and take time off work. Without the skilled representation of an experienced work injury lawyer, you may not receive the compensation you rightfully deserve for your construction accident injuries. In this article, we will discuss the benefits of retaining a construction accident lawyer.

How Can a Construction Accident Lawyer Help?

Hiring an experienced construction accident lawyer who has handled cases similar to yours can help you understand the ins and outs of a civil construction accident lawsuit. A lawyer who specializes in construction accidents and workplace injuries will have a thorough knowledge of the workers' compensation system in California. However, he or she will also know that workers' compensation benefits can be terribly inadequate when it comes to compensating construction accident victims, especially if you have suffered catastrophic or permanent injuries.

A construction accident lawyer will be able to explore all avenues of compensation. A construction project typically involves a number of different parties ranging from general contractors and construction companies to a variety of sub-contractors. This often complicates a case because more than one party, and often a party other than your employer could be held liable for your injuries. Without a knowledgeable construction accident lawyer on your side, you may lose your opportunity to claim fair and full compensation for all your losses.

What Questions Should You Ask a Construction Accident Attorney?

Many construction accident attorneys provide free initial consultations in order to determine whether they can take your case. You should go to this initial meeting equipped with as much information and as many details as possible about your case. It is important to bring your employment contract or paperwork relating to your employment; photos or videos of the accident scene and your injuries; and details explaining your financial losses. These types of details will help your lawyer determine the value of your case and the best first steps to take.

You also want to retain an experienced construction accident attorney who is well versed in California and federal laws relating to negligence, product liability and workers' compensation. You need an attorney on your side who has experience dealing with insurance companies. Here are a few preliminary questions to ask the attorney during your initial consultation:

• How long have you been practicing law and how long have you handled construction accident cases?
• What percentage of your practice is devoted to work injury cases, specifically construction accident cases?
• How many construction accident cases have you settled and how many have you taken to jury trial?
• What is the average construction accident settlement amount for a case similar to mine?
• What is your fee structure? Do you take cases on a contingency fee basis? Am I responsible for any out-of-pocket costs?
• Can you provide any references?

If you are unable to go to the lawyer's office because you are still injured and unable to drive, ask the attorney if they can come to you. This can be important particularly if you are recovering from your injuries. You do not want to lose precious time when it comes to your personal injury case.

Why Should You Get a Construction Accident Lawyer?

If you have been injured in a construction accident, there are a number of reasons why you should hire a construction accident lawyer. Some of these reasons include:

• Making sure you report your injuries on time and don't wait too long to file your claim.
• Knowing what benefits you are entitled to such as medical benefits, temporary and permanent disability benefits, lost income, etc.
• Dealing with your employer and their insurance company on your behalf. This might include negotiating your settlement or taking your case to court if necessary.
• Helping you avoid making the mistakes that could potentially jeopardize your case such as rushing to accept a quick settlement or delaying medical treatment.
• File a claim outside of workers' comp to help you recover additional damages.

Construction Accidents and Third-Party Claims

Third-party workers comp actions often stem from construction accidents because, as we mentioned earlier, construction sites involve a number of different parties. If your accident was caused by a party other than your employer, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against that party.

Examples of third parties in construction accident cases include general contractors, construction companies, sub-contractors, property/building owners, and manufacturers of defective products. Third-party lawsuits are typically worth much more than a workers' compensation claim. Therefore, you need an experienced construction accident lawyer who can determine whether you have a third-party claim in addition to your workers' compensation claim.

How Greenberg and Ruby Can Help You

Choosing the right construction accident attorney in Los Angeles to handle your case may be the most important decision you make after a construction accident. Our law firm is passionate about pursuing justice and fair compensation for injured workers and their families. We have significant experience and a stellar track record in work injury, especially construction accident cases. Call us at (323) 782-0535 to obtain more information about pursuing your legal rights.