What Not to Say or Do After a Construction Site Accident

Delaying medical attention and posting online are two of the top things people should never do after a construction site accident. Sometimes, these actions may lead to no consequences. Other times, even innocent statements or shared posts could be taken out of context and used against you. Publicizing your side of the story to defend your good reputation might be tempting, but it could do more harm than good. Let’s take a closer look at things to avoid saying or doing after a construction accident.

1. Delaying Medical Attention

After a construction site accident, seeking medical attention as soon as possible is crucial. Delaying treatment can seriously affect your health, well-being, and legal case. Some injuries take a while to become apparent and could become worse while remaining undetected. Receiving medical attention ensures early detection.

If your injuries became more severe because of delaying medical attention, this could further complicate your case. You might not receive the total compensation you need for rehabilitation or recovery because you could be held partly liable for the extent of your injuries.

2. Admitting Fault or Accepting Blame

After a construction site accident, be careful about what you say and how you say it. Avoid accepting blame for an accident, even if you think you may have caused it. This type of admission can be used against you in legal proceedings and could impact the compensation received.

Let the investigation shake out what happened and why. Construction sites have many moving parts; you might not have been the only person at fault. However, if you openly admit fault, the other party might feel there’s no need to come forward.

3. Not Reporting the Incident

Report a construction site accident as soon as possible. You have about 30 days to notify your employer that the accident took place. Ideally, you do this in writing and file a formal report if such a process exists.

This helps ensure you receive proper medical attention and begins the process of documenting the incident for legal purposes. Failure to report an accident can raise suspicions and make obtaining compensation for injuries or damages more difficult.

4. Sharing on Social Media

Posting about an ongoing construction accident case is not a good idea. Insurance companies and their attorneys often monitor social media posts to look for inconsistencies, especially posts about being active from someone who claims to be injured. They may use these and other posts against you in court.

Even seemingly innocent posts or photos can be used to undermine your case. Consequently, most attorneys will ask you to refrain from posting about the case online. Some recommend not posting anything at all.

5. Not Hiring an Attorney

Construction site accidents can be complex, and it’s essential to have a skilled attorney by your side. We can help you navigate the legal process and gather evidence. Our team can also negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf. Not hiring an attorney could result in less compensation than you deserve, case dismissal, or missing the statute of limitations. Hire an experienced law firm with a reputation for delivering results. Our team at Douglas & London recovered over $18 billion for our clients. Schedule an appointment with our New York construction accident lawyer to see what we can do for you.