How To Choose The Best Construction Accident Lawyers In The United States?

Published on: 23 April 2021 Last Updated on: 30 October 2024

As the world’s need for more buildings, infrastructure, shopping centers, and energy multiply, the construction industry is trying to step up its performance. In other words, in the last few decades, construction has emerged as one of the key drivers of the economy, providing employment and livelihood to millions.

However, the construction industry has been plagued by a lot of problems. Scholars, activists, and legal experts have pointed out that the construction industry suffers from-

Poor payment to the workers
Hazardous working conditions
No Injury or Life Insurance
Unregulated Working Conditions
Illegal Occupation of Workers

In this article, we are going to shed light on one key aspect of the industry- the need for personal injury lawyers and law firms to help defend the rights of the workers.

Why Construction Sites Are Dangerous And Accident Prone?

If you have ever been to a construction site, the first thing that you are likely going to notice is the huge machines.

Cranes, trucks, dumpers, forklifts, drillers, etc. are all big, mechanical, and heavy. The slightest error can lead to multiple injuries or even death.
Accidents at construction sites are very common. Given the serious nature of the injuries that can be sustained at construction sites, expensive medical bills are a given.
Many workers are under the impression that their injuries can be covered by workers’ Construction companies hire workers that have dubious legal status.
This means that even if they are injured at the construction site, they would not be able to push for a lawsuit or claim compensation.
This leads to a lot of exploitation and the promotion of unsafe working conditions at construction sites.
Workers’ compensation is always designed in a way that protects the business and puts the workers at the sympathy of minimal settlements and poor claims redressal.

All the above six points make construction sites a very dangerous place to work. In the following section, we are going to look at how you can select the best construction site accident law firm.

5 Things To Check Before You Hire A Construction Site Accident Law Firm

1. Years Of Experience

Fighting a case against a big construction company is no easy feat. In fact. Construction companies employ some of the best lawyers on their team. This is why you need to hire a construction accident law firm that has good years of experience. Experience both in matters of settlements as well as in terms of the time spent during Court Trials in front of a judge.

2. Success Rate and Compensation Secured

If the construction accident law firm has several years of experience under its belt, it will have some record numbers to show. The best law firms that specialize in such cases can boast of generating settlements worth billions of dollars for their clients. Pick an attorney that has a success rate of over 75% in all his or her injury cases.

3. Dealing With Various Stakeholders

If you have suffered an injury at a construction site, you would be requiring immediate medical attention. A good construction site accident lawyer deals with everyone from the hospital to the insurance authorities and the opposing party. This is essential as timely intervention can be the only thing that can help get compensation and allow for complete medical recovery.

4. Great At Networking With The Authorities

As we have already pointed out, construction companies are million-dollar entities that employ some of the best attorneys. This is why you need legal counsel that is great at networking with legal representatives, court officials, public prosecutors, and the police. This kind of networking can prove to be invaluable when it comes to winning such cases.

5. Good At Evidence Gathering

A lot depends on collecting and presenting the right kind of evidence when building a case. This is why the best construction accident law firms work with their private investigators to collect evidence. In most situations, the task of collecting evidence can be a very difficult one. A lot of skill, expertise, and discipline is required in the face of adversity.

The Final Word

By following all the above points as mentioned in the article, you will be able to ensure that you can get the best construction site accident lawyer for your case. As compared to other kinds of personal injury lawsuits, construction accidents tend to be far more serious. If you would like us to share more information on the same, let us know in the comments section below. We will request our experts to answer as many of them as possible.

More Resources:

Fight For Your Inheritance In Case Of An Unfair Will

Content Rally

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

View all posts

Navigating The NDIS In Parramatta: A Comprehensive Guide

As an individual living with a disability, your quality of life depends on having access to appropriate support systems. One such program in Australia is the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). This guide offers assistance in navigating and optimising NDIS in Parramatta, New South Wales, by providing more clarity around its benefits that best suit you. Understanding The NDIS What Is The NDIS? The NDIS is an innovative social welfare initiative launched by the Australian government that seeks to offer new approaches to providing services and support for those with disabilities. Its primary aim is to enhance both disabled individuals' lives as well as caregivers' by offering access to necessary services, tailored support plans and social and economic inclusion initiatives. Who Is Eligible For The NDIS? Generally, the NDIS is accessible to individuals who: Are Australian citizens, permanent visa holders, or New Zealand citizens holding a Protected Special Category Visa? Are aged between 7 and 65 years. Live in an NDIS-accessible area. Have a permanent or significant disability affecting their ability to participate in everyday activities. What Support Does The NDIS Provide? The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) offers various supports and services across multiple categories, including core, capacity building, and capital support. Daily activities may be assisted through core supports; capacity building supports help build skills and independence; capital supports may include assistive technologies or home modifications. Navigating The NDIS In Parramatta Starting Your NDIS Journey Understanding the application process is the first step to successfully navigating the NDIS. This typically involves four steps: Check Eligibility: Use the NDIS eligibility checklist to ascertain your qualification for the scheme. Make an Access Request: This can be done over the phone or by completing an Access Request Form, providing relevant information about your circumstances and disability. Development of Your NDIS Plan: If your access request is accepted, a meeting will be scheduled with an NDIS representative to create your personalized NDIS plan, discussing your needs, goals, and supports. Implementing Your NDIS Plan: Once approved, you will start accessing the supports and services outlined in it. Developing Your NDIS Plan Your NDIS plan is your blueprint for your support system. It outlines your goals, needs, and the support required to help achieve those goals. A well-crafted NDIS plan should reflect your aspirations, and it's crucial to prepare thoroughly for your planning meeting. Here are a few steps to ensure a productive planning meeting: Outline Your Goals: These should be specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound (SMART). Identify Your Needs: Evaluate your day-to-day needs, considering the necessary support to live comfortably and safely. This could include personal care, transportation, assistive technology, therapy services, etc. Prepare a Support Team: The team could comprise therapists, doctors, caregivers, or family members who understand your needs and can provide valuable input during the planning meeting. Document Everything: Having written documentation about your disability, daily routine, goals, and conditions can help make your case during the planning meeting. Managing Your NDIS Plan Once your NDIS plan is approved, the next critical step is managing it. There are three management options: NDIS-Managed: The NDIS contains the funding, paying providers directly. Plan-Managed: A plan manager, paid for by the NDIS, works the financing, allowing for flexibility in choosing both registered and unregistered service providers. Self-Managed: You (or your nominee) manage the funding, which involves more responsibility but offers excellent choice and control. Engaging With NDIS Service Providers Choosing The Right Service Providers Choosing the right service providers is vital to ensuring your needs are met. Here are a few considerations when selecting your service provider: Skills and Expertise: The provider should have the necessary skills and expertise to meet your needs. Flexibility: Look for flexible providers regarding how, when, and where they provide services. Cultural Fit: The provider should respect your cultural background, values, and beliefs. Communication: They should be able to communicate effectively and transparently, keeping you informed about all aspects of your support. Building An Effective Relationship With Service Providers Establishing an effective partnership with your service provider is vital to realizing the maximum benefit from your NDIS plan. Maintaining open lines of communication, setting clear expectations, and receiving timely feedback are keys to building an enduring partnership. Continuous Improvement And Review Regular Review Of Your NDIS Plan Your NDIS plan should be reviewed regularly to meet your ever-evolving needs. Typically this occurs annually, but earlier reviews can be requested in cases of significant changes in your situation. Continuous Improvement Of Your NDIS Journey Your NDIS plan should be reviewed regularly to meet your ever-evolving needs. Typically this occurs annually, but earlier reviews can be requested in cases of significant changes in your situation. Conclusion Navigating the NDIS in Parramatta may seem complex and intimidating initially, but proper understanding and approach can open doors to improved support and enhanced quality of life. Remember, the NDIS exists to help people reach their full potential and live an empowered life - so be proactive, informed, and assertive on your journey through it, and you'll make the most of this invaluable resource. Read Also: How To Replace Your Social Security Card Online Why DRM Is the New Standard for Document Security “Which Backend keys makes Social Networking Sites & Apps works smoothly?

Difference Of Opinions About Paralegals And Legal Assistants

Working in law is not an easy endeavor. Multiple roles and designations keep this sector afloat. While lawyers and judges are primarily associated with law, you can't ignore the importance of paralegals and legal assistants who ensure that the court system can do its job. Even though you are working for a lawyer as an assistant and paralegal, these are not the same job professions. Here's how both career paths differentiate from each other: What Do They Do? Understanding what their jobs entail is an excellent place to start to build your knowledge on what a paralegal does compare to a legal assistant, and here's how: Paralegal: As a paralegal, you are helping a lawyer with their cases. That means you conduct all relevant research work on laws and draft legal documents with the best supporting evidence for a lawyer to be used in court. They also assist a lawyer prepare trail reports and file appeals with the opposing counsel. Since paralegals also specialize in criminal law, real estate law, and immigration policies, they have the legal rights to bill clients for their work. However, legal assistants cannot do the same. Legal Assistants: As a legal assistant, your job is more on the administrative side than regular work. You will help a lawyer prepare legal documents such as subpoenas and take their phone calls for them. You're also critical in reminding the lawyer about their court appearances and helping them schedule their appointments and workload. You will also be vital in greeting clients and ensuring all emails get a response. Your work will include organizing all the relevant paperwork a lawyer may need, such as statements and evidence, and file them appropriately. Finally, you prepare bills for a lawyer's clients, but you cannot bill them for your services. However, suppose you wish to try your hand as in law and work your way from a paralegal to an independent lawyer. In that case, there are many exciting and well-structured online programs for you, such as an online criminal justice degree. This degree is not only the first stepping stone into your promising career. Still, it provides you with the necessary resources to do well as a legal practitioner. Where Do These Fields Differ? When you are aware of what a legal assistant's and a paralegal's job entails, it is easy to dive deeper and study their differences more comprehensively: 1. Skills: As a paralegal, you may find yourself sharing certain skill sets with a legal assistant. However, since your job requires you to work within the legal framework, you should know how to take legal actions known as litigation charges organization breach of contract. You will need to know how to use Microsoft Office or any equivalent word processor to prepare your documents. Also, learn how to compile a proper document that follows standard documentation format. You will need to know how to carry out research and make use of the evidence you have. You will need to schedule meetings and remind the lawyer to attend all-important court appearances and meetings. You should know the basic law framework and know-how to enter all relevant data. 2. Experience: Most law firms ask for paralegals who have some experience of working in law. Most ask for at least a minimum of three to five years of work experience. Suppose you go with only entry-level expertise with no experience to only two years of experience. Chances are you may not get a job as a paralegal and given the competition in this sector alone. You trim down your options further if you don't take advantage of every opportunity before applying for a job. As a legal assistant, your job experience is not under heavy scrutiny. Whether you're new to the job or have been working for a while, you can quickly secure a job yourself. It is not unheard of for paralegals to start as legal assistants and interns before applying for higher employment opportunities till they're eligible to work as a paralegal. 3. Salary: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, most paralegals can earn $49,500, while a legal assistant can earn $44,180. However, these wages can go higher, and in 2019, they had crossed the $50,000th mark. Your salaries mainly depend on your employer. If you choose to work in a private setting than a non-profit, you have higher chances of earning more. 4. Education: As a paralegal, you will need to have solid formal education to find employment. You will need to attend a bachelor's program in legal studies or paralegal studies. Then appear for your examinations. You will also need to intern while you study. And getting work right after your bachelor's may become problematic if you choose to skip out on all opportunities and directly apply to a law firm. As a legal assistant, you may need to look into a bachelor's degree and get a certificate in paralegal studies. However, you may start your job right away after you graduate as a legal assistant. You don't need to do many internships, but it helps to walk in with some experience. Wrap Up: If you are looking for a law career, becoming a paralegal or a legal assistant is a good start. These two professions are just as important as the lawyer itself. Without the proper help, a lawyer may struggle in staying on top of their cases and not know how to make compelling cases. As a paralegal, your job will be working with the lawyer and their clients, especially for the legal system. As a legal assistant, you will make sure all appointments happen on time. All relevant documents are in the system. Clear Career Path Advice One area missing in this debate is clear advice on which path might be best for you. While the differences between a paralegal and a legal assistant are outlined, it’s important to help you figure out which role fits your skills and interests. If you prefer administrative work, becoming a legal assistant may be more appealing. However, if you love doing legal research and working directly with clients, the paralegal route might be a better fit. So, reflect on what you enjoy most! Day-to-Day Tasks It would also help to include more real-life examples of what a typical day looks like for both roles. For instance, a legal assistant might start the day answering calls and organizing files, while a paralegal could be deep in legal research for an upcoming trial. This way, you can get a clearer idea of what your day-to-day might look like in either role. Future Career Growth Another missing point is career growth opportunities for both positions. Where could these roles take you in the future? As a legal assistant, you might eventually become a paralegal, and as a paralegal, you could decide to go to law school and become a lawyer. These roles could be stepping stones to bigger career opportunities if you want to advance further in the legal field. You do not have to be stuck in either of the positions! Read Also: Keys to Become a Successful Lawyer 5 Top Tips to Help You Hire The Perfect Attorney

Can an Employee Claim for a Personal Injury When Working From Home?

The modern digital workforce has changed the way employees work or rather from where. The recent COVID-19 Pandemic has shown that working from a remote location isn't a luxury anymore. However, even when employees are based in a home office, it doesn't mean that accidents can't happen. So what happens if your staff member is on the clock and gets injured while working? Company Legal Responsibility The question is if one of your workers gets injured during work hours, is your company liable? According to law experts at flcrimedefense.com, the short answer is yes. When working from home, employees are entitled to the same worker's comp benefits as their office-bound colleagues. As an employer, the fact that you have no control over your employee's remote workspace conditions is irrelevant. Any injuries must be reported to your insurer. A licensed adjuster will determine the coverage and benefit eligibility. As a business owner, you're responsible for providing a safe work environment. It's regardless if it's at your premises or a remote location. Criteria for Work-Related Claims Of course, no one expects you to take the employee's claims at face value. Some questions will help determine whether a home sustained injury was work-related. The three main things that workman's comp will want to know is: Were you as the employer benefiting from the employee's actions when they got hurt? Did the company require the individual to engage in the injury-causing activity? Did you give your permission for the off-site work in advance? If, for example, an employee is injured in the company's cafeteria while having lunch on-site, the workmen's compensation will cover those injuries because it benefits the employer. Having the individual on-site saves the organization time and keeps the person accessible should they be needed when on break. This analysis works the same for telecommuting employees. If a worker can reasonably explain how an injury is work-related, chances are they'll get the benefit of the doubt. Protecting Your Business You can protect your business by creating practices that may limit liability for home-based employees. Some recommended actions include: Creating a policy that outlines the company's expectations for remote staff. Develop a set of guidelines for a home office, which includes having a designated work area. Providing training related to setting up the correct safety measures with a focus on ergonomics. Establishing operational hours, meal times, and rest periods for remote workers. Having this in place will help determine whether a claimed injury occurred within the course of employment. Ensuring that you've got workers comp insurance that'll protect your business against lawsuits resulting from accidents. Final Thoughts Figuring out if an employee is entitled to compensation for an injury when working from home is difficult. As a business, you're responsible for providing your remote workers the same benefits as office-bound staff. If you want to establish if an injury was work-related, there are a series of questions that you can ask your employee. Ensure that you have the right policies and insurance coverage. It will protect your company from any lawsuits resulting from workplace accidents. Read More: Top 5 Colorado Springs Personal Injury Attorneys The Benefits of Hiring A Personal Injury Lawyer Reasons For Hiring a Long Island Personal Injury Attorney Reasons for hiring any Personal Injury Attorney is Important 5 Things To Look For In A Personal Injury Lawyer

How To Choose The Best Construction Accident Lawyers In The United States?

Why Construction Sites Are Dangerous And Accident Prone?