Working on a construction site naturally comes with a significant risk of injury. Though it would benefit the injured construction worker to report the accident, both to get workers’ compensation and to push for a safer work environment, many injured workers never report their injuries. In 2013, the Center for Construction Research and Training conducted a survey of 135 construction workers to determine why they don’t always report their injuries. At least ¼ of them said they suffered a workplace injury but chose not to report it.
It is important to remember that reporting your injuries will not backfire on you in any way, especially if you hire a personal injury attorney to represent you during the process.
Reasons why construction workers choose not to report workplace injuries
- Employees fear retaliation from their employers such as loss of benefits or even loss of their job
- Many construction workers consider pain and injury to be a natural part of their job
- They didn’t want their supervisors or coworkers to view them as weak
- Many people do not understand how to fill out or file the paperwork associated with workers’ compensation
- Undocumented workers often fear deportation or legal repercussions if they report an injury (regardless of immigration status, injured workers will not be deported)
- Workers often downplay the severity of their injuries
- Workers feel that they cannot afford missing work to go to a doctor, undergo surgery, and take time to recover
Generally speaking, workers have two years to file a workers’ compensation claim after the date of their accident. It’s important to file a report with your site supervisor as soon as the accident occurs so you can claim compensation and have a paper trail in case you need to go to court later. A personal injury attorney will help you through the process and ensure that your employers don’t take advantage of your injury.
Contact a New York construction accident lawyer
If you were injured at a construction site, you are entitled to workers’ compensation and may be able to file a civil lawsuit for additional damages. No injured worker should face intimidation or any other roadblock to seeking compensation. Contact a New York construction accident lawyer to discuss your rights and legal options. Our number is (347) 318-9604 or you can reach out to us online 24/7.