Construction Site Injuries in D.C.
Construction sites are dangerous. Whether you are a laborer, electrician, carpenter, roofer, ironworker, plumber, or heavy equipment operator, the risk of serious injury is always there.
Between tools, materials, machinery, and constant movement, injuries can happen fast, especially when job sites are not kept safe. Workers often suffer knee, shoulder, and back injuries in these conditions.
General contractors are responsible for keeping the site safe under OSHA and D.C. laws, but hazards still happen. Subcontractors may leave materials behind, fail to cover openings, or not warn others in the area. We have helped workers seriously hurt because of these unsafe conditions.
On a construction site, you are focused on your job and cannot watch every step. That is why safety matters.
Construction work comes with real risk, and if you were hurt on the job, what you do next matters.
What To Do After a Construction Site Injury
If you are injured at work, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits.
- After a construction site injury:
- Report the injury right away
- Get medical treatment as soon as possible
- Tell your doctor the injury happened at work
- Document how the injury occurred
Insurance companies and employers may try to delay or limit your benefits. Getting the process right early can make a difference.
Workers’ Compensation and Third Party Claims
Workers’ compensation covers your medical care and part of your lost wages after a work injury. But construction site injuries often involve more than one company.
If another company, like a subcontractor or general contractor, caused your injury, you may also have a separate claim against them. This is called a third party claim.
That means you may be able to receive workers’ comp benefits and file a separate injury claim at the same time.
Construction sites change quickly. Evidence disappears and workers move on. That is why acting early matters.
Insurance companies have teams working from the start. You should too.
What Happens After You Report a Work Injury
After you report your injury and get medical care, your employer or their insurance company is required to file a report with the D.C. Department of Employment Services.
This report includes basic information about you, your employer, and how the injury happened.
Forms You Must File to Protect Your Case
In D.C., you must file:
- Employee’s Notice of Accidental Injury (Form 7)
- Employee’s Claim Application (Form 7A)
These forms protect your right to workers’ compensation benefits.
Do not rely on your employer or the insurance company to handle this for you.
How To Get the Forms
We can provide these forms and help you understand what to do next.
Do not rely on the insurance company for guidance. Their goal is to protect their interests, not yours.
If you were hurt on a construction site in D.C., call (202) 393-3320 to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I qualify for workers’ compensation after a construction site injury in D.C.?
If you were hurt while working on a construction site, you may qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. This can cover medical treatment and part of your lost wages.
Can I sue for a construction site injury?
Yes. If another company, such as a subcontractor or general contractor, caused your injury, you may have a third party claim in addition to workers’ comp.
Where do I file a workers’ compensation claim after a construction site injury?
You file your claim in the state or location where the injury happened. If you were hurt in D.C., you file in D.C. Filing in the wrong state can seriously affect your benefits and your case. Click here to learn how to avoid a critical mistake.
A serious fall on a construction site can change everything.
In this video, attorney Frank Kearney explains what happens after a construction site fall in D.C. These cases often involve serious injuries like fractures, torn rotator cuffs, and knee or back damage that may require long-term treatment.
If you were seriously hurt and are not sure what to do next, call us. We will work to protect your rights against the insurance company.