What to Do After a Construction Fall at Work in Washington DC
If you were seriously hurt in a construction fall at work in Washington, DC, you may be dealing with painful injuries, missed paychecks, and medical treatment. You may also have questions about what to do next and how to protect your workers’ compensation benefits.
Construction workers can fall from scaffolding, roofs, ladders, or exposed floors on a job site. Whether you injured your back, knee, shoulder, or head, there are a few important steps to take after the accident.
Report Your Construction Fall to Your Employer
If you haven’t already reported your fall, tell your employer as soon as possible. Explain where the accident happened, how you fell, and which parts of your body were injured.
Don’t downplay your injuries or leave anything out. If you hurt your back, landed on your shoulder, hit your head, or injured your knee, make sure your employer knows.
In DC, injured workers generally have 30 days to notify their employer of a work injury. There are also deadlines for filing a workers’ compensation claim, so don’t assume that telling your supervisor is all you need to do.
Get Medical Treatment After a Construction Fall
A serious fall at a construction site can cause broken bones, head injuries, spinal injuries, or damage to your knees, shoulders, and back. Some injuries require surgery, physical therapy, or months of recovery.
If you’ve already received treatment, make sure you keep up with your appointments and tell your doctor about any new pain or symptoms.
Your medical records are important to your workers’ compensation case. Make sure your doctor knows the injury happened at work and understands the physical demands of your construction job.
Can You Choose Your Own Doctor After a Construction Fall in DC?
One thing many injured construction workers don’t realize is that in DC workers’ compensation cases, you generally have the right to choose your treating doctor.
That choice matters. Your doctor evaluates your injuries, recommends treatment, and determines whether you can safely return to work.
If you need surgery, physical therapy, or additional testing, the insurance company may question or delay treatment. Getting the right medical care and having your injuries properly documented can make a big difference in your case.
Make Sure Your Work Restrictions Are Documented
After a serious construction fall, you may not be able to return to the same physical work you were doing before your injury.
Your doctor may restrict lifting, climbing, kneeling, bending, or standing for long periods. Some workers are taken completely out of work while they recover.
Make sure your doctor puts those restrictions in writing. If your employer is asking you to return to construction work that goes against your restrictions, don’t ignore the problem.
Your work status and medical records can affect whether you receive workers’ compensation wage benefits while you’re recovering.
What If the Insurance Company Delays Your Workers’ Comp Claim?
Even after you report your injury and start medical treatment, problems can come up with the insurance company.
You may be waiting for treatment approval, missing wage checks, or getting calls from an adjuster questioning how your injury happened.
If that happens, don’t wait around hoping everything works itself out. Talk with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney who can help you understand your options and protect your benefits.
What to Do After a Serious Fall at Work in DC
In this video, Attorney Frank Kearney explains what to do after a serious fall at work, how DC workers’ compensation works, and common mistakes that can hurt your case.
Seriously Hurt in a Construction Fall at Work? Call Us
If you were injured in a serious construction fall in Washington, DC, don’t wait until you’re having problems getting medical treatment or wage checks to ask for help.
Attorney Frank Kearney has more than 30 years of experience helping injured workers. At Donahoe Kearney, we deal with the insurance company, help with delayed medical treatment and benefits, and work to protect your rights so you can focus on getting better.
Call 202-393-3320 or contact our team for a free consultation.
Related Resources
DC Workers’ Compensation Claims and Benefits
Hurt on a Construction Site in DC?
Suffered a Serious Construction Fall at Work? Give Us a Call!