Each year thousands of construction workers are injured or killed in construction site accidents. Even though construction companies are typically obligated to inspect each site with safety engineers and provide safety programs, accidents still occur.
Generally, an injured worker cannot sue his or her own employer for injuries arising out of work related activities. Such injuries are covered under Michigan’s worker’s compensation scheme. However, if it can be shown that a third party's negligence caused the injuries, that party can be held liable.
Basically, general contractors and all subcontractors are required to provide a reasonably safe site, to warn of hazards inherent in the site and work, to hire careful employees, to coordinate job safety and to supervise compliance with safety specifications. A failure by a general contractor to take reasonable steps to guard against certain work site dangers that create a high degree of risks to workmen can make the general contractor liable for injuries that occur on site. Further, a subcontractor still has a duty to act in a manner that does not cause unreasonable danger to other persons on a work site.
When a worker is injured due to his or her own negligence or that of his or her employer, or due to a condition which was nobody's fault, that injured party can still receive compensation through a Worker’s Compensation claim.
Worker’s Compensation provides benefits to workers who are injured on the job or suffer an occupational disease arising out of and in the course of employment. The benefits under Worker’s Comp include weekly payments based on a percentage of the employee's average weekly wage for temporary total disability, partial disability, permanent and total disability and permanent loss of function and disfigurement.
Worker’s Comp also covers medical expenses for treatment that is reasonable, necessary and related to the work-related injury.
It is often possible to find liable third parties in the event of a construction related injury. This is often important because Worker's Compensation benefits do not provide compensation for the pain and suffering that a person endures as a result of an accident.
Construction law in Michigan is complex and constantly changing. The experienced professionals at the Law Offices of Lee Steinberg, P.C. possess the specialized knowledge needed to practice in this volatile area of the law.
The Law Offices of Lee Steinberg, P.C. has represented numerous construction accident victims, helping them obtain the compensation they deserve under the law. Please contact our office directly at 1.800.LEE.FREE (533-3733) to find out your rights and how we can begin fighting for you.
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