Thousands of accidents are reported in the construction industry each year. Workers are often at risk of injuries due to the nature of the job. These risks may also come up due to dangerous conditions and environments caused by careless employees.
Accidents at construction sites can be devastating, with victims suffering significant losses. If you’re in a similar situation, you must protect your rights by understanding what damages you may be able to collect. Read more to learn everything you need to know.
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Medical Bills
Medical bills are a common type of damages awarded in construction accident cases. When a worker is injured, they may face significant expenses for emergency treatment, surgery, medication, rehabilitation, and ongoing care.
Since medical attention is the first thing to do after an accident, these costs can quickly add up and place a significant financial burden on the victim. Compensation for medical bills helps to cover both past and future healthcare expenses directly related to the construction site injury, making the recovery process easier.
Lost Income and Earning Capacity
Loss of income and earning capacity are critical damages in construction accident sites. If an injury prevents a worker from returning to their job temporarily or permanently, they may be entitled to compensation for lost wages.
If the injury reduces their ability to earn in the future due to physical limitations and job changes, they can recover damages. Pursuing these damages when filing a lawsuit helps to secure financial stability despite long-term career setbacks.
Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering damages compensate construction accident victims for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by their injuries. Unlike medical bills or lost wages, these damages address non-economic impacts such as trauma, anxiety, depression, and loss of life enjoyment.
These accidents typically cause serious injuries. As a result, pain and suffering damages help victims receive fair and comprehensive compensation for their hardships. If these incidents occur in New Jersey, work with an experienced NJ construction injury attorney for the best outcomes.
Property Damage
Property damage is another type of compensation available in construction accident cases. If a worker’s personal belongings, such as tools, equipment, clothing, or vehicles, are damaged or destroyed during the incident, they may be entitled to reimbursement.
This ensures that victims are not left covering replacement or repair costs from their pocket. Property damage claims help restore the victim’s financial position and acknowledge the material losses caused by the accident.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages may be awarded in construction accident cases where the defendant’s conduct was especially reckless, malicious, or grossly negligent. Unlike compensatory damages, which cover losses, punitive damages are meant to punish wrongdoers and deter similar behavior.
These damages are rare but can apply if an employer knowingly ignores safety regulations or creates hazardous working conditions. They also apply if someone puts workers at extreme risk of harm without regard for their well-being.
Wrongful Death Damages
Wrongful death damages are awarded when a construction accident results in a worker’s death. These damages compensate surviving family members for losses such as funeral expenses, lost financial support, and emotional pain.
Spouses, children, or dependents may also receive damages for loss of companionship and guidance. Wrongful death claims help families recover financially and emotionally after a preventable tragedy on a construction site.
Endnote
When filing a construction accident case, you can recover damages including medical bills, lost income and earnings, pain and suffering, and property damage. You can also recover punitive damages and wrongful death damages.
