Construction sites have numerous hazards that can injure an unsuspecting construction worker or bystander. A struck-by accident happens when someone is hit by falling debris or a passing forklift, for example, and can cause catastrophic physical trauma. The law may allow you to pursue financial compensation for your injuries and other losses. Let an attorney from Pringle & Herigstad, P.C. guide advocate for your rights and interests.
With over 100 years of experience, the legal team at Pringle & Herigstad, P.C., has developed a reputation for providing North Dakota residents with trusted legal counsel and vigorous advocacy. We have a proven record of success, and we have secured large settlements and verdicts in accident claims. Our attorneys work tirelessly to provide clients with high-quality legal representation and customer services and give them peace of mind during an overwhelming and stressful time.
When you’ve gotten hurt at a construction site in a struck-by accident, you may have the right to seek financial compensation for your injuries and losses. Contact Pringle & Herigstad, P.C., today for a free case review. You can talk to a construction accident attorney about your options for securing the resources you need as you heal from life-altering injuries.
Common Types of Struck-By Accidents
Some of the most common types of struck-by accidents that can occur at construction sites include:
- Flying objects: Construction sites may have flying debris as workers cut or shape building materials or conduct demolition. Pieces may fly off a tool or piece of equipment. Finally, if improperly discharged, nail guns or other pneumatic tools can send dangerous objects flying at high speeds.
- Falling objects: Materials, tools, equipment, or other objects can fall from elevation and strike a person below, such as when objects get thrown or knocked off scaffolding or roofs or through an opening in the floor.
- Swinging objects: Cranes and other construction equipment have swinging components that can accidentally strike people.
- Rolling objects: Materials, equipment, or wheeled vehicles may roll, slide, or move along the ground and strike a worker.
Injuries Caused by Struck-By Accidents
Struck-by accidents at construction sites can cause injuries of varying severity. Some of the most common examples of injuries that occur in struck-by accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Facial injuries
- Dislocated joints
- Ligament sprains or tears
- Muscle/tendon strains or tears
- Broken bones
- Permanent nerve damage
- Herniated spinal disc injuries
- Internal organ injuries and bleeding
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Traumatic amputation or limb loss
Injuries caused by struck-by accidents can leave accident victims with long-term complications, such as permanent scarring, chronic pain, paralysis, or physical disabilities.
Options for Financial Compensation After a Struck-By Accident
After a struck-by accident at a construction site, you may have several options for pursuing money for your injuries and losses. Construction workers and other employees who get hurt in a work-related struck-by accident may have the right to obtain workers’ compensation benefits, including:
- Medical benefits: Workers’ compensation can pay for all reasonable and necessary medical treatment for work-related injuries, prescriptions, and durable medical equipment purchases.
- Personal expenses reimbursement: Workers can request reimbursement for mileage, meals, and other out-of-pocket expenses incurred for travel to eligible medical appointments and procedures.
- Wage loss benefits: Workers’ compensation partially reimburses an injured worker’s lost wages from missed work or reduced earnings in a part-time or light-duty position due to medical restrictions.
- Permanent partial impairment benefits: When a worker suffers a permanent loss of function in a body part after reaching maximum medical improvement, they may receive financial compensation for that permanent disability.
- Return to work services: Workers’ compensation offers injured workers various services to help them return to work, including a different form of employment.
What Should You Do After a Struck-By Accident?
Taking prompt action after getting hurt in a struck-by accident on a construction site can help you preserve your options for seeking compensation for your injuries. Steps you should take following a struck-by accident include:
- Report the accident to your employer if you get injured at work.
- Seek immediate medical attention to diagnose your injuries.
- Follow your physician’s treatment plan and recovery instructions.
- Request copies of medical records of your treatment and rehabilitation.
- Gather copies of your pre-accident pay stubs to calculate lost income if you miss time from work or need to take a lower-paying part-time or light-duty role.
Finally, contact an attorney from Pringle & Herigstad, P.C., as soon as possible after the accident. Our firm will quickly get to work seeking the financial recovery you need and deserve by investigating the accident to recover compensation, identifying liable parties, evaluating potential avenues for pursuing financial relief, documenting your injuries and losses, and vigorously pursuing the best possible outcome in your case, even if that means fighting for you in court and at trial.
How Long Do You Have to File an Injury Claim for a Struck-By Accident?
Depending on the circumstances of a struck-by accident, various deadlines may apply to your injury claims. When a struck-by accident occurs on the job, North Dakota’s workers’ compensation laws require an injured worker to notify their employer as soon as possible, typically within seven days of the accident. A worker has one year to file a formal workers’ compensation claim to demand benefits.
When a victim of a struck-by accident has a personal injury claim against the party or parties responsible, North Dakota’s statute of limitations requires the injured person to file a lawsuit within six years of the accident.
You can best protect your legal rights to seek compensation by talking to an attorney from Pringle & Herigstad, P.C., as soon as possible to get help filing your injury claims on time.
Contact Our Struck-By Accident Attorneys in Minot & Grand Forks
After suffering catastrophic injuries in a struck-by accident on a construction site, get the legal help you need to pursue your rights to financial recovery. Contact Pringle & Herigstad, P.C., today for a free, no-obligation consultation with a struck-by accident lawyer to discuss how our firm can help you seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, or permanent disabilities.
Pringle & Herigstad, P.C. is committed to supporting individuals in North Dakota, including Grand Forks and Minot, as well as the surrounding areas. Our dedicated team is here to provide legal assistance and guidance to those facing the complex challenges that arise from these incidents.
