Workers’ compensation claims for construction workers

by | Jun 26, 2023 | Workers' Compensation

Construction work continues to rank high in the category of dangerous jobs. Only transportation and warehousing rank higher in categories for severe injuries and on-the-job fatalities. The National Safety Council found that the industry unfortunately accounted for the most number of deaths since 2012.

Steps to take following an on-the-job accident

As with any industry, injuries or illnesses suffered while working qualify you for worker’s compensation benefits. While your employer and their insurance carrier must take specific steps post-accident, you also have certain responsibilities, starting with reporting the accident within two years. More serious injuries necessitate immediate notification.

Other requirements include:

  • Following a traumatic accident, you should immediately report the event to your supervisor/foreman; time is of the essence, regardless of the injury’s severity or whether it requires medical attention
  • An on-site accident, particularly in the construction industry, mandates immediate medical care, including first aid, scheduling a doctor appointment, or going immediately to an emergency room
  • Maintain all relevant medical and payment records.
  • For occupational exposure injuries (someone’s job duties over time), report a potential injury as soon as you or your doctor believe your job duties played a role in your medical condition.

The responsibility of your employer

Once you have taken all the necessary steps, your employer must notify their insurance carrier or claims administrator about a pending claim. A report is then submitted to the Wisconsin Worker’s Compensation Division from there.

Upon establishment of your claim, your care (for a traumatic injury) should stay open for six years from the day of the injuries or the final payment, whichever is later. Other types of claims are “open” for longer periods; for occupational exposure injuries, the statute of limitations is 12 years.

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