Michigan workers’ comp lawyer discusses fall accidents on building sites and benefits avaiable.
We have represented many people who have suffered injuries from fall accidents on construction sites. These employees frequently suffer catastrophic injuries, and some people end up paralyzed for life. Family members can also claim survivors benefits if a loved one is killed on-the-job.
Michigan construction fall accident statistics
Statistics published by The Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) show that 17 of 36 fall accidents related workplace fatalities occurred in construction from 2019-2022. The highest risk occupations include roofer, construction laborer, and carpenter. The above data certainly tracks with what our own experience shows when it comes to these types of accidents. These occupations are extremely dangerous and sometimes fatal.
What benefits are available after a construction accident fall injury?
In Michigan, if a the workers’ comp benefits injured construction workers are eligible for are unlimited medical treatment, lost wages, and vocational rehabilitation. Uninsured employers are still liable for payment!
Medical treatment without out-of-pocket expenses
Employees who suffer injuries while working on a building site get unlimited medical treatment. This includes ambulance runs, emergency room visits, hospital stays, doctor visits, physical therapy, injections, prescription medication, and surgery. These items should be fully covered without any copayments being owed.
Employees with severe injuries from construction site fall accidents like paralysis can also claim home and vehicle modifications. Attendant care should also be paid to help with activities of daily living. A family member can collect up to 56 hours per week at market rates.
Lost wages and the 80% rule.
Workers’ comp helps employees who are disabled. It pays 80% of an employee’s after-tax average weekly wage. This calculation includes money for overtime and discontinued fringe benefits. Pay continues for the entire length of disability subject to offsets for age, pensions, and Social Security retirement benefits.
Vocational rehabilitation when a person needs retraining
Employees who suffer from serious injuries may end up having permanent restrictions and need to switch careers. Workers’ comp is available to help with job search activities, retraining, and even pay for education.
What benefits are available if a loved one dies in a construction site fall accident?
Family members can seek payment of survivor’s benefits under workers’ comp. The amount paid should equal 500 weeks of lost wages plus a $6,000 burial expense. A person claiming survivor’s benefits must be considered a dependent, generally children under the age of 16 and spouses who do not work.
What if my employer doesn’t have workers’ comp insurance?
Watch out for bad employers who refuse to take responsibility for accidents and injuries on the job site. Officers and directors of a company are personally liable if they do not have workers’ comp insurance. Additionally, it is possible to collect workers’ comp benefits under the general contractor’s insurance policy.
We are here to help! Call for a free consultation and we can explain your legal rights. Do not let a bad employer or its insurance companies dispute a valid claim. There is no fee unless you win!
Injured while working on a construction site? Call our workers’ comp lawyers now!
If you or a loved one suffered an injury or death in a fall accident while on the job at a construction site in Michigan, call now or fill out our contact form for a free consultation. There is absolutely no cost or obligation. We’re here for you.
Our construction accident lawyers have been exclusively helping injured workers on building sites in Michigan for more than 40 years. Our attorneys can help you better understand laws and what happens after someone has been hurt on the job. To see what our own clients have to say about the caring, compassion, and communication they received from us, you can read in their own words about their experience here on our testimonials page from clients we have helped.
Michigan Workers’ Comp Lawyers never charges a fee to evaluate a potential case. Our law firm has represented injured and disabled workers exclusively for more than 40 years. Call (844) 316-8033 for a free consultation today.
Related information:
Michigan Workers’ Comp Settlement and Retirement: What You Need To Know