Construction Accidents

WE ARE HERE FOR YOU 24/7

Construction Accidents

In the Carolinas, the construction industry is vital to the economy, employing thousands of workers in various roles. Unfortunately, construction workers are also more likely to suffer work-related injuries and illnesses than workers in many other industries.

What's On This Page

Construction Workers Comp Claims

If you’re a construction worker in North or South Carolina who has been injured on the job, you may be wondering about your options for workers’ compensation. The workers’ compensation system is designed to help employees receive medical treatment and financial compensation for injuries and illnesses that arise as a result of their work. However, navigating the workers’ compensation process can be challenging, especially when dealing with a severe injury or illness.

That’s where a workers’ compensation lawyer can help. At The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor, we have years of experience representing construction workers in North and South Carolina who have been injured on the job. Our team of skilled attorneys is dedicated to helping injured workers obtain the compensation they deserve and ensuring their rights are protected throughout the claims process.

Contact our workers’ compensation attorneys today for a free consultation.

Workers' Compensation For Construction Workers in North and South Carolina

Construction Injuries

Construction work is considered one of the most dangerous occupations in the United States, with a high risk of workplace injuries and fatalities. In 2020, According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there were 1,066 fatal occupational injuries in the construction industry. The leading causes of these injuries were falls, struck-by-object incidents, electrocutions, and caught-in-between incidents.

Additionally, the incidence rate of non-fatal occupational injuries and illnesses in the construction industry was 2.5 cases per 100 full-time workers in 2020, which was higher than the overall rate for all private industries. Construction workers must have access to effective safety measures and their employers must maintain workers’ compensation coverage to protect their rights and provide the necessary support if they suffer injuries on the job.

Common Accidents and Injuries Due To Construction Work

Construction workers are at risk of a range of accidents and injuries, including those caused by:

– Falls due to unsafe ladders or scaffolding;

– Cuts and lacerations from sharp objects or machinery;

– Burns due to contact with hazardous materials or electrical shock;

– Repetitive motion conditions;

– Exposure to toxic substances or loud noises; and

– Injuries due to heavy lifting, carrying, or operating machinery.

These injuries can impact the worker’s ability to provide for their family and cover their medical costs. Fortunately, injured workers in North and South Carolina may receive medical benefits and two-thirds of their lost wages through the States’ workers’ compensation programs.

Employers’ Duty to Keep Workers Safe

North and South Carolina employers have a duty to provide their employees with a safe working environment, including safety equipment and training on the proper use of dangerous tools or machinery. Unfortunately, accidents still happen.  

Workers Compensation Insurance Requirements for Employers

North and South Carolina both have workers’ compensation insurance requirements for employers. Employers with three or more employees in North Carolina, and four or more employees in South Carolina must carry workers’ compensation insurance, which provides medical benefits, indemnity benefits (lost wages), and other costs related to an employee’s injury or illness during their employment. An employer that fails to obtain and maintain a valid workers’ comp insurance policy may be held personally liable for any medical costs and other damages related to the employee’s injury or illness.

If you are an employer with three or more employees, you should maintain  workers’ compensation coverage. A workers’ comp policy will help protect you from liability in the event of an employee’s injury or illness and ensure employees will be appropriately cared for.

What Workers’ Compensation Benefits Are You Entitled To Under Workers Comp Laws?

Under workers’ compensation laws, injured construction workers in North and South Carolina are entitled to certain workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits can include the following:

Medical Treatment Costs

Injured construction workers may be entitled to coverage of all reasonable and necessary medical expenses related to their injury or illness. This includes emergency care, doctor visits, hospital bills, physical therapy sessions, prescription medications, and more.

Lost Wages

Workers who cannot return to work due to an on-the-job injury may be entitled to temporaty total disability during the period they are out of work. The amount paid will depend on the worker’s average weekly wage before the accident or illness.  If they are able to return to work but their wages are reduced due to any restrictions provided by their  doctor, they may be entitled to temporary partial disability.  

Compensation for Permanent Impairment

For those with a permanent impairment caused by an on-the-job accident or illness, the rating assigned by your doctor entitles you to a lump sum payment.  Both North and South Carolina apply the rating provided by your doctor to their respective “rating schedule.”  This, in conjunction with your pre-injury average weekly wage will be the basis for the payment of any permanent impairment.

Death Benefits

Suppose a construction worker dies due to an on-the-job accident or illness. In that case, death benefits may be available to the surviving family members. This may include funeral expenses and financial support for dependents of the deceased.

How Long Do You Have to Start a Workers’ Comp Claim in North and South Carolina?

If you were injured while on the job in North or South Carolina, acting quickly is essential. Under state law, you must report your injury to your employer and file a workers’ compensation claim within two years of the date of injury. If you fail to do so, you may be denied benefits.

What to Do if You are Hurt at Work on a Construction Site

If you are injured while at a construction site in North or South Carolina, take the following steps as soon as possible:

  1. Report your injury to your employer and seek medical attention for your injuries.
  2. If you are able, take pictures of where the accident occurred..
  3. Contact a qualified workers’ compensation attorney to help you with your claim.

With the assistance of a knowledgeable lawyer, you can understand your rights and ensure that your employer is held responsible for the injuries you sustained on the job site. A lawyer will also be able to assist you in navigating the States’ workers’ compensation system and ensure that you receive the benefits that you are entitled to.

By taking these steps, injured construction workers in North and South Carolina can be sure they get the compensation they deserve and help prevent future accidents on the job. Understanding your rights and responsibilities in a work-related injury can protect yourself, your family, and your coworkers from dangerous worksite conditions.

Can You Lose Your Job For Filing a Workers’ Comp Claim?

No. It is against the law for an employer to fire you or otherwise discriminate against you for filing a workers’ compensation claim in North and South Carolina. If your employer takes action against you because of your injury, they can be held liable under state law. Your employer may also be subject to fines from the Workers’ Compensation Commission if they fail to comply with the law.

Should You Get a Lawyer If You Were Hurt On the Job?

If you were hurt on the job in North or South Carolina, we strongly recommend contacting a qualified workers’ compensation attorney. A lawyer can help you with the following:

– Filing your claim promptly

– Gathering evidence to support your case

– Negotiating with insurers and employers for maximum benefits

– Representing you at hearings and appeals

– Provide support and guidance through the claims process

In addition, an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer can ensure that you receive all the benefits you are entitled to under state law. Our worker’s compensation lawyers know the law. They can help you fight for your rights if you are unfairly denied benefits. With our experienced legal assistance, injured construction workers in North and South Carolina maximize their chances of receiving the compensation they deserve.

Injured on the Job? Let Our North & South Carolina Work Injury Attorneys Fight for You

At The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor, we understand how difficult it can be to deal with a workplace injury. Our North and South Carolina attorneys are dedicated to helping injured workers get the compensation they deserve. We will fight for you every step of the way and make sure your rights are protected. Call us today for a free case evaluation.

Contact our Personal Injury Attorneys

Contact us today to speak with one of our Charlotte, Hickory, Greenville, Rock Hill, or Columbia attorneys.

120 3rd St NE
Hickory, NC 28601

Phone: (828) 327-9004
Toll Free: (800) 351-3008

130 Church St NE
Concord, NC 28025

Phone: (704) 787-9419
Toll Free: (800) 351-3008

301 S McDowell St #1016
Charlotte, NC 28204

Phone: (704) 676-1093
Toll Free: (800) 351-3008

1348 Ebenezer Rd #103
Rock Hill, SC 29732

Phone: (803) 980-5300
Toll Free: (800) 351-3008

Share via:
LEgally Reviewed by:
Picture of Jason E. Taylor
Jason E. Taylor

Reviewed as of 2025

Construction Accidents
Contact Us Today

Free Consultation
Call one of our Operators 24/7
(800) 351-3008

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

By entering your phone number, you agree to receive text messages and updates via SMS. Message and data rates may apply.

Testimonials
Watch Our New Commerical
Our Practice Areas
Contact Us Today

Free Consultation
Call one of our Operators 24/7
(800) 351-3008

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
News From Our Blog

Notice of Data Security Event
Updated March 28, 2025

The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor is providing notice of an event that may affect certain individuals’ information. Although we have no indication of identity theft or fraud in relation to this event, we are providing information about the event, our response, and additional measures individuals can take to help protect their information, should they feel it appropriate to do so.

What Happened? On October 28, 2024, The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor identified suspicious activity related to our email system. We quickly took steps to investigate and determined that an unknown actor may have accessed certain emails within our email system between August 7 and November 7, 2024. We then conducted a comprehensive review of the potentially affected emails and attachments to determine what information was contained therein and to whom the information related, which was completed on February 25, 2025. Unfortunately, we were unable to verify the addresses of certain affected individuals, so we are providing this notice to ensure potentially affected individuals receive information about the event.

What Information Was Involved? The information affected may include individuals’ Social Security number, driver’s license and state ID information, financial account number, and health information.

What We Are Doing. We are notifying individuals about this matter and providing guidance about free resources that are available to assist with monitoring relevant accounts, credit reports, and how to place a fraud alert or security freeze on one’s credit file. Further, as with our typical security practices, we will continue to evaluate our policies, procedures, staff training, and technical security measures to reduce the likelihood of an event like this reoccurring.

What Individuals Can Do. We encourage you to remain vigilant against incidents of identity theft and fraud by reviewing your account statements and monitoring your free credit reports for suspicious activity and to detect errors. We also recommend you review the below “Steps Individuals Can Take To Help Protect Personal Information”.

For More Information. If individuals have questions about this matter, we have a dedicated assistance line with agents ready to answer their questions. Please contact our toll-free dedicated assistance line at 1-800-939-4170, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. through 9 p.m., excluding holidays. You may also write to us at The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor, Attn: Compliance, P.O. Box 2688, Hickory, NC 28603.

Sincerely,

The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor

STEPS INDIVIDUALS CAN TAKE TO HELP PROTECT PERSONAL INFORMATION

Monitor Your Accounts

Under U.S. law, a consumer is entitled to one free credit report annually from each of the three major credit reporting bureaus, Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. To order a free credit report, visit www.annualcreditreport.com or call, toll-free, 1-877-322-8228. Consumers may also directly contact the three major credit reporting bureaus listed below to request a free copy of their credit report.

Consumers have the right to place an initial or extended “fraud alert” on a credit file at no cost. An initial fraud alert is a 1-year alert that is placed on a consumer’s credit file. Upon seeing a fraud alert display on a consumer’s credit file, a business is required to take steps to verify the consumer’s identity before extending new credit. If consumers are the victim of identity theft, they are entitled to an extended fraud alert, which is a fraud alert lasting seven years. Should consumers wish to place a fraud alert, please contact any of the three major credit reporting bureaus listed below.

As an alternative to a fraud alert, consumers have the right to place a “credit freeze” on a credit report, which will prohibit a credit bureau from releasing information in the credit report without the consumer’s express authorization. The credit freeze is designed to prevent credit, loans, and services from being approved in a consumer’s name without consent. However, consumers should be aware that using a credit freeze to take control over who gets access to the personal and financial information in their credit report may delay, interfere with, or prohibit the timely approval of any subsequent request or application they make regarding a new loan, credit, mortgage, or any other account involving the extension of credit. Pursuant to federal law, consumers cannot be charged to place or lift a credit freeze on their credit report. To request a credit freeze, individuals may need to provide some or all of the following information:

1. Full name (including middle initial as well as Jr., Sr., II, III, etc.);
2. Social Security number;
3. Date of birth;
4. Addresses for the prior two to five years;
5. Proof of current address, such as a current utility bill or telephone bill;
6. A legible photocopy of a government-issued identification card (state driver’s license or ID card, etc.); and
7. A copy of either the police report, investigative report, or complaint to a law enforcement agency concerning identity theft if they are a victim of identity theft.

Should consumers wish to place a credit freeze or fraud alert, please contact the three major credit reporting bureaus listed below:

Equifax Experian TransUnion
https://www.equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services/ https://www.experian.com/help/

https://www.transunion.com/credit-help
1-888-298-0045 1-888-397-3742 1-800-916-8800
Equifax Fraud Alert, P.O. Box 105069 Atlanta, GA 30348-5069 Experian Fraud Alert, P.O. Box 9554, Allen, TX 75013 TransUnion Fraud Alert, P.O. Box 2000, Chester, PA 19016
Equifax Credit Freeze, P.O. Box 105788 Atlanta, GA 30348-5788 Experian Credit Freeze, P.O. Box 9554, Allen, TX 75013 TransUnion Credit Freeze, P.O. Box 160, Woodlyn, PA 19094

Additional Information

Consumers may further educate themselves regarding identity theft, fraud alerts, credit freezes, and the steps they can take to protect their personal information by contacting the consumer reporting bureaus, the Federal Trade Commission, or their state attorney general. The Federal Trade Commission may be reached at: 600 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20580; www.identitytheft.gov; 1-877-ID-THEFT (1-877-438-4338); and TTY: 1-866-653-4261. The Federal Trade Commission also encourages those who discover that their information has been misused to file a complaint with them. Consumers can obtain further information on how to file such a complaint by way of the contact information listed above. Consumers have the right to file a police report if they ever experience identity theft or fraud. Please note that in order to file a report with law enforcement for identity theft, consumers will likely need to provide some proof that they have been a victim. Instances of known or suspected identity theft should also be reported to law enforcement and the relevant state attorney general. This notice has not been delayed by law enforcement.

For District of Columbia residents, the District of Columbia Attorney General may be contacted at: 400 6th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001; 1-202-442-9828; and oag.dc.gov.

For Maryland residents, the Maryland Attorney General may be contacted at: 200 St. Paul Place, 16th Floor, Baltimore, MD 21202; 1-410-576-6300 or 1-888-743-0023; and https://www.marylandattorneygeneral.gov/.

For New Mexico residents, consumers have rights pursuant to the Fair Credit Reporting Act, such as the right to be told if information in their credit file has been used against them, the right to know what is in their credit file, the right to ask for their credit score, and the right to dispute incomplete or inaccurate information. Further, pursuant to the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the consumer reporting bureaus must correct or delete inaccurate, incomplete, or unverifiable information; consumer reporting agencies may not report outdated negative information; access to consumers’ files is limited; consumers must give consent for credit reports to be provided to employers; consumers may limit “prescreened” offers of credit and insurance based on information in their credit report; and consumers may seek damages from violators. Consumers may have additional rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act not summarized here. Identity theft victims and active-duty military personnel have specific additional rights pursuant to the Fair Credit Reporting Act. We encourage consumers to review their rights pursuant to the Fair Credit Reporting Act by visiting www.consumerfinance.gov/f/201504_cfpb_summary_your-rights-under-fcra.pdf, or by writing Consumer Response Center, Room 130-A, Federal Trade Commission, 600 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20580.

For New York residents, the New York Attorney General may be contacted at: Office of the Attorney General, The Capitol, Albany, NY 12224-0341; 1-800-771-7755; or https://ag.ny.gov.

For North Carolina residents, the North Carolina Attorney General may be contacted at: 9001 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-9001; 1-877-566-7226 or 1-919-716-6000; and www.ncdoj.gov.

For Rhode Island residents, the Rhode Island Attorney General may be reached at: 150 South Main Street, Providence, RI 02903; 1-401-274-4400; and www.riag.ri.gov. Under Rhode Island law, individuals have the right to obtain any police report filed in regard to this event.
STEPS INDIVIDUALS CAN TAKE TO HELP PROTECT A MINOR DEPENDENT’S PERSONAL INFORMATION

Typically, credit reporting agencies do not have a credit report in a minor’s name. To find out if a minor has a credit report or to request a manual search for a minor’s Social Security number each credit bureau has its own process. To learn more about these processes or request these services, consumers may contact the credit bureaus by phone, writing, or online:
Equifax Experian TransUnion
https://www.equifax.com/personal/help/article-list/-/h/a/request-child-credit-report/
https://www.experian.com/help/minor-request.html
https://www.transunion.com/fraud-victim-resources/child-identity-theft

1-800-685-1111 1-888-397-3742 1-800-916-8800
P.O. Box 105788
Atlanta, GA 30348-5788 P.O. Box 9554
Allen, TX 75013 P.O. Box 2000
Chester, PA 19016

To request information about the existence of a credit file in a minor’s name, search for a minor’s Social Security number, place a security freeze or fraud alert on a minor’s credit report (if one exists), or request a copy of a minor’s credit report consumers may be required to provide the following information:
● A copy of their driver’s license or another government issued identification card, such as a state identification card, etc.;
● Proof of address, such as a copy of a bank statement, utility bill, insurance statement, etc.;
● A copy of the minor’s birth certificate;
● A copy of the minor’s Social Security card;
● The minor’s full name, including middle initial and generation, such as JR, SR, II, III, etc.;
● The minor’s date of birth; and
● The minor’s previous addresses for the past two years.

Join our newsletter and get 20% discount
Promotion nulla vitae elit libero a pharetra augue