What to Do After a Construction Accident at Work
Posted on June 12, 2025 writen by Jane Paulson in Construction Accidents
Portland’s busy construction sites are constantly in motion, with workers operating at high stakes around powerful tools and towering structures. Scaffolding failures, falling objects, and heavy equipment accidents can turn a routine day into a medical emergency.
Knowing what to do after a construction accident at work isn’t just helpful, it’s vital. It can influence everything from your recovery timeline to the outcome of your claim and the stability of your future. At Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys PC, our experienced Portland Construction Accident Lawyer is committed to helping injured workers make sense of a confusing and often stressful time.
Call Us (503) 226-6361 Prioritize Safety and Seek Immediate Medical Attention
The first priority after any construction site accident is safety. Get to a secure location away from active hazards, like falling debris or malfunctioning equipment. Once you’re safe, assess your injuries. Even if the injury feels minor, take it seriously. Some conditions, like concussions or internal trauma, might not show symptoms right away.
If emergency services are needed, call 911. Otherwise, visit a nearby clinic or hospital. Prompt medical care doesn’t just help you recover faster; it also creates vital documentation that may support your claim later. If you’re uncertain what to do after a construction accident at work, starting with immediate medical care is always a solid first move.
Document the Accident Scene
Before anything is moved or altered, take photos or videos of the accident site. Capture as many angles as possible—what caused the injury, the surrounding area, any safety gear (or lack of it), and any equipment involved.
Collect names and contact information of coworkers or bystanders who saw what happened. Their statements can provide critical context if there are disputes about what caused the injury or how it occurred.
Make personal notes about what happened. Time, date, weather conditions, and specific tasks being performed.
Get a Medical Evaluation
After the initial treatment, schedule a comprehensive medical evaluation without delay. Choose a provider familiar with occupational injuries when possible. Be clear with them that this injury occurred at work.
Explain the full extent of your symptoms, even if they seem unrelated. A sprained wrist today could signal a deeper musculoskeletal issue tomorrow. Having everything documented builds a consistent medical history that supports your workers’ compensation claim.
Notify Your Employer and File a Report
Under Oregon law, you’re required to notify your employer as soon as possible about your work injury.
Start by filling out Form 801, the Report of Job Injury or Illness, and give it to your employer. They must forward this to their workers’ compensation insurance carrier within five days.
If you visit a doctor, let them know it was a workplace injury. They should help you complete Form 827, the Worker’s and Health Care Provider’s Report. This gets sent to the insurer within 72 hours and helps initiate your claim.
Important notes:
- Your employer is not permitted to directly cover your medical expenses.
- You should not be billed directly.
- The insurer has up to 60 days to accept or deny your claim. They must notify you in writing.
- If your claim is denied, you’ll receive a letter explaining the reason and outlining your right to appeal.
You can always ask your employer for the name of their insurance carrier to confirm coverage.
Understand Your Legal Rights After a Construction Accident
Understanding your legal rights after a construction accident is critical. Oregon law provides several layers of protection for injured workers, but those rights are most effective when exercised quickly and strategically.
According to a guide from Stony Brook University, reporting a construction site accident immediately, informing a supervisor, and seeking medical attention right away are critical first steps. Gathering witness accounts and exploring support resources can further protect your legal rights and strengthen your claim.
Once the accident has been reported, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation, which includes medical coverage, wage replacement, and rehabilitation services. However, those benefits may not fully account for the long-term impact of your injuries. That’s why it’s important to consider whether a third-party liability claim is possible, particularly if unsafe equipment, a subcontractor’s error, or a lack of site safety measures contributed to the incident. In these cases, understanding how a construction injury lawyer can help can make the difference between partial coverage and full accountability.
Contact a Portland Construction Accident Lawyer
At Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys PC, we understand the pressure injured construction workers face and how quickly insurance companies move to limit liability. Our team is ready to advocate for your rights from the very beginning, ensuring you have strong support throughout the claims process.
When you’re unsure what to do after a construction accident at work, taking the right legal steps makes all the difference. Contact us at 503-226-6361 and let’s talk about your next steps.
Paulson Coletti
Trial Attorneys PC
At Paulson Coletti, justice is our mission. As experienced trial attorneys, we fight for injury victims across Oregon and Washington, holding negligent parties accountable. With a proven track record in and out of the courtroom, we are dedicated to securing fair compensation for our clients. We take a client-centered approach, focusing on cases we believe in and delivering results that matter. No fees unless we win—because justice should never come with financial risk.