How To Properly Report an Accident: A Step-by-Step Guide to Reporting a Construction Accident
Every step you take matters after a construction accident. Following a clear reporting process creates evidence that ties your injuries to the job and prevents the insurer from disputing what happened.
First, check yourself for injuries. If your injuries are severe or life-threatening, call 911 and go to the hospital. Otherwise, try to stay on the scene and follow these steps.
Notify Your Supervisor or Site Manager Immediately
Tell your supervisor or site manager what happened as soon as possible. Giving immediate notice directly links your injury to your job duties and avoids disputes about whether it was work-related.
Regulations under the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA, require employers to record certain work injuries and report severe cases to OSHA; your prompt report helps your employer meet those obligations and initiate an internal investigation.
File an Official Workplace Accident Report
After notifying your supervisor, complete an official workplace accident report. This document can become the foundation of your claim, recording key details such as the time, place, and circumstances of the accident.
A strong report will show what happened, who was involved, and what injuries you sustained. Be sure to file this report immediately after the accident to avoid missing state deadlines. Keep in mind that a report is not the same thing as filing a claim—that step comes later.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention and Document Your Injuries
Always seek medical attention after a construction accident, even if you feel fine. Some injuries, such as concussions or soft tissue damage, may not show symptoms immediately but can worsen quickly without treatment. Medical records from your visit also create a documented link between the accident and your condition.
Collect Evidence From the Scene
Evidence from the scene helps prove how and why the accident occurred. Without it, your claim may rely solely on your word against the employer’s. Here’s how we recommend you gather evidence to strengthen your case:
- Write down the date, time, and location of the accident.
- Take photos and videos of the accident site.
- Document any tools or machinery involved.
- Photograph any visible injuries.
- Get witnesses’ names and contact information, followed by a short statement.
- Find out if any security or job site cameras might have captured the incident.
- Note whether your employer ignored any safety protocols.
Keep Detailed Records of All Communications and Reports
Keep all medical records, accident reports, emails, and voicemails in one place. These records demonstrate that you took the right steps at the right time. They help your attorney build a clear timeline and push back against attempts to deny or reduce your compensation.
Who Should I Report a Construction Accident To?
You must report the accident to your employer. Your employer must notify OSHA in certain cases. However, you can also take matters into your own hands if necessary.
Reporting an Accident to Your Employer vs. OSHA
OSHA regulations require a report from an employer if an accident leads to death, hospitalization, amputation, or loss of an eye. Employers must report fatalities within 8 hours and all other serious injuries within 24 hours.
If your employer ignores this duty, you can report the incident directly to OSHA yourself. To do this, you can call your local OSHA office, call the OSHA 24-hour hotline at 1-800-321-6742, or file a report online.
When Should I Report a Construction Accident?
The best time to report a construction accident is right away. Fast reporting documents the date, time, and circumstances of the incident while the details are still clear.
Prompt action also allows you to get medical treatment that proves the accident’s link to the injury. A late report can cast doubt on whether the injury was work-related.
Waiting too long can result in significantly reduced compensation. Connecticut law allows Administrative Law Judges to reduce your benefits if a delayed report adversely impacts your employer.
What Are the Deadlines for Reporting a Construction Injury in Connecticut?
Connecticut has no specific reporting deadline. Rather, the law requires injured workers to report their injury “as early as possible.”
You must file a construction injury claim within one year of the accident to qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. You generally start your claim by filing Form 30C (or Form 30D for dependent claims). If your injury stems from an occupational disease or repetitive condition, you have three years from when symptoms first appeared to file.
What Are Some Common Mistakes to Avoid When Reporting a Construction Accident?
Many workers unintentionally weaken their claims by making errors during the reporting process. Some of the most common mistakes include:
- Waiting too long to report the accident
- Admitting fault in your report
- Speculating about what happened instead of sticking to factual details
- Failing to keep a copy of the report for your records
- Failing to get medical attention
- Not following up on medical treatment
- Giving incomplete or inaccurate information
- Talking to insurance companies without legal advice
Why Should I Hire a Construction Accident Lawyer?
Hiring a Connecticut workers’ compensation attorney protects your rights from the start. A skilled attorney can ensure you take all necessary steps for a valid claim. Quality legal representation often makes the difference between a denied claim and a fair settlement that accounts for both your past and future needs.
A Construction Accident Attorney Can Investigate Safety Violations and Liability
An attorney can investigate how and why your construction injury occurred. When you turn to us, we’ll review site conditions, equipment, and procedures to determine whether your employer or another party negligently violated safety standards. Connecting these findings to your injuries allows us to identify the liable parties and strengthen your claim for maximum compensation.
A Construction Accident Lawyer Will Negotiate With Insurance and Employers
Insurance companies often push for quick, low settlements. Our Connecticut personal injury lawyers push back by negotiating on your behalf for fair compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. We’ll also fight for a settlement amount that reflects your future medical needs and the injury’s long-term impact on your ability to work.
Why Choose Kennedy, Johnson, Schwab & Roberge, P.C., for Your Construction Accident Claim
We have represented the injured in Connecticut for over 35 years. Choosing us means working with a law firm known for securing significant financial recoveries. Our experience and track record give you a strong advantage in pursuing maximum compensation.
Kennedy, Johnson, Schwab & Roberge, P.C., Has Decades of Experience in Connecticut Construction Injury Law
Our personal injury advocates combine decades of experience with a personal approach that clients value when facing a construction accident injury. The testimonials we’ve received speak volumes to the level of dedication and integrity we provide to every case. Other attorneys often refer clients to our firm because they trust that we have the right skill set for the case.
Our reputation has earned us statewide recognition. Recently, we were ranked among the 2025 best law firms in New Haven, Connecticut. We also received recognition in the 31st edition of The Best Lawyers in America.
Our Proven Track Record of High-Value Settlements
Seeking the maximum compensation available for your damages requires help from an experienced construction accident law firm. Our team provides attentive, empathetic representation and secures meaningful results in high-stakes construction accident cases, including these:
$8.75M
Wrongful death as a result of Workplace Accident
Workplace Injuries
$4M
Death of a Construction Worker Killed in an Industrial Accident
Construction Accidents
$2M
Death of a 38 year old male, involving workers’ compensation claim and negligence of elderly driver.
Workplace Injuries
Contact Our Experienced Construction Accident Attorneys Today at Kennedy, Johnson, Schwab & Roberge, P.C.
If you or a loved one was injured in a construction accident, our team is ready to help you understand your legal options and start moving forward. We represent clients at no out-of-pocket cost and have offices conveniently located in New Haven, Norwalk, and West Hartford. Call us at 203-865-8430 or complete our online contact form for a free consultation to discuss your case and potential compensation.
Common FAQs on How To Report a Construction Accident
You likely have many questions after a serious construction accident. Here are our answers to common questions from people in your situation.
When Should I Hire a Construction Accident Attorney?
We recommend contacting a lawyer as soon as possible after the accident, ideally before speaking with the insurance company. Quick action allows us to preserve key evidence that may fade with time and protect you from doing something that may harm your case.
How Much Does a Construction Accident Lawyer Cost?
Our firm works on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing up front for our services. Our fee is a percentage of your total award, so we only get paid if we recover compensation for you.
How Much Is My Construction Accident Settlement Worth?
Every case is different. Your settlement will depend on the severity of your injuries, how much time you miss from work, your future medical needs, and who is liable for the accident. Our attorneys can help you understand what your claim may be worth.
Can I File a Personal Injury Claim for a Construction Accident If I Receive Workers’ Compensation?
In some cases, yes. If someone other than your employer contributed to the accident through negligence, you may have the right to file a third-party personal injury claim in addition to your workers’ comp benefits.
Who Can Be Liable in a Construction Accident Case?
Workers’ compensation law prevents you from suing your employer or coworker for a construction accident, even if their negligence caused your injury. Third parties that may be liable include contractors, subcontractors, property owners, or equipment manufacturers.
How Long Do Construction Accident Lawsuits Take?
It depends. Some cases settle in a few months, while others may take a year or more.