Construction Accidents

Construction work is not only physically strenuous, it is also very dangerous. Construction injuries rate third in the country for work-related deaths. Sadly, 5 out of 100,000 construction workers will die in a work-related accident. Construction sites in and of themselves can be dangerous. While the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) established strict rules and regulations to ensure the safety of construction workers, these regulations are not always followed. As a result victims suffer serious injuries such as a brain injury, neck injury, back injury, head injury, or even paralysis. If you have suffered a serious injury in a construction accident such as a scaffolding accident, contact an experienced New York Construction Accident Lawyer who will work closely with you to make sure you receive the compensation to which you are entitled.Common causes for construction site accidents

While there are many reasons that accidents occur at construction sites, some of the common types of construction accidents include:

• Scaffolding accidents
• Slip and fall accidents
• Crane accidents
• Falling debris
• Trench collapse
• Fire and explosions

An injury from these accidents can be severe and can result in permanent disability, preventing the victim from ever being able to return to employment. Under New York Labor Law §§ 200, 240, and 241, employers must ensure that workers use proper safety equipment and are protected from falls and falling objects. If an employer fails to follow safety requirements, then the employer may be legally liable if the employee is injured. However, liability may not be limited to employers. Depending on the circumstances surrounding the accident, other parties may be wholly or partly responsible including property owners, general contractors, project managers, subcontractors, and equipment manufacturers.

Common Construction Site Injuries

Construction accidents can cause devastating injuries and even death. Injuries commonly seen at construction sites include:

• Burns
• Amputation
• Electronic
• Cuts and abrasions
• Eye Injuries
• Spinal cord and back injuries
• Paralysis
• Broken bones
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Toxic exposure

Damages

Depending on the facts of your case, if you are hurt in a construction site accident due to another person’s negligence you may be entitled a number of types of compensation.

• Medical Bills: Construction accidents can cause devastating injuries the cost of which can well exceed insurance limits. The individual may be able to file a claim to cover expenses for medical treatment, surgeries, medicine and future doctor visits and care.
• Loss of Income: When a victim is injured, they may be unable to work for an extended period of time. Victims may be able to file a claim for loss of income as well as for loss of future earning potential caused by the injury. Loss of income includes not only loss of your paychecks. It also includes the value of sick or vacation days you had to use while recovering as well as in other type of compensation and benefits that you lost.
• Pain and Suffering: Victims may be able to file a claim for pain and suffering caused by their injury, as well as for loss of enjoyment of life. Whether you will be entitled to receive pain and suffering damages and the amount of such damages depends on the seriousness of your injuries. Injuries that leave permanent damage your pain and suffering award is likely to be greater than if you completely recover from your injuries. For example, if you receive a severe burn that leaves a scarring or if a limb is amputated, then you are likely to receive a relatively large pain and suffering award.
• Wrongful Death: If the victim’s accident was fatal, the family may have legal recourse via a wrongful death suit. The claim can include reimbursement for medical bills, pain and suffering, and loss of future income.

New York Construction Accident Lawyer

If you have been hurt at a construction site, contact our legal team. These cases are complex and it is essential to have legal guidance to obtain the compensation you deserve. You may be able to collect compensation over and above the workers compensation award. If you have been injured, it is important you speak with legal counsel from our office to ensure that your rights are protected. That staff at Law Offices of Smith & Jones is experienced in representing clients who have been injured in construction accidents, as well as in other types of accidents. Contact us at (212) 555-5555 to schedule a free, no obligation consultation regarding your case.