Construction accident injuries can result in long-term pain, disability, and permanent disfigurement. Construction-related injuries can exceed the expected recovery period and cause a permanent loss of function or a physical impairment.
Construction workers are often eligible for worker’s compensation benefits after a workplace accident, but these benefits only cover a worker’s income losses and injury costs.
A New York Construction Accident Attorney will carefully review your construction injury case to determine whether there is a possibility of third-party liability. Third-party claims are essentially personal injury lawsuits.
Injuries From Construction Accidents
The leading causes of injuries in construction are slips and falls, transportation accidents (forklift accidents or accidents involving trucks on construction sites), exposure to harmful substances and fumes, scaffolding accidents, poorly maintained or defective equipment, improper training, and objects or debris falling on workers. These accidents cause injuries that include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Back injuries from heavy lifting
- Limb loss
- Broken bones
- Crushed body parts
- Burns from explosions
Significance Of Legal Representation In New York Construction Accidents
In most construction-related injury cases in New York, an employee's only option is to file a workers' compensation claim to recover losses from medical bills or missed wages.
However, the monetary relief from workers' compensation cannot cover damages arising from medical expenses and the loss of a career when a worker suffers a life-altering catastrophic injury.
When construction workers suffer injuries because of the negligence of another individual or entity unrelated to their employers, injured workers may file a personal injury case against those parties.
The common situations in which an experienced construction accident lawyer can find third parties liable for construction-related accidents and injuries include:
Motor Vehicle Accidents
If you were on duty during your motor vehicle accident, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver and a workers' compensation claim with your employer.
Construction Site Accidents
Third-party liability in a construction accident arises when a third party other than the injured worker or their employer is responsible for the injuries or some of the injuries sustained by the injured worker. The most common third parties responsible for construction accidents are:
- Construction site owners
- Contractors and subcontractors
- Engineers
- Architects
- Equipment manufacturers.
- Defective Products
If a construction worker sustains an injury due to a construction accident where a faulty tool or defective equipment was the cause or one of the causes, then that worker may pursue a claim against the manufacturer of that device under the theory of product liability. Defective devices and equipment include scaffolds, lifts, ladders, safety harnesses, and other safety equipment.
Liability of property owners
Property owners can be held liable for accidents on their property, and the injured worker may pursue a claim under premise liability. The plaintiff must establish the following elements:
- The defendant owned, leased, or was in control and charge of the property
- The defendant was negligent in the maintenance of the property
- The plaintiff suffered injuries
Contact A New York Construction Accident Lawyer
An experienced construction accident lawyer will thoroughly review your construction accident case and help determine if you have a viable case against a negligent third party to help maximize your compensation. At Gregory Spektor And Associates, our personal injury lawyers have extensive knowledge and experience handling construction accident cases.
Our compassionate lawyers help New York construction workers hurt on the job receive wage loss benefits, medical expenses, and fair settlements.
If you or a loved one have suffered injuries in a construction-related accident due to the negligence of another person or entity in New York you deserve fair and just compensation for your injuries. After a construction accident, seek immediate medical attention and report your injury to your employer, then contact our New York personal injury law firm to schedule a free case evaluation.
