Because construction work is inherently dangerous, the risk of injury to workers is greater than in other industries and workplaces. However, construction workers have a right to a safe work environment. While construction injuries are usually covered under workers’ compensation laws, it may be possible to pursue a lawsuit based on negligence against site owners, contractors, subcontractors, their employees and agents for violations of applicable safety laws.
There are number of causes of construction accident including:
- Falls – from roofs, ladders scaffolding and other heights
- Falling objects – improperly secured tools, equipment and construction material can fall and strike a worker, causing head, neck, brain and spinal injuries
- Equipment accidents – workers can be injured by machinery and equipment such as forklifts, cranes, nails guns and dumpsters
- Fires and explosions – hazards arise from exposed wires, flammable materials, blow torches and leaking pipes which can lead to catastrophic injuries and fatalities
- Trench/ Building Collapses – workers can be buried, injured and killed in trench collapses or by buildings that are being constructed or demolished
- Repetitive Motion Injuries – physical labor often requires bending and lifting that can lead to muscle and joint damage
- Respiratory illnesses – as a result of exposure to dust, asbestos, and other pollutants
Construction accidents can lead to a variety of injuries and often times a qualified Construction Accident Lawyer in New York City is needed to get the maximum compensation for injuries and lost wages. For example, many injuries require fingers, toes and limbs to be amputated. In addition, broken bones and fractures are common as are shoulder, knee and ankle injuries. Workers can suffer head or brain injuries from falls or falling objects as well as spinal cord injuries or paralysis. Other common injuries include eye injuries or loss of vision, and hearing loss.
New York State Labor Law allows an injured construction worker to recover for certain types of construction accidents, even if no other workers were involved, such as falling off a ladder or scaffold, falling through an unprotected opening, or something falling onto them.
Friedman, Levy, Goldfarb, Green & Bagley, P.C. has been representing injured construction workers for more than half a century, and we invite you to speak to us about your construction accident.
