Union vs. Non-Union Construction Accidents: What’s the Difference?

Typically, union construction accidents are less severe than non-union ones. This may be due to union construction workers receiving more training and following more stringent safety protocols than their non-union counterparts. Thus, they may be better equipped than non-union workers to avoid accidents. 

Of course, if you are a union or non-union construction worker who gets hurt in an accident, seek legal help right away. A Long Island construction accident lawyer will give your case their full attention.

They can discuss the difference between union vs. non-union construction accidents with you and, if warranted, take legal action on your behalf against any liable parties. 

Union vs. Non-Union Construction Accidents in New York: What’s the Difference?

New York union construction workers may face fewer risks than non-union personnel. On top of that, a union safeguards its workers legally, so that these employees may have access to greater legal protection than non-union personnel. This means union construction employees may be less prone to accidents, injuries, and fatalities than non-union workers. 

Regardless of the difference between union and non-union construction accidents in New York, most employees are protected financially if they suffer an injury at work. Virtually all employers statewide have workers’ compensation insurance. If a union or non-union construction worker gets injured, they may be eligible for workers’ comp benefits. 

Even if workers’ compensation benefits are available, union and non-union construction workers may not get the money they need to cover all of their injury costs.

Thankfully, a Long Island work injury lawyer can assist these workers. In some cases, work injury attorneys will advise union or non-union construction workers to file a lawsuit against any parties liable for their losses.

Union vs. Non-Union Construction Accidents: Factors to Consider

Talk with a personal injury lawyer with relevant case experience if you have concerns or questions about the difference between union and non-union construction accidents and other legal topics.

If you want to move forward with a construction accident lawsuit, your attorney will provide insights into factors that can impact your case results. These factors include:

Workplace Safety

At a construction site, it is an employer’s responsibility to provide a safe work environment to union and non-union personnel alike. If you encounter unsafe work conditions and get hurt as a result, you may have grounds for a personal injury lawsuit against your employer. 

Workers’ Compensation Benefits

Both union and non-union construction personnel are eligible to file a workers’ compensation claim. Keep in mind that if you submit a claim, you may not receive the money you need for your construction accident injury costs.

Therefore, it may be beneficial to get help from a lawyer who can pursue economic and non–economic damages for you through a personal injury lawsuit. 

Retaliation

If you’re in a union, you may not have to worry about the risk of retaliation if you report a construction accident and injuries to your employer. Unfortunately, this isn’t necessarily the case for non-union construction workers. Yet, if you have a construction accident attorney on your side, your legal rights are protected continuously. 

For those who get hurt in a crane accident on a construction site or are involved in similar incidents, there’s a lot to consider. Contact a lawyer if you’re in doubt about whether you have a case for damages after a construction accident.

Your attorney will explain your legal options. If you proceed with a personal injury claim, your lawyer will represent and advocate for you. 

When Should You File a Claim After a Union or Non-Union Construction Accident?

New York has a personal injury statute of limitations of three years. This statute applies to union and non-union construction employees who want to recover damages through a personal injury lawsuit. If three years pass from the date of your construction accident, you are responsible for all associated losses. 

Don’t wait to file a workers’ compensation claim if you are injured in a construction accident. You have 30 days from the date you get hurt to notify your employer about your accident and two years to submit your claim. The workers’ comp claims process is generally the same for union and non-union construction employees.

Consult with an attorney if you’re unsure about the differences between union vs. non-union construction accidents relative to your specific circumstances.

Your lawyer is unafraid to stand up to your employer or anyone else at fault for your construction accident and injuries. They will put you in a position to receive fair compensation from any responsible parties. 

The Bottom Line on the Difference Between Union vs. Non-Union Construction Accidents

Union and non-union construction workers have legal rights. If you’re involved in a construction accident and suffer injuries, hold any liable parties accountable.

Personal injury lawyers offer legal guidance and support to union and non-union construction employees. They can help you get money you can use for your construction accident medical bills and other losses. 

Chaikin Trial Group Personal Injury Lawyers is one of Long Island’s premier personal injury law firms. We have secured more than $100 million in compensation for our clients.

If you’re a union or non-union construction worker dealing with the aftermath of an accident, we encourage you to treat your injuries while we handle your legal matters. Contact us today.