Yes, you need a lawyer after a construction site injury in NY. If you were recently hurt, call a Long Island construction accident lawyer to explain the details of your situation with someone who understands New York laws.
From there, your lawyer can review the circumstances of the incident, explain your legal rights, and help you figure out which steps you should take moving forward. A lawyer can provide you with peace of mind and remind you that you don’t have to handle this on your own.
How Construction Site Injuries Commonly Happen
Construction sites are home to controlled chaos, but no matter how many precautions are in place, injuries can still occur in countless ways. These are examples of situations that often cause people to get hurt on construction sites:
- Falls from height: Scaffolding, ladders, and incomplete structures can fall, hurting anyone below.
- Equipment accidents: Cranes, forklifts, and power tools are known to malfunction. Someone might accidentally operate them unsafely as well.
- Tripping hazards: If people come across loose materials, debris, or uneven surfaces, they could fall and sustain injuries.
- Electrocution: Exposed wiring, faulty tools, or inadequate safety measures create high-voltage dangers.
- Struck-by incidents: Falling objects, moving vehicles, and swinging machinery endanger workers.
Case Today (212) 977-2020
What to Know About Workers’ Compensation in New York Construction Site Injury Cases
New York’s workers’ compensation system covers employees injured on the job. Compensation typically includes medical expenses, a portion of lost wages, and rehabilitation costs.
The system is designed to provide prompt support, but workers’ comp rarely covers non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, or long-term disability. Knowing the limits of this system helps injured workers identify whether additional claims are appropriate.
At Chaikin Trial Group Injury Lawyers, we don’t handle workers’ compensation, but we can assist you with a third-party lawsuit if somebody other than your employer is liable.
The Possibility of Third Parties Being Involved
Construction sites often involve multiple layers of responsibility. As a result, contractors, subcontractors, equipment manufacturers, and property owners can all share liability for accidents arising from these environments.
For example, let’s say a subcontractor is negligent when handling a scaffolding assembly project. In turn, they could be held responsible for any injuries that result from this scenario.
Likewise, manufacturers of faulty equipment could be found liable if a defect in their products caused someone to get hurt. Meanwhile, property owners can be held accountable if unsafe conditions contributed to the incident.
How the Severity of Your Injuries Can Impact Your Recovery
The type of injuries you sustain—as well as the severity of them—can influence the amount of money you can potentially recover as compensation. With that in mind, these injuries are all too common in construction accident cases:
- Spinal cord injuries: Paralysis or long-term impairment requires ongoing medical care and lifelong adaptations.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): Even mild concussions can have lasting cognitive effects for victims.
- Broken bones and fractures: You might require multiple surgical procedures to heal from the incident.
- Amputations: It’s not uncommon for victims to face permanent physical changes that end up affecting their careers and lifestyles.
- Internal injuries: Organ damage may require long-term monitoring and medical intervention.
Why Reporting the Accident Is an Important Part of the Legal Process
In the state of New York, the law usually requires people to report their injuries to their employers as soon as possible. Once you notify your employer of your injuries, you’ll have proof of documentation, which can help establish the incident for workers’ compensation claims.
It will also help you if you decide to pursue any potential third-party lawsuits. These reports should detail the circumstances of the incident, identify any witnesses, and note any safety violations that may have contributed to the accident.
These records often form the backbone of a successful claim. The more details you provide, the better the report will explain how the accident occurred and address potentially liable parties.
The Role of OSHA Regulations
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets safety standards for construction sites. If OSHA is violated, these actions—or the lack thereof—can demonstrate negligence, which strengthens victims’ claims.
Common violations include improper fall protection, inadequate training, and faulty scaffolding. If OSHA can prove that a violation resulted in your injuries, you can use this information as part of your workers’ compensation and third-party claims.
How to Handle Settlements and Claims With Insurers
In many cases, construction site injuries eventually involve settlement negotiations with insurance companies. Settlements can provide you with compensation without prolonged litigation, but the amounts that you’re offered might not always reflect the full scope of damages.
Here’s what might influence your settlement amount:
- Medical expenses and ongoing treatment needs
- Lost income and future earning potential
- Pain and suffering or lifestyle changes
- Liability and fault determinations
Call Us to Talk to an Attorney After a Construction Site Injury in NY
Many people wonder if they need a lawyer after a construction site injury in NY. It’s reasonable to question if legal advice is necessary, especially if this is the first time you’ve been in a situation like this. However, we strongly recommend speaking with an attorney right away.
While it’s not a requirement to reach out to lawyers following this type of accident, it’s in your interest to do so. For instance, when you call Chaikin Trial Group Personal Injury Lawyers, you’ll get to speak with attorneys who understand the ins and outs of cases just like yours.
With 50 years of combined experience, our law firm has recovered over $100 million in compensation for victims. We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning you don’t have to worry about paying us up front. We’ll do everything we can to fight for justice in your third-party liability case. Contact us today.