Construction sites are some of the most dangerous places to work. On a daily basis, construction workers lift heavy materials, operate hazardous machinery, and perform tasks at significant heights. Unfortunately, injuries on job sites are not uncommon, and many could be prevented with adequate safety gear and ensuring proper safety protocols in place.
If you suffered injuries while working on a construction site, you might not only be entitled to Workers’ Compensation — but you may also be able to hold a responsible third party accountable in a personal injury action.
Types of Injuries on Construction Sites
Whether they work on scaffolds, on the ground, or underground, construction workers face various risks. According to OSHA statistics, there are 15 fatalities on average every day in the construction industry. In addition, thousands more are injured as a result of falls, exposure to chemicals, defective machinery, electrical exposure, caught-in-between accidents, and other hazards.
Depending upon the type of accident, common construction site injuries may include:
- Broken bones — Accidents that result in broken bones frequently occur on construction sites, including vehicle crashes, equipment malfunctions, and falls.
- Traumatic brain injury — Brain injuries can be caused by falling debris, falls from ladders or scaffolds, and other accidents.
- Crush injuries — These types of injuries may happen due to a faulty machine or defective door.
- Paralysis — Many accidents on construction sites can lead to paralysis, including slip and falls, crane malfunctions, falling objects, and scaffolding collapses.
- Electrocution injuries — Construction sites have many live power lines and house electrical equipment. If proper precautions aren’t taken, electrocution can result in fatality or permanent damage to internal organs.
- Eye injuries — Flying debris from sawing, grinding, and mixing cement or chipping away at materials can cause severe eye injuries or blindness if protective eyewear is not provided.
- Burns — Construction workers can suffer serious burn injuries due to fires, explosions, and exposure to hazardous chemicals.
Construction site injuries can be serious and result in lasting damage or permanent disability. Even if you don’t think you’ve been seriously injured, it’s critical to seek medical attention immediately following a construction site accident. Some injuries may not appear until days or weeks after the accident, such as with traumatic brain injury. In addition, not only is getting the treatment you need essential for your health, but also to build your personal injury case.
Filing a Third-Party Lawsuit for Construction Site Injuries
If you were injured in a construction site accident, Workers’ Compensation might not be your sole remedy. Although you cannot sue your employer pursuant to New York’s Workers’ Compensation laws, you may still be entitled to pursue a claim against a negligent third party. For example, a sub-contractor, building owner, architect, engineer, or another may be held liable for your injuries, based on the facts and circumstances of the accident.
The monetary recovery offered by Workers’ Compensation is generally limited — and you can only recover a portion of your lost wages and medical expenses. However, by filing a personal injury action, you may be entitled to recover your economic and non-economic damages, including reimbursement for your medical bills, time lost from work, and your out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with the accident. Importantly, you may also be able to recover compensation for the pain and suffering you experienced in connection with your construction site injuries.
Contact an Experienced New York Personal Injury Attorney
Construction site injuries can be catastrophic and significantly impact your life, livelihood, and family. If you were hurt or lost a loved one in a construction accident due to the negligence of a third-party, a knowledgeable personal injury attorney can help ensure you obtain the compensation you deserve. Offering reliable representation and skillful counsel, The Dearie Law Firm, P.C. has been advocating for the rights of injured construction workers for more than 30 years — and securing favorable settlements in their cases.
The Dearie Law Firm, P.C. has convenient office locations in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the Bronx, as well as mobile locations serving Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, the Bronx, Staten Island, Westchester, Rockland County, Nassau County, and Suffolk County. Contact us today for a consultation.