Construction accidents in Queens can occur every day. New buildings meet the demand of new people coming to this part of New York. Normally, this industry generates many positive things: jobs, investment, modernity, and new living spaces. However, it is also common to see news of accidents occurring on construction projects.
Perhaps the procedure was not followed, or the minimum safety measures were not taken to avoid a catastrophe. Our cases range from negligence to omission of a hazard.
The examples are numerous. Ultimately, the message remains the same: better safe than sorry. We have evaluated hundreds of cases related to construction site accidents.
Fatal accidents can occur for various reasons. One reason is not having the right tools. Another reason is working in bad weather. Being too confident in a storm can also lead to fatal accidents. Lastly, not providing workers with proper insurance is another factor that can contribute to fatal accidents. The truth is that when these events occur, it is often too late to prevent them.
Who is liable now? In those cases, a whole legal process is initiated, and an exhaustive investigation must be carried out to clarify exactly what happened.
What can be of concern is that a large part of the immigrant population often works on construction projects. In Queens, for example, we have spoken with several residents of Latino origin who have reported working at least once in construction since coming to the United States.
It is common for hard manual labor to be an alternative for many immigrants looking for new opportunities in New York State. Immigrants often do not have their rights respected or report accidents to authorities. This is because they fear being deported or facing immigration problems.
You can count on your construction accident law firm at The Ward Law Group. We urge our Latino community residing in Queens to put fear aside and count on us as exceptional allies to assert their rights.
No legal status or vulnerability should mean your rights are not recognized after a construction accident. The human being comes first. Therefore, if you have been the victim of an accident due to negligence, either by an employer or by the negligence of a co-worker, contact our experts so that we can evaluate your case and decide on a legal strategy together.
There is no need to live in hiding, much less in the aftermath of an accident. We know that such an event may have left you with consequences of many kinds.
Let us tell you that it makes no sense to suffer in silence. What you should do is trust that with the advice of our professionals, you will get the justice you deserve. A construction site accident attorney in Queens from The Ward Law will provide comprehensive protection from a legal perspective and emotional support from a human perspective.
Remember that language is not a barrier either; we receive cases of clients who only speak Spanish. Our main core value is service, and we have adapted to our clients' cultural characteristics. That is why we provide our advice in your native language, so we establish a deeper bond from the beginning.
Don't be afraid. We will always support you. We have been seeking justice for a long time, and in your situation, we will continue to pursue justice together. Our goal is to reach a positive outcome.
Types of construction accidents
Our years of experience have enabled us to list the main construction accident types. Although these may vary, these examples can help you better understand these situations and know what to do.
Falls from Heights:
The most frequent and dangerous construction accidents are falls from elevated surfaces like scaffolds, ladders, or rooftops. Inadequate fall protection measures, shaky platforms, and a disregard for safety harnesses may cause these incidents. Grave injuries like fractures, spinal cord injuries, and head trauma are frequently the result of falls from heights.
Slip and Falls
Work-related slip and fall accidents, especially involving construction workers, occur for many different reasons, including:
- Wet floors due to water or other liquids on the floor.
- Loose floorboards can be especially common at construction sites.
- Uneven floors, especially in unfinished buildings.
- Trip and fall accidents on electrical cords and wires.
- Unmarked hazards, such as an opening in partially-finished upper floors.
- Unsafe scaffolding, resulting in a scaffolding collapse.
Scaffolding Accidents:
Faulty assembly, poor maintenance, and insufficient safety procedures can lead to scaffolding accidents that occur during construction work. Scaffolds can break, or workers can fall, causing injuries like broken bones or internal organ harm. Scaffolding is important for reaching different construction levels, but safety measures must be followed.
Electrical Accidents:
Electrical equipment is used on construction sites, and improper handling of this equipment can result in serious risks. Faulty wiring, contact with power lines, or incorrect use of electrical tools can all result in electrocutions and electrical burns. These mishaps may cause fatalities, seriously disabling injuries, or both.
Equipment Malfunctions:
Construction sites often use cranes, elevators, forklifts, and bulldozers. Accidents, like vehicle crashes, entrapments, and crushing injuries, can happen due to malfunctions, flaws, or operator errors. The main point is that proper training, maintenance, and following safety rules are important in these incidents.
Trench and Excavation Accidents:
Working in trenches and excavations exposes workers to additional risks, such as cave-ins, collapses, and soil accidents. Due to inadequate support structures, propping, or safety precautions, workers may become buried beneath tons of earth, which may lead to asphyxiation or fatal injuries.
Struck-by Accidents:
Construction workers can be struck by moving objects like tools, machinery, or vehicles, resulting in a struck-by accident. The risk of struck-by accidents can be reduced with proper tools, material storage, and open communication on the job site.
Fires and explosions:
Fires and explosions are more prone to occur at construction sites due to flammable materials, welding equipment, and power tools. Inadequate safety measures, improper handling of combustibles, or equipment malfunctions can cause catastrophic accidents, resulting in burns, respiratory injuries, and even fatalities.
Chemical Exposure:
Construction workers can come in contact with hazardous chemicals and materials such as asbestos and toxic fumes. With prolonged exposure, respiratory diseases, cancer, and other serious diseases can occur. Chemical accidents can be avoided through appropriate training, the use of personal protective equipment, and compliance with safety regulations.
Proactive measures like thorough safety training, meticulous equipment maintenance, and a dedication to abiding by industry regulations are needed to prevent these accidents. If you or someone you know got hurt in a construction accident, consult a construction site accident lawyer in Queens. They can assist you in safeguarding your rights and seeking appropriate compensation.
Understanding Workers' Rights in Construction Accidents
As we have already mentioned, knowing your rights is paramount when working on a construction project. You can determine if your company follows the law or cuts expenses by not fulfilling its obligations. The latter could be considered negligence on the company's part in the event of an accident. Below, we share with you some of the rights that a construction worker in Queens should have:
Right to a Safe Workplace
Every construction worker has a right to work in a setting where safety comes first. Employers are required to offer suitable instruction, safety gear, and hazard-free environments. You can report unsafe behaviors or situations without worrying about repercussions.
Workers' compensation
Workers' compensation is intended to offer financial assistance in the event of a construction accident to cover medical costs and lost wages. You can apply for workers' compensation benefits if you sustain an injury. You must notify your employer immediately and get medical help after an accident.
Right to Medical Care
The medical costs associated with the accident should be covered by your employer's workers' compensation insurance. You must adhere to the prescribed medical procedures to ensure your health and well-being.
Right to Legal Representation
You can speak with a personal injury lawyer if you were hurt in a serious construction accident.
At The Ward Law Group, we will always be happy to help you. However, it is important to remember that not all lawyers in Queens are motivated by a desire to serve others; many are oriented more toward making money than anything else. Therefore, before choosing who will handle your case, you must analyze their human approach.
Suppose you observe that they are only after your money. In that case, we recommend that you avoid this type of lawyer since you may not get the benefits you are entitled to, and the possibility of obtaining justice may be affected, which we want to avoid at all costs. At The Ward Law Group, our main motivations are achieving justice and serving others. Contact us now, and one of our construction site injury lawyers will evaluate your case.
No-Fault System
Because workers' compensation operates on a no-fault system, you may be eligible for benefits regardless of who caused the accident. This system enables the assistance of injured workers without the need for protracted legal disputes.
Third-Party Liability
Sometimes, a third party (someone other than your employer) might be responsible for your construction accident. If a piece of defective machinery or equipment caused your injuries, you could sue the party at fault.
Retaliation Protection
Retaliation by employers is not permitted when employees assert their rights or report unsafe working conditions. You have the right to sue your employer if you experience any retaliation.
Time Limitations
After a construction accident, knowing the deadlines for filing workers' compensation claims or personal injury lawsuits is critical. Your ability to get paid might be in jeopardy if you miss these deadlines.
The bottom line is that knowing your rights as a construction worker is crucial to ensuring your safety and security. Keep in mind that your rights and safety matter.
Common Injuries in Construction Accidents
Let's examine some of the injuries that occur most frequently in construction accidents:
1. Broken Bones:
Because construction work is physically demanding, accidents involving heavy machinery, collapsed structures, or falls can result in bone fractures. Broken bones require immediate medical attention and frequently necessitate a period of recovery and therapy.
2. Head Injuries:
Falling objects, tools, or machinery can cause head injuries, which can range in severity from minor concussions to more serious traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). These wounds may have long-term effects on cognitive and motor abilities.
3. Spinal Cord Injuries:
Spinal cord injuries from construction accidents have the potential to cause partial or total paralysis. These wounds frequently require significant medical attention, rehabilitation, and alterations to daily life.
4. Back Injuries:
Back injuries, including herniated discs and strains, can result from lifting heavy objects, repetitive motions, and accidents. Following such injuries, chronic pain and limited mobility are common.
5. Burns:
Fires, electrical shocks, chemical exposure, or other events can cause burns of various degrees. The need for skin grafts and ongoing medical care may be necessary for severe burns.
6. Electric Shock Injuries:
Electric shock injuries from electrical malfunctions can cause severe burns, cardiac arrest, or neurological damage. Electrical mishaps are more likely to occur at construction sites because of exposed wiring and machinery.
7. Crush Injuries:
Crush injuries can result from heavy machinery accidents, collapsing structures, or defective equipment. Fractures, damage to internal organs, and even amputations can result from these wounds.
8. Respiratory Injuries:
Construction sites frequently have poor air quality due to dust, debris, and hazardous materials. Long-term exposure can cause chronic conditions like asthma, lung infections, and other respiratory problems.
Contact a Queens Construction Site Accident Lawyer
From The Ward Law Group, we want to help you maintain the positive attitude necessary to escape this situation. Please do not make the mistake of not filing a lawsuit because you are undocumented. No legal status should affect your rights when you have been affected by a negligent company.
We will accompany you in the search for justice. Trust in our vocation of service, and do not hesitate to contact us. You have come to the right place. Contact us at 855-DOLOR-55. We will be glad to take your call to help you. We will be your best ally in this process. Your rights matter. Whether you are an immigrant or not, you have rights.