Construction site accidents can be devastating. Victims often face physical injuries, emotional trauma, and an immense financial burden. If you're the victim of a NYC construction accident, you may feel overwhelmed and uncertain about what to do next.
The construction injury lawyers at The Ward Law Group will fight to get you the compensation you need to secure your financial future. Our New York City construction accident attorneys work with injured construction workers and their families after a worksite injury.
Speak to a New York Accident Lawyer at The Ward Law Group today for a free consultation to discuss your legal options.
What Causes Construction Site Accidents?
Construction work is one of the most important jobs in NYC, yet one of the most dangerous. Construction companies and workers must follow strict safety protocols and regulations, but accidents still happen, usually due to negligence.
Common causes of construction site accidents in NYC include:
- Falls - Falls are the most common type of construction site accident, often caused by working at heights without proper fall protection, unsafe scaffolding, or unstable ladders.
- Chemical Exposure - Construction workers may be exposed to hazardous chemicals on the job site, which can lead to burns, respiratory problems, or other long-term health issues.
- Falling Objects—Sometimes, tools, debris, or other heavy equipment on a job site can fall and hit a worker underneath.
- Burns - Burns at construction sites can be caused by many tools and jobs like welding.
- Vehicle Accidents - Construction workers on highways and streets risk being hit by speeding or negligent drivers.
- Entrapment - Construction workers can become trapped between or underneath materials if a site collapses. This usually happens if the structure is not adequately supported or stabilized.
- Electrical Issues - Electrocution can happen if a worker comes into contact with live electrical wires or faulty machinery.
If you've been involved in a construction site accident, it's best to speak with a NY construction accident attorney to understand your legal rights.
Get Legal Help After an Accident
Work with a construction accident lawyer in New York. At The Ward Law Group, our attorneys are equipped to help you handle workers' compensation cases, personal injury cases, and wrongful death lawsuits. This is an undoubtedly challenging time, and we're here to help you understand your legal rights and options.
How Common Are Construction Site Accidents in NYC?
Construction is the most dangerous job in New York City. Despite city-wide safety and labor laws, unfortunately, construction site accidents are not uncommon in NYC. Every year, dozens of construction workers are killed on job sites nationwide. Thousands more suffer painful and debilitating injuries.
In February 2023, there were over 35 incidents that resulted in a fatality or injury in New York City.
Common Types of Injuries Caused by Construction Site Accidents
Thousands of construction workers suffer injuries on the job every year, ranging from minor cuts and bruises to severe and even fatal injuries.
If you've been in a construction site accident and suffered any of the following, we're here to help.
- Amputation
- Broken Bones
- Traumatic Brain Injuries
- Back Injury
- Spinal Cord Injury
- Burns
- Head & Neck Injury
- Chest Injury
- Internal Organ Damage
- Eye Injury
- Paralysis
- Chest Injury
- Crushing Injury
- Cuts or Lacerations
We understand each case is unique. So, if you're the victim of a construction site accident, talk to our New York construction accident lawyers as soon as possible. We'll help you navigate the legal process so you can focus on healing.
What Damages Are Available After a NYC Construction Accident?
Depending on the circumstances of the accident, injured construction site workers or their families may be entitled to several types of damages.
When you get hurt at work on the site, you can get paid from a workers' compensation insurance policy or payment from a negligent third party, like the contractor. Workers' compensation covers medical bills, lost income, disability, and death benefits. Unfortunately, self-employed people are not eligible for workers' comp, and workers' compensation may not cover everything you need.
Pursuing legal action via the personal injury process holds the responsible party accountable for their negligence. If you file a personal injury lawsuit, you may get money for:
- Pain & Suffering
- Emotional Distress
- PTSD
- Rehabilitation
- Long-Term Care
- Disfigurement & Scarring
- Loss of Consortium
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life
The damages available will vary depending on the specific circumstances of your accident and injuries. A skilled New York City construction accident lawyer will assess the damages and pursue appropriate compensation.
Who is Liable in Construction Accident Cases?
Determining who is at fault for your damages can be complex. Construction accident cases often involve several parties who may be responsible for an accident.
Equipment Manufacturers:
Construction sites are filled with machinery and equipment. If a flaw in the equipment caused your construction accident, you could hold the company that manufactured or sold it liable for damages.
General Contractors & Construction Site Owners:
Construction site owners have to ensure employees have a safe place to work. The general contractor and owners are obligated under New York Labor Laws to take any required steps to maintain the health and safety of employees.
Subcontractors:
Subcontractors are just as accountable for supplying a safe work environment as general contractors. For example, if a subcontractor fails to offer a secure site, you can hold them responsible for your injuries.
Engineers & Architects:
Sometimes, the professionals who design buildings and structures could be responsible for an accident. For example, if you got hurt because of a building collapse or structural issue or if an inadequate inspection is to blame.
Suppose you were harmed in a construction accident. In that case, it is important to speak to an experienced personal injury attorney who will help you navigate the legal process and seek fair compensation for your injuries.
NYC Construction Site Labor Laws
New York has several labor laws to protect the rights of construction workers who suffer from injuries on the job. These laws are designed to impose liability on the parties who control safety on construction sites.
Your New York City construction accident lawyer should be familiar with the details of these laws and how to apply them to your case.
New York Labor Law § 240 | NYC Scaffolding Law
Section 240 of the New York Labor Law or the "Scaffolding Law" requires property owners and contractors to provide appropriate safety equipment, like scaffolding, ladders, and safety harnesses. If the person in charge of the safety equipment fails in any gravity-related accident, they could be liable for damages. New York Labor Law § 240 also gives injured workers the right to hold site owners and general contractors strictly accountable if they get hurt by other materials like slings, ladders, braces, pulleys, irons, and blocks. Strict liability applies under the Scaffolding Law, meaning you don't have to prove negligence to get compensation if there's evidence to show a violation of Section 240.
Additionally, New York City Labor Law Section 241 sets forth safety requirements for construction, demolition, and excavation work in New York City. The section provides specific safety requirements for various types of construction work, including requirements for flooring, walls, stairways, ladders, scaffolds, and other structures.
New York Labor Law § 200 | Safe Working Conditions
Section 200 requires contractors and site owners to take any steps necessary to maintain the health and safety of employees. The law enforces things like ensuring equipment and machinery are generally safe. Section 200 also enforces building codes for all construction sites, including sanitation, exits, fire suppression systems, and industrial radiation protection.
We Handle NYC Construction Accident Cases
Our personal injury attorneys are here to help you get paid after you get hurt on the job. We handle construction accident cases, including falls, building collapses, defective equipment accidents, crane accidents, and electrical and scaffolding accidents.
Construction accidents can result in serious injuries that require extensive medical treatment and prevent workers from working. Protecting your rights and securing the compensation you deserve is essential. We want to hear your story if you've been injured on a NYC construction site. The Ward Law Group represents injured construction workers in Manhattan and the surrounding boroughs.
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim?
It's important to act fast after a construction site accident. To get workers' compensation, you must inform your employer within 30 days of your accident. If you're filing a personal injury lawsuit, the statute of limitations for bodily injury claims in New York is 3 years.
Remember, there are numerous situations in which an employee can have a work comp claim and a personal injury claim arising from the same accident.
Get Help from a Leading New York Construction Accident Lawyer
Are you struggling with the financial and emotional burden of a construction injury? The personal injury lawyers at The Ward Law Group can help. We know how to win cases involving construction site injuries and help you recover compensation for your losses.
The Ward Law Group's Manhattan office serves Manhattan and the surrounding boroughs. Tell us about your workplace accident so we can start fighting for you.