If you or a loved one has been involved in a construction accident in New York, you need an experienced attorney who can help you navigate the complex and often overwhelming legal process. New York’s construction industry is one of the busiest and most dangerous in the country, resulting in numerous accidents every year. These accidents can lead to devastating injuries, lost wages, and even death. However, with the help of an experienced New York construction accident attorney, you can receive the compensation you deserve for the harm caused to you and your family. This article will provide you with essential information on how to choose the right attorney for your case, what to expect during the legal process, and how to move forward after a construction accident.
Why You Need a New York Construction Accident Attorney
Construction sites are inherently dangerous areas, and accidents at these sites are not uncommon. One wrong move can lead to serious injuries, putting workers and passersby at risk. If you or your loved one has been involved in a construction accident in New York, it’s important to seek legal representation from an experienced construction accident attorney. Here’s why:
1. Understanding of New York Labor Laws
New York Labor Laws are complex and specialized when it comes to construction accidents. An experienced attorney will have a thorough understanding of these laws and how they apply to your case. They can use this knowledge to build a strong case on your behalf and ensure that you receive the compensation you are entitled to.
2. Investigation and Evidence Gathering
An attorney will immediately begin investigating the accident and gathering evidence to build a strong case. They will visit the accident scene, take photographs, interview witnesses, and gather medical reports to establish the cause of the accident.
3. Negotiation with the Insurance Company
The insurance company will try to settle your case for the least amount possible. An attorney can negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
4. Handling Court Proceedings and Litigation
If your case goes to court, an attorney will be your advocate, presenting your case and making sure that your interests are protected. They will handle all the legal proceedings, including depositions, motions, and court appearances.
5. Personalized Attention and Emotional Support
An attorney will provide personalized attention to your case, keeping you informed every step of the way. They will also provide emotional support to you and your family during this difficult time.
6. Expert Advice and Guidance
An attorney can offer expert advice and guidance on your legal options, including the pros and cons of settling your case versus going to court. They will help you make the best decision for your situation.
7. Compensation for Medical Bills and Lost Wages
An attorney can help you recover compensation for your medical bills and lost wages, as well as any future medical expenses and lost earning capacity.
8. Compensation for Pain and Suffering
If you have suffered physical or emotional pain and suffering as a result of your accident, an attorney can help you recover compensation for these damages.
9. No Fees Unless You Win
Most construction accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means that you only pay if you win your case. This ensures that you get the legal representation you need without worrying about upfront costs.
10. Peace of Mind
Hiring a construction accident attorney can provide you with peace of mind, knowing that you have an advocate working to protect your rights and interests. You can focus on your recovery while your attorney takes care of the legal aspects of your case.
Common Types of Construction Accidents
Construction sites can be extremely hazardous environments for workers, with a high risk of accidents occurring on a daily basis. In fact, construction workers are at a much higher risk of being injured or killed on the job than workers in many other industries. Below are some of the most common types of construction accidents:
Falls
Falls are the leading cause of construction worker fatalities in New York City and across the country. Workers may fall from scaffolds, ladders, roofs, and other elevated surfaces while they are working. These falls can cause severe injuries, such as spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and broken bones.
Electrocution
Workers who are working near exposed electrical current or equipment can suffer serious electrical shock injuries. In some cases, these injuries can be fatal. Electrocution can happen when an electrical current travels through a worker’s body, causing burns, cardiac arrest, or other serious injuries.
Struck-by Accidents
Workers may be struck by heavy machinery or equipment, falling objects, or vehicles moving through a construction site. For example, a construction worker may be hit by a falling object while working on a high-rise building, or they may be struck by a construction vehicle that is backing up without proper warnings.
Trench and Excavation Accidents
Workers who are working in excavations or trenches are at risk of being injured by cave-ins and collapses of these structures. These accidents can cause burial, suffocation, and other severe injuries.
Fires and Explosions
Flammable and combustible materials on construction sites, such as chemicals, gases, and oils, can ignite or explode and cause serious fires and explosions. Workers may suffer severe burns, lung damage, and other injuries as a result.
Heavy Equipment Accidents
Workers who operate heavy equipment, such as cranes, bulldozers, and excavators, are at risk of being injured or killed if they do not receive proper safety training or if the equipment malfunctions. These accidents can cause severe injuries, such as amputations, fractures, or traumatic brain injuries.
Toxic Exposure
Workers who are exposed to hazardous chemicals, asbestos, and other toxic materials on construction sites can suffer serious illnesses, such as cancers, lung diseases, and skin disorders. These injuries may take years to develop, but they can have devastating effects on the worker’s health.
Repetitive Motion Injuries
Workers who perform the same movements over and over again, such as lifting heavy objects or operating heavy machinery, may experience strain injuries to their muscles, tendons, and joints. These injuries can cause chronic pain and disability, making it difficult for the worker to perform their job duties.
Heat-related Illnesses
Construction workers who work outside during hot weather can suffer heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and other heat-related illnesses if they don’t stay hydrated and take proper breaks. These illnesses can be serious and even life-threatening if left untreated.
Construction Site Accidents Involving Pedestrians/Auto
Construction sites often involve closures and detours on roads and streets, which can lead to confusion and accidents involving pedestrians and automobiles. These accidents can cause serious or even fatal injuries for those involved.
Injured construction workers or their families should contact a New York construction accident attorney for legal help. A skilled attorney can help you understand your legal options and protect your rights after a construction accident.
Types of Construction Accidents in New York
Construction sites can involve a wide range of hazards that pose significant risks to workers. As a result, there are several kinds of accidents that construction workers can suffer, which can lead to injuries, disabilities, or even fatalities. Here are some of the most common types of construction accidents in New York:
Falls
Falling accidents are perhaps the most common among construction workers and can result in serious injuries or fatalities. They can occur due to lack of scaffolding and safety harnesses, defective ladders, or unprotected holes on construction sites. In fact, according to OSHA, falls accounted for the highest number of fatalities in the construction industry in 2019. Workers who suffer falls may experience fractures, spinal cord injuries, and traumatic brain injuries.
Electrocution
Construction workers are also at risk of electrocution when working near overhead power lines or when electrical safety protocols are not followed at construction sites. Electric shocks can cause burns, heart problems, and even death.
Trenching and Excavation Accidents
Excavation projects such as digging trenches and building foundations can be dangerous if deep excavation is not shored up or sloped properly. Trenching and excavation accidents can cause workers to be buried alive, leading to suffocation or injuries from heavy machinery.
Slip and Falls
Slip and falls can occur on any job site, but they are particularly common on construction sites due to the presence of debris, tools, and equipment that can cause tripping hazards. Slip and fall accidents may result in sprains, broken bones, or traumatic brain injuries.
Falling Objects
Construction workers are often at risk from falling objects, which can cause lacerations, fractures, or head injuries. The objects could be tools, debris, or materials such as concrete or steel bars.
If you’ve been injured in a construction accident in New York, it’s essential to reach out to an experienced construction accident attorney who can help you get the compensation you deserve.
| Type of Accident | Number of Fatalities (2019) |
|---|---|
| Falls | 401 |
| Electrocution | 80 |
| Trenching and Excavation Accidents | 17 |
| Falling Objects | 79 |
| Slip and Falls | 39 |
New York construction accident attorney can help workers who were injured on a construction site to get the compensation they deserve. They can offer legal advice and guide their clients through the legal process.
Pros of Hiring a Construction Accident Attorney in New York
1. Expertise in Construction Laws: A construction accident attorney in New York will have the expertise and knowledge of construction laws that govern this industry. They will be able to review your case thoroughly and identify liability issues.
2. Provides Legal Guidance: The attorney will provide guidance on the legal options available to the victim and help them make informed decisions on how to proceed with the case.
3. Maximizes Compensation: A construction accident attorney in New York will work tirelessly to ensure a victim receives maximum compensation possible. They will ensure that all expenses, medical bills, and other costs are covered.
4. Investigation Assistance: An experienced attorney will launch an investigation into the accident and gather key evidence to strengthen the victim’s case, including eyewitness accounts, expert opinions, and video footage.
5. Supports Victims’ Rights: A construction accident attorney in New York understands the burden victims face with medical bills, lost wages, pain, and emotional distress. They are committed to fighting for victims’ rights and support them throughout the legal process.
6. Access to Resources: A reputable attorney will have the necessary resources, including paralegals, investigators, and expert witnesses, to efficiently build a strong case on behalf of the victim.
7. Offers Objective Advice: An attorney offers objective legal advice, free from any emotional or personal involvement in the case. They help the victims make informed decisions that align with their best interests.
8. Time and Cost-Saving: Hiring a construction accident attorney in New York can save victims time and costs associated with the case. The attorney will efficiently handle the legal process, allowing victims to focus on their recovery.
9. Professional Representation: An attorney will provide professional representation and handle all legal communication on behalf of the victim. This includes negotiations with insurers and opposing counsel.
10. Assessment of Settlement Offers: An experienced attorney will assess settlement offers and ensure they are fair and reasonable. They will advise a victim on whether it is worth accepting the settlement or pursuing the case in court.
Thanks for reading about New York Construction Accident Attorneys
We hope that this article has provided you with the valuable information you need. Remember, if you or someone you know has been injured in a construction accident, it is important to contact an experienced New York construction accident attorney right away. They have the knowledge and expertise to help you win your case and get the justice you deserve. Be sure to visit again later for more helpful articles on legal matters. Thanks for reading!