The Dangers of Construction Sites in New York State
Construction work is inherently dangerous. The construction industry is notorious for its high rate of accidents and fatalities. Every year, countless construction workers are injured or killed on worksites across the country. Such incidents serve as a stark reminder of the risks construction workers face every day.
The grim reality of construction work in the U.S. and New York State is highlighted by the staggering number of fatalities caused by falls.
According to a 2020 report from the New York Committee for Occupational Safety and Health (NYCOSH), falls remain the leading cause of construction worker deaths, accounting for a staggering 48% of construction fatalities over the past decade. This alarming statistic underscores the perilous nature of working at heights in New York.
Furthermore, New York has the highest proportion of construction-related worker fatalities in the country. NYCOSH reports that in 2020, construction deaths accounted for 24% of all worker deaths in New York State.
Figures like these emphasize the critical importance of knowing your rights as a construction worker in New City. It's essential to understand the potential for negligence, defective equipment, and inadequate safety measures that can lead to accidents and to be prepared to exercise your rights if you’re injured.
Causes of Construction Site Accidents in New City, NY
Whether it's a new home development, a commercial renovation, or roadwork, building projects can easily lead to injuries if proper safety protocols aren’t observed. Construction accidents in New City are often the result of a combination of factors, including the following:
Types of Construction Accidents in New City
Construction sites present a wide array of hazards that can lead to various types of accidents. From falls to equipment malfunctions, the risks are numerous and often result in serious injuries.
Here's a closer look at some of the most common hazards and the accidents they can cause on construction sites:
Classifying Construction Accident Injuries in New City
The consequences of a construction accident can be devastating, impacting not just the victim’s physical health but also their future. They vary greatly in severity, from minor cuts and bruises to serious, life-altering injuries.
Here’s a closer look at the range of injuries that can result from construction accidents:
Know Your Rights: New York’s Construction Accident Laws
New York has a comprehensive system of laws and regulations designed to protect construction workers and ensure their safety. Various agencies enforce these laws, including the aforementioned NYCOSH and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), which both play a vital role in setting safety standards and investigating accidents.
Here are some key New York laws that protect construction workers:
What to Do After a Construction Accident in New City
It’s critical to take action immediately after you’re involved in a construction accident. Here's what you should do:
- Seek medical attention: Your health and well-being are paramount. Get medical attention immediately after the accident to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.
- Report the accident: Once you’ve been checked out, report the accident to your supervisor and the appropriate local authorities.
- Document the accident: Gather as much evidence as possible to support your claim, including photographs, witness statements, and medical records.
- Contact an experienced attorney: A qualified construction injury lawyer can advise you of your legal rights and options.
If you intend to pursue a claim for compensation after your accident, having compelling evidence and hiring an attorney to present it is the best way forward.
How to Seek Compensation After a Construction Site Injury in New City
A personal injury claim is a powerful tool to seek compensation for your injuries and losses following a construction accident in New City. It allows you to take legal action against those responsible for your accident and demand repayment for your injuries and losses in full.
By exploring this avenue with a trusted personal injury lawyer, you can focus on recovering and rebuilding your life without the added burden of having to handle your legal claim on your own.
New York’s Statute of Limitations: The Deadline for Filing a Construction Accident Claim
The state of New York has designated deadlines within which accident victims must formally file claims.
If you’re seeking workers’ compensation benefits, you must submit your claim to the state’s Workers' Compensation Board within 30 days of the accident. If you decide to bring a lawsuit against the at-fault party, you have three years to file the suit.
Damages You Can Recover in a Personal Injury Claim After a Construction Accident
If you’ve suffered an injury due to someone else's negligence, you might be entitled to compensation for the various hardships you’ve faced. This compensation (formally known as “damages”) aims to help you recover financially and emotionally from the accident.
A successful personal injury claim can provide financial relief for the following:
- Medical bills: This includes all costs associated with your treatment, including doctor visits, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and rehabilitation.
- Lost wages: You can recover past and future lost wages, including any income you’ve lost due to your injuries.
- Pain and suffering: You can seek compensation for the physical and emotional pain and suffering you’ve endured as a result of the accident.
- Emotional distress: You can also be repaid for the emotional distress you’ve experienced, such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Loss of consortium: If your injuries have affected your relationship with your spouse, you may be able to obtain compensation for loss of consortium.
The actual payout you receive will depend on many factors, including the nature and severity of your injuries, the extent of your medical expenses, the length of your recovery, the negligence of the responsible party, and applicable state laws. It's crucial to consult an experienced personal injury attorney to better understand your potential compensation.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Construction Accident in New City?
Several parties could be legally liable for a construction accident, including:
- The property owner: The owner of the property where the accident occurred may be responsible if they were aware of a dangerous condition and failed to correct it.
- The general contractor: The general contractor has a duty to promote and maintain overall safety on the construction site.
- Subcontractors: Subcontractors who are responsible for specific tasks on the project may be liable if their negligence contributed to the accident.
- Equipment manufacturers: Manufacturers of defective equipment could be to blame if their equipment caused the accident.
- Third parties: Other parties who may have had a role in the accident, such as delivery drivers or utility workers, can also be held liable.
Your attorney will investigate the circumstances of your accident to assign fault to the appropriate parties and pursue legal remedies against them.
Building a Strong Construction Accident Case
To present a compelling argument for compensation, it’s essential to gather the following types of evidence:
- Photographs and videos: Take pictures and videos of the accident site, including the area where you were injured and any visible hazards thereabouts.
- Witness statements: Get statements from bystanders who saw the accident or who have knowledge of the circumstances.
- Medical records: Request copies of all of your medical records, including your diagnoses, treatment plans, and prognoses.
- Safety regulations: Review the relevant safety regulations that apply to the construction site to determine whether any were violated.
- Accident reports: Obtain copies of any accident reports filed with the authorities.
One of your lawyer’s main objectives will be to use this evidence to demonstrate a causal link between the at-fault party’s actions or negligence and your injuries. Making this connection is crucial for securing the compensation you need.
Why Choose Fellows Hymowitz Rice for Your Construction Accident Case in New City?
At Fellows Hymowitz Rice, we’re committed to providing the highest level of legal representation and support to clients across New York State. Here are a few reasons to work with us:
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