Construction Accident Lawyer in Bronx

Construction workers are at risk of suffering serious injuries due to the nature of the job and the machinery used. If an employer also doesn’t keep the site safe, this increases the risk that injuries will occur. If you were injured on a construction site, you may be entitled to file for workers’ compensation benefits. In some cases, you might also be able to file a personal injury claim to recover compensation. The laws can be complex, so it’s important to contact an experienced lawyer as soon as possible. Morgan & Morgan has been handling personal injury and workers’ compensation claims for decades. Our Bronx construction accident lawyers will do whatever it takes to ensure that you receive the compensation you need and deserve. Contact Morgan & Morgan today to schedule a free consultation. 

Common Construction Accidents

Working on a construction site carries a significant risk of injuries. While most construction workers are aware of this, this fact doesn’t negate the responsibility of the construction company, property owner, or anyone else responsible for the work or property to ensure safe working Some of the most common construction accidents that occur while working include the following:

Falls

One of the most common types of construction injuries is falling; it’s estimated that falls make up about 35 percent of accidents in this setting. On a construction site, workers are often at great heights, doing difficult and dangerous work. It’s not surprising, then, that falls occur often. The severity of the injuries will depend on how high the worker fell from and how they landed, what they landed on, and the existence of any pre-existing injuries. 

Falls typically lead to bruises, fractures, broken bones, head injuries, neck and back injuries, and in some cases, they can be fatal.

Electrocution

Construction workers are often required to work very near power lines and other power sources. If they’re unaware of the existence of a power source, or if a mistake is made, they could end up electrocuting themselves and causing serious injury. Not only do workers have to worry about being electrocuted, but there’s also the added danger of falling if they aren’t on the ground. There should always be precautions taken and warnings provided, but accidents still happen.

Equipment and Machinery Accidents

Almost all construction sites will use incredibly dangerous, heavy, and complex equipment and machinery at some point during the project. Sometimes machinery and equipment malfunctions, which can cause serious injury to the workers. Other times, the worker wasn’t trained properly or makes a mistake and injures themselves with equipment or machinery. Regardless of how the injury occurs, these accidents can be incredibly serious and sometimes fatal.

Repetitive Motion Injuries

Individuals working in the construction industry often engage in the same type of work, and therefore the same type of physical movements, day after day. The most common types of repetitive motion injuries include back injuries, joint injuries, wrist injuries, shoulder injuries, and neck injuries. The twisting, bending, lifting, and other movements associated with construction work can take a toll on the workers’ bodies. 

Workers’ Compensation Insurance

If you’re a construction worker who was injured while working, you may be eligible to collect benefits through workers’ compensation insurance. When an employee is injured on the job, workers’ compensation insurance provides them with financial compensation for lost wages, medical expenses, and other losses incurred due to the injury. The amount of time a worker can receive these benefits depends in large part on the severity of their injuries. In almost all cases, workers’ compensation insurance provides these benefits regardless of who is at fault for the injury. To receive these benefits, you must be eligible under New York state law. 

In New York, most construction workers will qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. State law presumes that construction workers are employees, and almost all employers are required to purchase this type of insurance. Even if a builder or someone else responsible for the project tries to qualify the workers as independent contractors, New York state law will still likely require workers’ compensation insurance to be provided.

If you work for yourself, however, you will have the option to purchase workers’ compensation insurance but aren’t required to. Additionally, subcontractors who aren’t under the direct control of the general contractor will not receive workers’ compensation benefits unless they have their own insurance policy.

Who is entitled to workers’ compensation benefits can sometimes be complicated, so it’s always a good idea to contact experienced Bronx construction accident lawyers right away to discuss your options. 

Non-Worker Construction Accidents

It’s also crucial that construction sites are safe for other individuals who live or walk near them. Construction accidents happen with non-employees often, as well. Some of the most common construction accident injuries that are not work-related include the following:

Being Hit With an Object

When construction sites are active, the person responsible for the site needs to make sure that the area around the site is safe for passersby. If the right precautions aren’t taken, it’s possible that construction materials could fall and hit people, either as the workers are actively working, or after hours due to the site not being secured properly.

Falls

Construction projects often include work on the streets and sidewalks. If there are large holes, uneven sidewalks, or other dangerous conditions nearby, individuals walking by can easily fall and injure themselves. 

File a Personal Injury Lawsuit

If you are injured as a non-worker, you may be entitled to file a personal injury claim against the party responsible for your injuries. Typically, you would do this to receive compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, lost future earnings, and other damages that you incurred due to the injury. These damages could also include emotional injuries you are experiencing because of the incident. In many states, there is a limit on the amount of compensation you can receive. However, in New York, the compensation you can be awarded is not capped at any specific amount. 

If you were injured due to a construction site accident, contact experienced Bronx construction accident lawyers to discuss your options and ensure you don’t miss any important deadlines.