New York Construction Accident Attorneys

Construction Site Injury Claims in the 5 Boroughs of New York City & the Surrounding Counties

Whether you are an injured construction worker or bystander who needs to file a lawsuit against the responsible parties Law Firm of D.F. Truhowsky can help. We have assisted countless New Yorkers who have been wrongfully injured obtain the financial compensation, treatment, and justice they deserve.

Our dedicated legal team will do everything we can to identify the cause of the accident and hold the negligent parties accountable.

Let’s discuss your case during a free, confidential legal consultation. Call (212) 880-6496 or contact us online for more information.

What Types of Construction Accidents Can You Be Compensated For?

Construction is one of the most dangerous industries to work in. According to the United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), one in five worker deaths in 2018 were in construction.

Though many construction accidents can be fatal, OSHA has identified four types of accidents that are responsible for roughly half of all construction deaths each year.

OSHA’s “Fatal Four” in order of most to least deadly are:

  • Falls: Falling from a height (and, to a lesser extent, trip, slip, and falls) are responsible for a third of all construction deaths.
  • Struck by an object: Being struck by an object, such as a heavy truck or falling debris, is the second leading cause of construction deaths.
  • Electrocution: Electrocution on construction sites is often caused by exposed wiring and coming into contact with charged power lines.
  • Caught in and/or between an object: According to OSHA, the fourth leading cause of construction site fatalities involves “construction workers killed when caught in or compressed by equipment or objects, and struck, caught, or crushed in collapsing structure, equipment, or material.” Falling into a machine or being suffocated by a collapsed trench are two examples.

Aside from the above, slightly less deadly but still dangerous construction accidents include:

  • Fires
  • Explosions
  • Toxic exposure
  • Repetitive stress

Though many construction site injuries result from a single event, like a fall or an explosion, injuries can also be caused by repeated exposure to toxic chemicals or other hazardous materials and well as repetitive motions.

For example, construction workers who work with asbestos may develop mesothelioma. Working in the hot sun all day can lead to heatstroke, another affliction that commonly affects construction workers.

Repetitive motions, like repeated lifting or drilling, can lead to ailments such as:

  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Bursitis
  • And chronic back pain

Who Is Liable for Construction Accidents?

Safety is of the utmost importance at construction sites. However, workers and their superiors must follow safety regulations not only to keep themselves from harm but others as well. If they don’t, someone could be seriously hurt or killed—including innocent bystanders passing areas under construction.

Construction site accidents are often caused by one or more of the following conditions:

  • Lack of protection for workers in trenches and other hazardous areas
  • Lack of protection from falling objects for workers on the ground
  • Lack of safety precautions when working near power lines
  • Lack of restraints for workers on elevated structures
  • Missing guards or protections on power tools and other equipment
  • Tripping hazards due to cluttered construction materials and debris
  • Unsafe or defective equipment
  • Unsafe property conditions

If you feel that your construction site is unsafe, please do not hesitate to bring your concerns to someone who may be able to help. In the event that your employer’s negligence is the cause of your accident, you can file a worker’s compensation claim against them to receive compensation for your medical bills and lost earnings (or for wrongful death in the event of a loss).

In addition, there are specific exceptions in New York when your employer can be sued if they were negligent. Construction workers may also be able to file a personal injury claim for damages if a person or company other than their employer is found to be responsible for their injuries.

For example, if machinery you were using malfunctioned, you may be able to sue the company that manufactured the device. In addition, New York State has enacted laws to provide further protection to workers who are injured or killed on construction sites.

These laws provide protection for workers engaged in activities involving:

  • Preparation
  • Demolition
  • Repairs
  • Or alterations

Contact a Construction Accident Attorney for Further Assistance

If you’ve recently been injured in a construction accident or experienced the untimely loss of a loved one, it can be overwhelming. Our lawyers can help you determine whether you have a construction injury claim by investigating the accident and determining who is liable on your behalf.

If a claim can be brought, we will handle the process and fight for your right to the maximum financial compensation that you deserve. This will allow you more time to focus on more important things, like your recovery, during this tough time.

To learn more, contact our construction accident lawyer online or by dialing (212) 880-6496 now to book your free case evaluation.