If you or a loved one was injured, you may have a claim for significant compensation.

Bauunfälle

Whether you’re dealing with injuries from falling tools, burns from defective equipment, or a slip and fall, a construction accident attorney is essential in navigating the aftermath of these serious incidents. Construction sites present a multitude of potential hazards, ranging from heavy machinery to unsafe scaffolding, electrical systems, and hazardous materials.

The complexity of construction work, combined with tight deadlines and the pressure to perform, often results in unsafe working conditions that lead to accidents, causing severe injuries or even death. Filing a construction accident claim protects you and your family and is a critical step after an incident.

Types of Construction Accidents

Construction sites are inherently dangerous, and various types of accidents can occur, each with its own unique risks and consequences. Some of the most common types of construction accidents include:

Falls from Heights

Falls are one of the leading causes of injuries and fatalities in the construction industry. Workers may fall from ladders, scaffolding, roofs, or other elevated areas due to unstable surfaces, lack of guardrails, or improper safety harnesses.

Falling Objects

Tools, debris, or construction materials that are not properly secured can fall from higher levels, striking workers below and causing serious injuries, including head trauma and fractures.

Electrocutions

Contact with live wires, faulty electrical systems, or ungrounded equipment can result in electrocution, which can cause severe burns, nerve damage, and even death.

Machinery Accidents

Heavy machinery such as cranes, forklifts, and bulldozers can malfunction or be improperly operated, leading to crush injuries, amputations, or fatalities.

Ausrutschen, Stolpern und Stürze

Slippery surfaces, uneven ground, or obstructed walkways can cause workers to slip, trip, and fall, resulting in sprains, fractures, and other injuries.

Caught-In/Between Accidents

Workers can become caught in or between heavy machinery, collapsing structures, or materials, leading to severe injuries or fatalities.

Burns and Explosions

Exposure to flammable chemicals, gas leaks, or faulty equipment can result in fires or explosions, causing burns, respiratory issues, and other life-threatening injuries.

Exposure to Hazardous Substances

Construction workers may be exposed to toxic chemicals or hazardous materials, leading to long-term health issues such as respiratory diseases or cancer.

What to Do After a Construction Site Accident

Taking prompt action after a construction site accident is vital to ensuring you receive medical attention and the full compensation you’re entitled to. The steps you take immediately after the accident can greatly impact the outcome of your workers' compensation claim and any other claim.

1. Report the Accident: Notify your supervisor immediately and file a formal, written claim as soon as possible. Delaying the report could affect your eligibility for compensation.
2. Gather Witness Information: Obtain the names and contact details of any witnesses to the accident. Make sure their information includes a reliable phone number (cell or home).
3. Document Your Injuries: Keep detailed records of your injuries and the medical treatment you receive. Maintaining an injury diary can help track your recovery and support your claim.
4. Preserve Medical Receipts: Save all receipts related to medical expenses, including prescription medications, to support your claim for reimbursement.
5. Seek Legal Advice: Contact an experienced construction accident lawyer as soon as possible. The sooner your attorney starts working on your case, the stronger your claim for damages will be. An attorney can help you pursue compensation for economic losses, such as lost wages, and noneconomic losses, such as pain and suffering.

Even injured bystanders should follow a similar protocol to protect their rights. Having a skilled and dedicated attorney in your corner is the best way to maximize your compensation for a construction site accident. For a free consultation with a knowledgeable construction accident attorney, reach out to Napoli Shkolnik. We are experienced in construction accident cases and do not charge upfront legal fees.

Choose Napoli Shkolnik for Construction Accident Representation

When it comes to construction accident cases, choosing the right legal representation can make all the difference in securing the compensation you deserve. At Napoli Shkolnik, our experienced team of construction accident lawyers are dedicated to fighting for the rights of injured construction workers and their families. We understand the complexities of construction accident claims, from navigating workers' compensation laws to paying medical bills to pursuing additional claims against negligent third parties.

Our firm has a proven track record of success in handling construction accident cases, and we work tirelessly to ensure that our clients receive the maximum compensation for their injuries, lost wages, medical expenses, and pain and suffering. We offer personalized attention to each case, guiding you through every step of the legal process with compassion and expertise.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a construction accident, trust Napoli Shkolnik to provide the aggressive construction accident lawsuit representation you need. With Napoli Shkolnik on your side, you can focus on your recovery while we handle the legal complexities.

Häufig gestellte Fragen

Who can you sue if you’ve been injured in a construction accident?

If you’ve been injured in a construction accident, you may have the right to pursue compensation from multiple parties. 

The General Contractor or Subcontractor: If the accident was caused by unsafe working conditions, lack of proper safety measures, or negligent supervision, the general contractor or subcontractor responsible for the site may be held liable.

Property Owners: Property owners may be liable if they failed to maintain a safe environment or were aware of hazards and did not address them.

Manufacturers of Defective Equipment: If your injury was caused by defective machinery, tools, or safety equipment, the manufacturer of the defective product might be held accountable under product liability laws.

Other Third Parties: In some cases, other third parties, such as drivers of vehicles involved in the construction site or maintenance companies, may also be responsible.

How many workplace injuries happen each year?

In 2022, the private industry reported a staggering 2,804,200 total recordable cases of nonfatal injuries and illnesses. This statistic underscores the widespread nature of workplace injuries across various sectors, from manufacturing and transportation to healthcare and construction. These injuries range from minor incidents that require first aid to severe accidents that result in prolonged recovery times, disabilities, or even the inability to return to work.

The high number of injuries highlights the critical importance of workplace safety measures and training, as well as the need for injured workers to be fully aware of their rights to compensation. For employees, knowing how to navigate the workers' compensation system can be the difference between a fair settlement and financial hardship.

How many fatal workplace accidents occur each year?

In 2022, the United States recorded 5,486 fatal work injuries, marking a 5.7 percent increase from the 5,190 fatalities reported in 2021. This rise in workplace fatalities pushed the fatal work injury rate to 3.7 per 100,000 full-time equivalent (FTE) workers, up from 3.6 per 100,000 FTE in the previous year.

These grim statistics shed light on the inherent risks that many workers face daily, particularly in high-risk industries such as construction, agriculture, transportation, and mining. The increase in fatalities serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing need for enhanced safety protocols and rigorous enforcement of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards. It also emphasizes the importance of ensuring that families of deceased workers receive the necessary support and compensation to help them through the aftermath of such tragic losses.

In these high-risk industries, the stakes are incredibly high, and the consequences of inadequate safety measures can be devastating.

What is Carlos’ Law?

Carlos’ Law is a landmark piece of legislation passed in New York that increases the penalties for corporations and their managers who are found criminally liable for the death or serious injury of workers due to unsafe conditions. Named after Carlos Moncayo, a construction worker who was killed in a trench collapse, the law aims to hold companies accountable for maintaining safe working environments.

Under Carlos’ Law, companies may face significant fines and criminal charges if they are found to have willfully ignored safety regulations that lead to a worker's death or injury.

What are the OSHA fatal four construction injuries?

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) identifies the "Fatal Four" construction injuries as the leading causes of fatalities in the construction industry. These include:

• Falls: The leading cause of death in the construction industry, falls account for nearly 36% of all construction fatalities. These often occur from roofs, ladders, scaffolding, and other elevated surfaces.
• Struck by Object: This refers to injuries caused by objects, such as tools or materials, that fall from heights or are inadvertently thrown, leading to severe injuries or death. This category is responsible for approximately 10% of construction-related deaths.
• Electrocutions: Electrocutions occur when workers come into contact with exposed wires, power lines, or faulty electrical systems. This form of construction accident case is responsible for about 9% of construction fatalities.
• Caught-In/Between: These types of construction site accidents occur when a worker is caught in or between equipment, structures, or materials, leading to crushing injuries. Approximately 2% of construction fatalities fall under this category.

Understanding these risks and taking preventive measures is crucial for both employers and employees in the construction industry. By adhering to safety protocols and using proper protective equipment, many of these tragic accidents can be avoided. 

Does Napoli Shkolnik handle cases with undocumented workers? 

In New York, undocumented workers have the same legal right to file a lawsuit for injuries suffered on the job as documented workers. The state's labor laws provide protections for all workers, regardless of immigration status, especially in cases involving unsafe working conditions or negligence at construction sites.

Several key points regarding undocumented workers and worksite injuries in New York include:

1. Worker Protections: New York's Labor Law Sections 200, 240 (the "Scaffold Law"), and 241(6) provide protections to construction workers, ensuring that employers and site owners maintain safe working conditions. These laws apply to all workers, including undocumented immigrants.
2. Right to Compensation: Undocumented workers who are injured on the job may be entitled to compensation, including medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering, either through a workers' compensation claim or a personal injury lawsuit, depending on the circumstances of the accident.
3. Immigration Status Irrelevant to Liability: Courts in New York have ruled that a worker's immigration status is not relevant when determining liability for an injury. The primary focus is whether the employer or another party was negligent or violated safety regulations, leading to the injury.
4. Arbeiter Entschädigung: Undocumented workers can also file for workers' compensation in New York. Employers are prohibited from retaliating against employees for filing such claims, and immigration status should not impact eligibility for benefits.

If an undocumented worker is injured in a construction accident, it’s important to seek legal counsel from Napoli Shkolnik to help navigate the complexities of the case and ensure worker rights are protected.

The legal consultation is free and there are no upfront legal fees. Contact us TODAY.

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Napoli Shkolnik is a national litigation firm that has put its 150+ years of collective legal experience towards recovering over $20 Billion in verdicts and settlements on behalf of our clients. 

With offices across the nation, we are ready to put that knowledge to work for YOU. Looking for a New York construction accident lawyer? Our New York City and Long Island offices are ready to assist.

Recent Results for Clients include: 

• $6 Million Behandlungsfehler Siedlung 
• $4.1 Million Personenschadenvergleich 
• $1.6 Million Construction Site Fall Settlement 
• $1.5 Million Motor Vehicle Settlement 
• $875,000 Slip & Fall Settlement