NY Construction Accidents
The New York lawyers of Schwartzapfel Truhowsky Marcus P.C. have represented injured workers from almost every trade in construction accidents. We have volumes of testimonials attesting to how we ensured their financial security. We’ve seen the deadly consequences which arise from a failure to provide safe working environments, and we’re here to help when an accident happens to you or your family. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a construction accident, contact us at 1.800.966.4999 or fill out our online contact form for a free case evaluation.
Construction is one of the largest industries in the United States – and it remains one of the most dangerous. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has seen a decline in injury rates among most professions during the past two decades – except for construction workers. Dangerous working conditions and inadequate safety equipment are among the factors in construction accidents that cause injury and death on a daily basis.
Our firm has handled all kinds of construction accident cases and we know that any number of factors can cause serious injuries on a construction site. Some of the more common causes include:
- Falls. Falls are a leading cause of fatalities in the construction industry. The failure to provide safety harnesses, fall arrest systems, netting, scaffolds or other safety devices often results in injury or death. Injuries can be caused by:
- Falls from any height;
- Falls from roofs, ladders, scaffolding;
- Falls due to improperly assembled scaffolding;
- Falls due to unprotected openings or holes;
- Falls into elevator shafts;
- Falls through roof, floor and wall openings or holes;
- Falls due to protruding steel rebar; and
- Falls due to debris, sharp projectiles or other hazards that may result in injury.
- Falling Object Injuries. Construction workers face the constant risk of being struck by falling objects on the job site which have been improperly hoisted or secured.
Excavation and Trenching. Cave-ins during trenching operations are often deadly when workers are buried under tons of collapsing earth. Other dangers present during job site excavations include:
- Asphyxiation;
- Inhalation of toxic fumes;
- Explosions or electrocution when underground utility lines are struck.
- Electrocution. Electricity on the job site is a constant danger to construction workers. Being asked to work “live” or failing to tag or lock out circuits often leads to serious injury or even death.
Unfortunately, workers’ compensation rarely provides enough money for all the damages you sustain due to an accident. Often, workers’ compensation benefits do not even cover all of your lost earnings.
As a general rule, New York State law prohibits employees from suing their employers for injuries sustained in a construction accident. However, many workplace injuries on construction sites are caused by parties other than the employer—and in those cases, you can bring legal action against that person or entity. In fact, almost two-thirds of employees injured on the job do not realize that often they can collect workers’ compensation benefits and still sue other persons or parties.
Responsible parties for your injuries may include:
- The owner of the building or structure;
- The general or prime contractor;
- The project or construction manager;
- Other contractors and subcontractors;
- Even equipment manufacturers.
The benefit to a third-party lawsuit is that an injured construction worker can collect additional money beyond the limited amounts available under the Workers’ Compensation system. You may be entitled to money for both past and future:
- Pain and suffering;
- Lost wages;
- Lost income;
- Loss of annuity;
- Loss of pension;
- Loss of Social Security income;
- Loss of health care benefits;
- Loss in the value of household services;
- Medical benefits;
- Loss of consortium - spousal or parent-child relationships that have been negatively impacted by the injury.
The construction accident attorneys at Schwartzapfel Truhowsky Marcus P.C. have been handling complex construction litigation cases for almost three decades. We not only understand New York State labor laws but lecture attorneys and judges on New York State construction accidents and labor law. We know how to best maximize your financial recovery and get you the money and benefits you deserve.
When you’ve suffered severe injury as a result of a construction accident, it’s important that you have the highly experienced and credentialed New York lawyers at Schwartzapfel Truhowsky Marcus P.C. at your side. With more than 150 years of combined experience, our attorneys are well-prepared to handle all your legal needs. Call us at 1.800.966.4999 or fill out our online contact form for a free case evaluation. We will fight for you!
