Liability & Compensation For Construction Accidents In NYC

Construction sites can be very dangerous for workers and for members of the public, and construction accidents and other sources of injury are all too common.  Because of the variety and complexity of laws and regulations governing construction sites, it is advisable to consult a New York construction accident lawyer if you or someone you love has suffered injuries in such an accident.

A New York personal injury attorney can determine liability

When a construction accident occurs, any party involved in the construction is potentially liable if they failed to take proper safety precautions or otherwise neglected their responsibility to ensure the safety of the workers and the general public.  These are some examples of parties in a construction project and their responsibilities:

  • A property owner has a responsibility to ensure the safety of any construction going on at a location they own
  • An equipment manufacturer has a responsibility to ensure that their equipment is free from design or manufacturing defects
  • An engineer has a duty to ensure that their plans and designs are safe and reliable
  • A construction site manager has a responsibility to ensure that the site does not contain safety violations
  • An employer has a duty to ensure that their employees follow all safety regulations

If you have been in a construction accident, a New York construction accident lawyer can help you determine who may be at fault and what kind of compensation you may be entitled to receive.

Workers’ Compensation benefits

Those who are injured while working at a construction site may be entitled to benefits under a Workers’ Compensation plan, which covers medical expenses related to the injury and provides a weekly payment for the time that you must be out of work due to the injury.  Workers’ Compensation law limits the amount of compensation you can get from your employer unless your employer was in direct violation of an order from a legally recognized authority on workplace safety, or acted with willful misconduct.  The New York State Bar Association recommends speaking to a personal injury attorney if you are the victim of any kind of serious workplace injury, both to assist with Workers’ Compensation claims and to determine the liability of any third parties.

Types of construction accidents in NYC

The following are common types of construction accidents in NYC that often result in serious injuries or death:

  • scaffolding accidents
  • fall from a height
  • injury by falling object
  • exposure to toxic chemicals
  • equipment malfunction
  • heavy machinery accidents
  • electrocution
  • burns
  • industrial explosions
  • trip and fall accidents
  • chemical spills
  • forklift accidents

Talk to a New York construction accident lawyer

The attorneys at The Sanders Firm specialize in helping people who have been injured in a workplace or construction accident in NYC receive the compensation to which they may be entitled.  If you or a loved one has been involved in a construction accident in Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, The Bronx, Staten Island or Long Island, you can contact us for a free consultation at 1-800-FAIR-PLAY (800.324.7752). ResourcesNew York Department of Labor, https://www.labor.state.ny.us/workerprotection/safetyhealth/sh23.shtm