Construction sites are inherently hazardous environments, and accidents can occur despite safety precautions. If you’ve been injured in a construction accident in New York or New Jersey, it’s crucial to understand your rights as an injured worker. As experienced personal injury lawyers at the Gitelman Legal Group, we are here to protect your rights and help you seek the compensation you deserve. Let’s explore some common types of construction accidents and what you need to know:
Falls from Heights:
Falls from heights are one of the most common and severe construction accidents. They can occur from ladders, scaffolding, roofs, or other elevated surfaces. Injured workers may suffer fractures, head injuries, spinal cord injuries, or even fatalities. As an injured worker, you have the right to pursue workers’ compensation benefits, which can cover medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs. In some cases, you may also be eligible to file a personal injury lawsuit against third parties whose negligence contributed to the accident.
Struck by Falling Objects:
Construction sites involve various activities, and falling objects pose a significant risk to workers. Tools, equipment, or construction materials falling from above can cause severe injuries, including head trauma, broken bones, or internal injuries. As an injured worker, you have the right to workers’ compensation benefits and, depending on the circumstances, may be able to seek compensation through a personal injury claim against responsible parties.
Machinery Accidents:
Construction sites utilize heavy machinery and equipment, which can lead to accidents if not properly operated or maintained. Machinery-related accidents can result in crushed limbs, amputations, severe lacerations, or even fatalities. Injured workers are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, and they may also have grounds for a personal injury lawsuit if the accident was caused by a defective or malfunctioning machine.
Electrocution:
Construction sites often involve electrical work, which increases the risk of electrocution accidents. Exposure to live wires or faulty electrical systems can lead to severe injuries, including burns, cardiac arrest, or neurological damage. Injured workers have the right to workers’ compensation benefits, and they may also have a legal claim against negligent contractors, subcontractors, or equipment manufacturers.
Trench Collapses:
Construction workers involved in excavation or trenching are at risk of trench collapses. These accidents can result in burial or being struck by soil, leading to suffocation, crush injuries, or death. Injured workers are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, and they may have additional legal options if the accident was caused by safety violations or negligence on the part of the construction company.
Your Rights as an Injured Worker:
As an injured construction worker, it’s crucial to understand your rights:
- Promptly report the accident to your supervisor or employer.
- Seek immediate medical attention for your injuries.
- Document the incident, including photographs, witness statements, and any unsafe conditions.
- File a workers’ compensation claim to receive benefits for medical expenses, lost wages, and disability.
- Consult with a personal injury lawyer at the Gitelman Legal Group to assess your case, determine if third-party liability exists, and pursue additional compensation through a personal injury lawsuit if applicable.
Construction accidents can have devastating consequences for workers. If you’ve been injured in a construction accident in New York or New Jersey, understanding your rights is crucial. Seek legal guidance from the Gitelman Legal Group to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve. Remember, time limitations apply to filing claims