Caught in or between hazards are among the top four causes of fatal injuries on construction sites, according to the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA). These types of accidents can leave workers burdened with the cost of medical bills, lost wages, and accident-related expenses while they struggle to cope with an injury.
If you or your loved one suffered a work injury from being caught in or between hazards in New York, a construction accident attorney with The Perecman Firm, can help you pursue maximum compensation so you can have the resources you need to heal and move forward.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
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Why You Should Choose Our Firm After a Caught-Between-Hazards Accident
The Perecman Firm, has over 40 years of experience serving injured workers in New York City and beyond. We focus on helping severely injured people seek economic justice for accidents caused by others’ negligence and wrongdoing. Our knowledge and dedication have resulted in over half a billion dollars in settlements and verdicts for our clients. We are ready to help you explore every available avenue for financial recovery.
When you work with us, we prioritize your case because we know how vital securing compensation is to you and your future. Whatever your legal issue, our caught-between-hazards accident attorneys will handle it with respect, compassion, and personalized attention.
What Are Caught-Between-Hazards and Caught-in-Hazards Accidents?
Caught-in and caught-between accidents happen when a victim gets compressed, crushed, or squeezed in or between objects or equipment. This type of accident can involve two moving objects, a moving object and a stationary object, or machine parts. Cave-ins and trench collapses are also caught-in hazards.
Common Injuries from Being Caught Between or Caught in Hazards
Caught between hazards and caught in accidents can cause catastrophic and deadly injuries, including:
- Head injuries
- Brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Crushing injuries
- Loss of limb or body part
- Back, neck, and shoulder injuries
- Crushed and broken bones
- Traumatic amputation
- Internal bleeding
- Organ damage
- Compartment syndrome
Major Types of Caught-In and Caught-Between Hazards in Construction
Caught in and caught between hazard accidents on a construction site can happen because of common events, including:
- Unguarded, moving machinery parts
- Machinery left unlocked during maintenance
- Cave-ins during excavation or trench work
- Collapsing walls during demolition
- Vehicles or heavy equipment tipping over
- Working between moving vehicles, moving objects, moving parts, or machinery
Specific Hazards Related to Excavations and Trenching at NY Construction Sites
According to OSHA, one cubic yard of soil can weigh as much as a car. That makes excavation and trenching high-risk operations on construction sites. When cave-ins occur during excavations or trenching, they can cause serious injuries and death. Workers may suffer severe compression injuries or suffocation. Employers can prevent cave-ins by using proper safety equipment, installing trench boxes, and shoring up sides when digging.
Filing a Claim After a Construction Caught-Between-Hazards Accident
If you suffered a caught-in or caught-between hazards injury, you have options for recovering your medical expenses and more. Our construction accident lawyers can help you with an insurance claim or lawsuit to pursue compensation for:
- Emergency transportation and medical treatment
- Doctor and hospital bills
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Long-term nursing care
- Lost wages and employment benefits
- Lost future earnings
- Diminished earning capacity
- Household assistance
- Physical pain and suffering
- Mental distress
- Emotional anguish
- Loss of enjoyment and reduced quality of life
Labor Law Claims in Construction Site Caught In Between Accidents
New York Labor Law Section 240(1) protects construction workers. Under the law, owners, contractors, employers, and other responsible parties in the construction industry are strictly liable for construction accidents in certain circumstances involving violations of safety regulations. Strict liability means you do not have to prove the liable party behaved negligently to recover compensation. You need only show that you suffered an injury due to a labor law violation.
In addition, New York Labor Law Sections 240 and 241(6) establish vicarious liability for construction site injuries. This legal principle allows injured parties to seek compensation from owners and contractors for the negligent actions of their employees (subcontractors).
Finally, Labor Law Section 200 requires employers to protect the health and safety of their employees. If they violate this statute, they can be found negligent and can be held accountable for an injured worker’s losses.
Labor Law claims are a primary focus for our firm. We understand these laws can be complex. We are here to help you navigate them. We can explain your rights, build your claim, and help you avoid common pitfalls that could hurt your case.
Other Third-Party Lawsuits After Caught In Between Accidents
You may have a negligence-based personal injury claim against a liable third party – someone other than your employer and co-workers. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, this may include a product liability claim against a manufacturer for defective or faulty equipment, for example. Other potentially liable third parties may include:
- Delivery drivers
- Job-site suppliers
- Property owners
- Subcontractors
Workers’ Compensation Claims for Caught Between Construction Site Accidents
Injured employees in New York are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits for on-the-job injuries.
Workers’ compensation can provide medical coverage, partial wage-replacement benefits, and vocational training and rehabilitation if your injuries prevent you from returning to your job. Workers’ compensation also provides death benefits to the families of fatally injured workers.
Workers' compensation does not provide benefits for pain and suffering. It also does not pay the total value of your lost wages or account for lost earning capacity. Our construction site accident lawyers will work to find the path that provides maximum compensation for your injuries and losses.
Wrongful Death Claims for Construction Site Accidents
If your loved one suffered a fatal injury, our New York caught-between-hazards accident lawyers can seek compensation on behalf of their estate and survivors with a wrongful death lawsuit. Awards may include:
- Medical bills
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of the deceased’s financial support (including inheritance)
- Loss of the deceased’s services
- Lost parental nurturing, care, and guidance
- The deceased’s conscious pain and suffering
How Does Hiring a New York Construction Accident Lawyer Help?
Securing maximum compensation from all available sources after a caught-between-hazards accident in New York can be challenging. When you hire The Perecman Firm, we can use our skills, resources, and experience to assertively advocate for you, allowing you to turn your time and attention toward healing.
Our New York construction accident lawyers can handle every detail of your case, from identifying your best options for financial recovery to drafting legal paperwork to aggressively negotiating for the maximum compensation possible. If you suffered a work injury, we can fight for you.
Do not delay. There are deadlines and statutes of limitation that could affect your claim. Contact us today to get started with a free consultation.