Should I Hire a Construction Accident Attorney?

Should I Hire a Construction Accident Attorney

A construction accident attorney in NYC can help if you have trouble securing compensation for your injuries.

At Perecman Law, we empower those injured on work sites with the information needed to confidently pursue their case with our personal injury law firm’s help.

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What Does a Construction Accident Lawyer Do?

Lawyers who handle construction accident cases can help injured parties in many ways, including:

  • Investigating the accident and gathering evidence to support your case
  • Determining liability and identifying all responsible parties
  • Negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf for fair compensation
  • Filing a lawsuit if necessary and representing you in court
  • Providing legal advice and guidance throughout the entire process

Most importantly, attorneys can secure the compensation needed to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages the accident caused.

Why Do I Need A Construction Accident Attorney?

It is no secret that navigating the legal system is complex and overwhelming, especially for these cases. Without the guidance of an experienced attorney, you may risk:

  • Lowball settlement offers: Insurance companies are notorious for offering lowball settlements that do not reflect the true cost of injuries. A lawyer can negotiate to ensure you receive fair compensation.
  • Missing deadlines: There are strict deadlines for filing a personal injury claim. If you miss these filing deadlines, you may lose your opportunity to pursue legal action. A lawyer can ensure all necessary paperwork is filed within the appropriate time frame.
  • Complex workers’ compensation laws: Construction accidents may involve workers’ compensation claims, which have their own set of rules and regulations. An experienced construction accident lawyer can help you navigate these laws and maximize your benefits.
  • Holding multiple parties accountable: In many cases, multiple parties, including contractors, subcontractors, and equipment manufacturers, may be responsible for the accident. A lawyer can accurately identify and hold all liable parties accountable for their negligence.

Construction Accident AttorneyThese obstacles to receiving maximum compensation for accident injuries highlight the importance of hiring a construction accident lawyer.

With their knowledge, experience, and dedication to justice, they can help you combat common tactics that result in unfair compensation for injuries.

What Types of Construction Accidents Can an Attorney Help Me With?

The most common types of accidents include:

  • Falls from heights: Construction workers are often required to work at great heights, putting them at risk for falls that can result in serious injuries or even death.
  • Scaffolding accidents: Scaffolding is commonly used in construction projects, but if it is defective or not properly secured, it can cause accidents and injuries.
  • Electrocution accidents: Construction sites can endanger electrical workers due to exposed wiring and other hazards that can lead to electrocution.
  • Equipment malfunctions: Defective equipment or improper training can result in serious injuries on construction sites.
  • Accidents involving heavy machinery: Heavy machinery, such as cranes and forklifts, can lead to serious accidents if companies operate or maintain it improperly.

An attorney can also assist with pedestrian and car accidents involving construction vehicles. Like on-site construction accidents, these collisions can cause severe injuries that deserve fair compensation.

What Are the Most Common Injuries From a Construction Accident?

Common injuries from these accidents include:

  • Broken bones: Falls, being struck by objects, or heavy machinery malfunctions can cause fractures and broken bones. The cost of treating these injuries ranges from $2,500 to $25,000+ per break or fracture.
  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): Head injuries from falls or being struck by objects can lead to TBIs, which can have lasting effects on cognitive function and overall quality of life. Traumatic brain injuries have an average upfront treatment cost of $80,000, with lifetime expenses often exceeding $2.5 million.
  • Spinal cord injuries: Falls, being struck by objects, or heavy machinery accidents can result in spinal cord injuries that can cause paralysis or other permanent disabilities. Like other catastrophic injuries, the cost of treating and managing spinal cord damage can total $2+ million over a lifetime.
  • Burns: Construction sites may involve hazardous materials and equipment that can lead to burns and scarring. Rarely minor in their severity, serious burns can require extensive (and expensive) medical treatment that can cause financial ruin to injured parties.
  • Amputations: Machinery accidents, falls, and other construction site risks can result in the loss of limbs. When costs for surgeries and medical devices are factored in, amputations can cost injured parties as much as $500,000+ over a lifetime.

These are just a few potential injuries that can occur in these accidents.

If you’ve sustained injuries that affect your ability to live and work, consult a construction accident lawyer to understand your legal options for seeking compensation.

How Much Is My Construction Accident Case Worth?

There is no standard payout for personal injury claims. Each unique case depends on:

  • The severity of injuries
  • The impact of injuries on quality of life
  • The level of negligence on the part of the at-fault party
  • Previous payouts for injuries from other forms of insurance, such as workers’ compensation

While these factors will ultimately determine the total value of your case, general payouts for economic and non-economic damages could include:

  • The total cost of current and future medical bills
  • Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress and mental anguish

A free case evaluation from Perecman Firm can help you better understand the potential value of your case and what legal options are available to you.

What Causes Construction Accidents?

Common causes of construction injuries include:

  • Lack of safety protocols: Many construction sites do not have adequate safety protocols to protect workers from hazards such as falls, electrocution, and heavy machinery accidents.
  • Inadequate training: Construction workers may not receive proper training on operating equipment or performing tasks safely, increasing their risk for accidents.
  • Defective equipment: If construction equipment malfunctions due to manufacturing defects or lack of maintenance, it can seriously harm workers.
  • Poor site management: Failure to properly manage a construction site, including inspecting and maintaining equipment, can also lead to accidents.

After a construction accident injury, an experienced attorney can investigate the cause and determine who you can hold liable for your injuries.

Can I File A Claim For Compensation For Any Construction Accident?

Injuries From a Construction AccidentTypically, if your construction injuries were caused by the negligence of another person or entity, you may have a valid claim for compensation.

This may include cases where an employee is injured due to the negligence of their employer, a contractor or subcontractor on-site, or the manufacturer of faulty equipment.

Factors that help facilitate a successful personal injury claim include:

  • Evidence of negligence: Your attorney must gather evidence that proves the at-fault party’s negligence, such as witness statements, safety logs, and inspection reports.
  • Documentation of injuries: Always keep medical records and documentation of all your injuries and associated costs to build a strong case for compensation.

Your case may or may not meet these requirements. However, before you decide that you don’t have a valid claim for compensation, contact the Perecman Firm for a free case evaluation.

Through our personalized approach, we can assess your situation and determine the best course of action for seeking compensation for your accident injuries.

Who Pays For Damages and Losses in a Construction Accident?

Generally, the at-fault party’s insurance company pays damages and losses in these accidents.

In some cases, workers’ compensation insurance may cover these costs if a worker is injured on the job.

However, in situations involving third parties (such as faulty equipment or subcontractor negligence), it may be necessary to file a personal injury claim to seek full compensation for all damages.

An experienced construction accident attorney can help determine who may be held liable for your injuries and pursue legal action on your behalf to secure maximum compensation.

Construction Accident Lawyer FAQs

Can I pursue a personal injury claim if I am an undocumented worker?

Undocumented workers in New York City can pursue a construction accident claim and are entitled to the same legal protections as any other worker. Consult an experienced attorney who can help protect your rights and advocate for fair compensation.

How long do I have to file a claim for my construction accident?

New York typically has a three-year statute of limitations for filing personal injury claims related to construction accidents. However, it is best to consult with an attorney as soon as possible after the accident to ensure all necessary steps are taken within the appropriate time frame.

What if I am partially at fault for my accident injuries?

In most states, including New York, you may still be able to pursue compensation even if you were partially at fault for your injuries. Under comparative negligence laws, the total compensation you can receive may be reduced based on your percentage of fault.

What if my employer retaliates against me for filing a construction accident claim?

It is illegal for employers to retaliate against workers who file personal injury claims. If you experience any form of retaliation, including termination or demotion, you may have grounds for an additional legal claim. Speak with an attorney immediately to understand your options and protect your rights.

How long does it take to receive compensation for a construction accident claim?

The timeline for receiving compensation for a construction accident claim can vary depending on the case’s complexity and the at-fault party’s willingness to settle. An experienced attorney can aggressively negotiate to seek fair and timely compensation.

Trust a Construction Accident Attorney From Perecman Firm To Provide Experienced Legal Support

Damages in a Construction AccidentConstruction accident injuries that were not your fault deserve legal attention. If a construction accident injures you or a loved one, do not hesitate to contact the experienced personal injury attorneys at Perecman Firm.

Our award-winning law firm has a track record of securing maximum compensation or benefits for injured workers, innocent bystanders, and New Yorkers injured in other types of accidents.

Schedule a free case evaluation with a personal injury attorney in NYC now in English, Spanish, or Polish.

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For over 40 years, David H. Perecman has distinguished himself as one of the leading personal injury lawyers in New York City, championing all types of personal injury cases including construction accidents, premises accidents, automobile accidents, and medical malpractice, along with employment discrimination, false arrest, and civil rights cases.