Common Construction Site Injuries: How A Lawyer Can Help

Common Construction Site Injuries How A Lawyer Can Help

If you’re a construction worker who’s been injured on the job, you’re not alone. The Midtown Manhattan construction accident lawyers at The Perecman Firm understand the physical pain, emotional stress, and financial uncertainty you face. We’re here to help you fight for the compensation you deserve to set your life back on its path.

From working at heights and operating heavy machinery to exposure to harmful substances and electrical risks, there are many ways a construction worker can be seriously injured through no fault of their own. Accidents can happen due to factors beyond your control.

We have dedicated our practice to helping New York construction workers, from skyscraper projects in New York City to work sites in Queens, the outer boroughs, and Long Island. Getting the legal help you need can make a real difference in your recovery and future.

What are Common Construction Site Injuries?

Construction is inherently one of the most dangerous professions, with numerous hazards on job sites daily. Even with proper safety measures in place, accidents can and do happen. Some of the most common types of injuries we see include:

  • Falls from Heights: Whether it’s from scaffolding, ladders, or roofs, falls can lead to severe injuries like broken bones, spinal cord damage, or traumatic brain injuries.
  • Struck-by Accidents: Being hit by falling objects, swinging equipment, or vehicles can cause crushing injuries, concussions, or worse.
  • Electrocutions: Contact with live wires or faulty equipment can result in burns, cardiac issues, or even fatal injuries.
  • Caught-in/between Accidents: Getting trapped between heavy machinery or materials can lead to severe crushing injuries or amputations.
  • Repetitive Stress Injuries: Over time, repeated motions can cause chronic pain and disabilities, affecting your ability to work and enjoy life.
  • Exposure to Harmful Substances: Asbestos, lead, or toxic chemicals can lead to serious long-term health issues.

These injuries can have long-lasting effects on your life, impacting your ability to work, enjoy time with your family, and maintain your quality of life. That’s where we come in.

How a Construction Accident Lawyer Can Help

Construction Accident Lawyer

You might be wondering, “I’ve already left the job site, been to the doctor, and filed paperwork to document my workplace injury. What can a lawyer do for me now?” The answer is: a lot. Here’s how the skilled construction accident attorneys at The Perecman Firm can make a difference:

Investigating Your Accident

We don’t just take the incident report at face value. Our team will conduct a thorough investigation of your accident. This includes:

  • Visiting the accident site
  • Gathering and preserving evidence
  • Interviewing witnesses
  • Reviewing safety protocols and violation records
  • Consulting with experts in construction safety and occupational health

This detailed investigation can uncover valuable evidence that strengthens your case and maximizes your potential compensation.

Identifying All Responsible Parties

In construction accidents, multiple parties may be liable for your injuries. This could include:

  • Property owners
  • General contractors
  • Subcontractors
  • Equipment manufacturers
  • Architects or engineers

By identifying all responsible parties, we can pursue multiple avenues for compensation, potentially increasing the overall value of your claim.

Pursuing Third-Party Claims

While workers’ compensation is often the first line of compensation for injured workers, it may not be enough to cover all your losses. That’s where third-party claims come in.

In New York, you can file a third-party claim against parties other than your employer who may have contributed to your accident. These claims can provide additional compensation beyond what workers’ comp offers, including:

  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Full lost wages (not just a portion)
  • Future medical expenses

Our experienced personal injury attorneys know how to identify potential third-party claims and build strong cases to maximize your compensation.

Calculating the Full Extent of Your Damages

It’s not just about your current medical bills. A serious construction injury can have far-reaching consequences, and you deserve compensation for all of them. We’ll help calculate the full extent of your damages, including:

  • Current and future medical expenses
  • Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
  • Rehabilitation costs
  • Home modifications if needed
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Loss of consortium (impact on your relationships)

By thoroughly documenting all these aspects, we ensure that any settlement offer or court award truly reflects the full impact of your injury on your life.

Negotiating with Insurance Companies

Negotiating with Insurance Company

Insurance companies are in the business of making money, not paying out claims. They may try to minimize your injuries or pressure you into accepting a low settlement. We’ve seen all their tactics before and won’t let them take advantage of you.

Our team will handle all communications with insurance companies, protecting your rights and advocating for your best interests. We’re skilled negotiators who can counter lowball offers and push for fair compensation.

Preparing for Trial (If Necessary)

While many cases settle out of court, sometimes going to trial is the best way to get the compensation you deserve. This is especially true if the insurance company refuses to play fair, offering a low settlement. If that’s the case, you want a team with a record of courtroom success.

At The Perecman Firm, we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. This thorough preparation often leads to better settlement offers, as the other side knows we’re ready and willing to take the case before a jury if necessary.

Applying New York Law for Construction Accident Claims

New York has specific laws protecting construction workers, including the famous Scaffold Law (Labor Law 240). We know these laws inside and out, and we’ll use them to build a strong case for you.

For instance, did you know that under New York’s Labor Law 240, property owners and contractors can be held strictly liable for gravity-related accidents? This means that if you fell from a height or were struck by a falling object, you might be entitled to compensation regardless of whether you were partially at fault.

Using OSHA Regulations to Strengthen Your Case

In construction accident cases, violations of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations can significantly strengthen your claim. At The Perecman Firm, we thoroughly investigate potential OSHA violations as part of our comprehensive approach to building your case.

Understanding OSHA’s Role

OSHA sets and enforces safety standards for workplaces across the United States, including construction sites. These standards are designed to prevent accidents and protect workers from harm. When employers fail to comply with these regulations, they’re not just breaking the law but putting their workers at risk.

Evidence of OSHA violations can be powerful in your construction accident case. Here’s why:

  • Establishing Negligence: OSHA regulations set the minimum safety standards for construction sites. If your employer or another party on the site violated these standards, it can help establish their negligence. This is crucial in proving liability for your injuries.
  • Demonstrating Knowledge of Hazards: OSHA requires employers to know about potential workplace hazards. If an OSHA violation led to your injury, it shows that the responsible party knew or should have known about the danger but failed to address it.
  • Countering Contributory Negligence Claims: Defendants often try to shift blame onto the injured worker. Evidence of OSHA violations can help counter these claims by showing that the accident resulted from the employer’s failure to maintain a safe work environment, not your actions.
  • Supporting Third-Party Claims: In cases where a third party (not your employer) was responsible for the OSHA violation, this evidence can be crucial in establishing their liability. This is particularly important in New York, where workers’ compensation laws limit your ability to sue your employer directly.
  • Increasing Potential Damages: In some cases, evidence of willful or repeated OSHA violations can lead to increased damages, as it demonstrates a disregard for worker safety.

Common OSHA Violations in Construction

Some of the most frequent OSHA violations we see in construction accident cases include:

  • Inadequate fall protection
  • Improper scaffolding construction
  • Lack of proper respiratory protection
  • Inadequate hazard communication
  • Unsafe electrical wiring methods
  • Improper use or maintenance of ladders
  • Lack of proper eye and face protection

We build a stronger case for your compensation by meticulously documenting OSHA violations. This approach has helped us secure substantial settlements and verdicts for many of our clients.

The Importance of Prompt Action

construction site action

Evidence of OSHA violations can be quickly altered or destroyed. That’s why it’s so important to contact an experienced construction accident lawyer as soon as possible after your injury. At The Perecman Firm, we act swiftly to preserve this vital evidence, ensuring that your rights are protected and you have the best chance at full compensation.

Remember, your safety should always be the top priority on any construction site. If you notice OSHA violations, report them to your supervisor or OSHA directly. And if you’ve been injured due to unsafe conditions, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help you navigate the complex legal landscape and fight for the justice you deserve.

The Perecman Firm Difference: Why Choose Us?

You have options when to hire a construction accident lawyer in New York City, Queens, or Long Island. Here’s why so many injured workers choose The Perecman Firm:

Experience and Skill

We’ve been fighting for injured construction workers for decades. Our team has handled thousands of cases and recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for our clients. We know the ins and outs of New York construction law, and we use that knowledge to your advantage.

A Track Record of Success

Our results speak for themselves. We’ve secured numerous multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for injured construction workers. For example:

  • $15 million for a worker who fell from a ladder
  • $11 million for a worker who fell from a scaffold
  • $11 million for a worker who suffered an amputation as a result of a workplace injury

These aren’t just numbers to us. Each of these cases represents a worker whose life we helped rebuild after a devastating injury.

We Never Back Down

Construction companies and insurance giants have deep pockets and teams of lawyers. But we’re not intimidated. We have the resources, the skills, and the determination to take on even the biggest opponents. We never back down from a fight when our client’s future is on the line.

No Fee Unless We Get a Settlement or Verdict for You

We understand that you’re likely facing financial stress after your injury. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis. You don’t pay us anything upfront; we only get paid if we secure compensation for you. This allows you to get the high-quality legal representation you need without worrying about how to afford it.

Taking the Next Step

If you’ve been injured on a New York City, Queens, or Long Island construction site, don’t wait to get help. The sooner you reach out to a construction accident lawyer, the better your chances of securing full and fair compensation. Here’s what you can expect when you contact The Perecman Firm:

  • Free Consultation: We’ll listen to your story, assess your case, and explain your options. There’s no obligation, and it’s completely confidential.
  • Immediate Action: If you choose to work with us, we’ll start working on your case right away. Time is often crucial in these cases, and we don’t waste a moment.
  • Continuous Communication: We’ll keep you updated throughout the process and explain each step clearly and simply.
  • Fierce Advocacy: From the negotiation table to the courtroom, we’ll fight tirelessly for your rights and your future.

Remember, New York has strict time limits for filing construction accident claims. The longer you wait, the harder it can be to gather evidence and build a strong case. Don’t let valuable time slip away – reach out to us today.

Contact The Perecman Firm Today

David H. Perecman, Personal Injury Attorney

David H. Perecman, Midtown Manhattan Construction Accident Attorney

A construction site injury can turn your world upside down. You’ve given your all to your work in construction. Now, let us work hard for you.

At Midtown Manhattan personal injury lawyer, helped countless workers just like you overcome these challenges and move forward with their lives. Let us use our experience, resources, and passion for justice to help you.

No matter how long it takes or how difficult the fight, we never quit until you get the maximum compensation possible. That’s our promise to you.

Call our New York City office at 212-977-7033, our Queens, NY, office at 718-587-0108, or our Jericho office on Long Island at 516-268-0130. You can also contact us online.

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.