You’re on a construction site in New York City, handling your job as usual, when an unexpected accident leaves you with excruciating pain, numbness, or even partial paralysis in an arm or leg. As the days go by, you realize that the damage isn’t just a bruise or a sprain—it’s something far more debilitating.
Nerve injuries can take a long time to heal and may lead to long-term or permanent challenges. The road to recovery isn’t just about physical healing; it’s also about securing your financial future, making sure your family is taken care of, and holding those responsible accountable.
At The Perecman Firm, our experienced New York City construction accident lawyers understand the gravity of your situation. We’re here to support you and make sure you get the compensation you deserve. We work with clients in New York City, in the boroughs, on Long Island, and throughout the state.
What Is a Nerve Injury, and How Does It Happen on a Construction Site?
Nerve injuries are serious, often hidden consequences of construction accidents. They can occur in high-impact incidents, such as falls from ladders or scaffolding, heavy machinery accidents, or being struck by falling objects. In other cases, nerve damage may develop over time due to repetitive strain or improper safety practices.
The risk of such injuries is ever-present in a bustling construction site, where dangerous tools and heavy materials are commonplace. Certain types of construction work are particularly prone to nerve injuries. For instance:
- Electrical Work: Electricians are at risk for severe nerve injuries due to electric shocks or electrocution.
- Heavy Equipment Operation: Operators of heavy machinery like cranes, excavators, and bulldozers are vulnerable to injuries caused by machine malfunctions or collisions.
- Construction Laborers: Workers handling materials or performing physically demanding tasks may suffer repetitive strain injuries that can lead to nerve damage.
These injuries can occur in the blink of an eye or develop gradually, leaving workers with painful, sometimes life-altering consequences.
Immediate vs. Delayed-Onset Nerve Injuries
Some nerve injuries are apparent immediately after an accident, causing severe pain, numbness, or even loss of movement. For example, an accident involving a heavy fall may result in immediate spinal or peripheral nerve damage.
Other times, nerve injuries develop gradually, with symptoms appearing days or even weeks later. This delayed onset can make it challenging for workers to recognize the extent of their injuries right away.
Regardless of how quickly the symptoms appear, nerve injuries often require extensive treatment, ranging from physical therapy to surgery, and may lead to long-term health issues. Given the complexity of these injuries, having a construction accident attorney who understands the full impact of nerve damage can make all the difference in your case.
An attorney looks out for your rights. They will help ensure that every aspect of your injury, from initial pain to potential lifelong complications, is considered in your claim.
Why You Need a Lawyer for a Construction Accident Claim Involving Nerve Injuries
Nerve injuries are often progressive, meaning they can worsen over time. Unfortunately, insurance companies may seize this opportunity to minimize your claim, offering low settlements that don’t account for the future challenges you may face.
A personal injury lawyer from The Perecman Firm who handles New York construction accident claims knows these tactics well and is ready to fight for the full compensation you deserve. Consider the challenges an unrepresented injured worker might face:
- Underestimated Injuries: Insurance adjusters often downplay nerve injuries, treating them as minor issues or soft-tissue damage that doesn’t require substantial compensation.
- Long-Term Medical Costs: Nerve injuries can lead to ongoing medical needs, including physical therapy, surgeries, and medications. A lawyer will make sure these costs are accounted for in your settlement.
- Lost Wages and Reduced Earning Capacity: Nerve damage may limit your ability to return to work, either temporarily or permanently. A construction accident attorney will work to secure compensation for lost income and diminished future earning potential.
With our knowledge of New York construction accident cases, we understand how insurance companies operate. Our team will conduct a thorough investigation, gather all the necessary evidence, and work with medical experts to accurately portray the full scope of your nerve injury. This process allows us to build a solid case that reflects not just your immediate needs but also your future challenges and financial security.
New York Construction Safety Laws and How They Protect Injured Workers
New York has specific labor laws in place to protect construction workers, including Labor Law Sections 200, 240, and 241. These laws mandate that construction site owners and contractors take steps to ensure safe working conditions. Here’s how these laws can impact your nerve injury claim:
- Labor Law 200: This general duty law requires construction site owners and contractors to maintain a safe work environment. If your nerve injury occurred because of unsafe conditions, this law could be the foundation for a negligence claim.
- Labor Law 240 (the “Scaffold Law”): This law protects workers from height-related injuries, such as falls from scaffolding or ladders. If your injury was the result of a fall, this law helps us build your claim for compensation.
- Labor Law 241: This law mandates specific safety requirements on construction sites. Violations of these safety protocols, such as lack of protective equipment, can strengthen your case.
New York law is known for being protective of construction workers’ rights. However, securing compensation isn’t always straightforward. The Perecman Firm is deeply familiar with these laws and has a long history of advocating for injured construction workers. Our knowledge of New York-specific regulations and safety requirements enables us to build a robust claim on your behalf.
National Safety Standards (OSHA) and How Violations Contribute to Claims
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) establishes national safety standards for construction sites. Violations of OSHA standards are common causes of accidents that lead to nerve injuries. For example, OSHA mandates protective gear for certain high-risk tasks and safety procedures to prevent falls, electrocution, and machine-related injuries.
When these regulations are not followed, and a worker is injured as a result, it’s often a clear indication of negligence. OSHA violations can serve as powerful evidence in your claim, helping to establish that your injury was preventable and that those responsible should be held accountable.
At The Perecman Firm, we will investigate any potential OSHA violations on your site and include this in building a strong case for your compensation.
Progressive Nerve Injuries: Securing Fair Compensation
Nerve injuries can be deceptive. While some workers may start with only mild pain or discomfort, these symptoms can worsen, leading to partial or complete loss of sensation or movement.
Insurance companies may argue that the injury isn’t serious because the initial symptoms seemed minor. However, nerve damage is known to progress, and workers with these injuries may end up facing long-term or even permanent disability.
A knowledgeable personal injury attorney knows how to counter these tactics, presenting evidence of your injury’s potential progression and securing compensation that reflects the full impact on your life. At The Perecman Firm, we never settle for lowball offers that undervalue your health and future. We fight to make sure you receive compensation that covers not just today’s costs but also tomorrow’s.
How The Perecman Firm Supports You in Your Time of Need
Recovering from a nerve injury is overwhelming. You’re already managing medical appointments, physical limitations, and the emotional toll of an uncertain future. Let our compassionate team shoulder the legal burden so you can focus on healing.
Our approach is simple: we work harder and smarter than the defense to secure the compensation you deserve.
Our commitment goes beyond the legal case. We are advocates for construction workers’ rights, and we make sure your story is heard, respected, and understood. We take on powerful opponents and stand by our clients through every step of their case.
When you work with us, you’ll have an approachable and compassionate team that’s ready to answer your questions, handle your case, and guide you through each stage of the claims process.
The Steps to Filing a Personal Injury Claim for Nerve Damage from a Construction Accident
Filing a personal injury claim, especially one involving complex nerve damage, can feel daunting. Here’s what you can expect when you work with The Perecman Firm to file a claim and pursue compensation:
Free Consultation
Your journey starts with a free consultation. We’ll sit down with you to discuss the details of your accident, your injuries, and your concerns. This initial meeting helps us understand your case and explain how we can help. We’ll discuss the steps of the claims process and outline what you can expect at each stage. Our goal is to make sure you feel informed, empowered, and supported from day one.
Gathering Evidence
Once you decide to move forward, we’ll start gathering the evidence needed to build a strong case. This might include medical records, accident reports, witness statements, and photographs of the accident scene. We may also consult medical and construction safety experts to verify the extent of your injuries and the circumstances of the accident. Importantly, we handle this process for you, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
Establishing Liability
Construction accidents often involve multiple parties, including contractors, subcontractors, equipment manufacturers, and site owners. Establishing who is liable for your nerve injury requires a thorough understanding of New York construction laws, labor regulations, and safety standards. We’ll work to identify each party responsible for ensuring a safe work environment and demonstrate how their negligence contributed to your injury.
Calculating Damages
Nerve injuries are unique in that they often involve long-term consequences that can impact your earning ability and quality of life. We’ll assess not only your current medical bills but also your future treatment needs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Our attorneys know how to account for the full impact of your injury to ensure you seek compensation that reflects your true losses—now and in the future.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Once we’ve built a strong case, we’ll begin negotiating with the insurance companies involved. Insurers often try to settle quickly for the lowest amount possible, but we know the tactics they use to minimize claims. We’ll advocate on your behalf, making sure that every dollar of compensation you’re entitled to is on the table. Our attorneys are seasoned negotiators, prepared to push back on any lowball offers that don’t fairly cover your needs.
Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit
While many claims are settled through negotiations, sometimes the insurance companies refuse to offer a fair amount. In such cases, we won’t hesitate to take your case to court. The Perecman Firm has a strong record of successful trial verdicts, and our attorneys are well-prepared to represent you in litigation if that’s what it takes to get justice. We’ll handle every aspect of the trial process, from filing the lawsuit to presenting evidence in court, so you don’t have to worry about a thing.
Ongoing Communication and Support
Throughout the claims process, we prioritize keeping you informed and addressing any questions or concerns that arise. We know how critical communication is, especially during a time of uncertainty. Our team will provide regular updates, discuss any new developments in your case, and always make sure you know the next steps. You’ll never feel left in the dark.
Securing Your Compensation
Once your claim is resolved—through settlement or court verdict—we’ll work quickly to ensure you receive your compensation. We know how important these funds are to cover your medical bills, lost income, and other expenses. Our goal is to expedite the process, allowing you to focus on your recovery and future.
Contact The Perecman Firm Today for a Free Consultation
Nerve injuries are complex and progressive and often involve high-stakes negotiations with insurance companies that don’t always act in your best interest. The Perecman Firm is experienced in navigating these challenges and is committed to securing maximum compensation for every client.
With decades of experience as a New York City personal injury lawyer, we know insurance companies' tactics and the intricacies of New York’s labor and safety laws. This knowledge allows us to build strong cases that protect injured workers’ rights and ensure that construction companies and insurers are held accountable.
If you or a loved one suffered a nerve injury on a New York construction site, don’t let insurance companies or construction firms minimize your pain and suffering. Reach out to us today for a free consultation. While you focus on healing, let us handle the fight for justice. 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.