Brooklyn Construction Accident Lawyer

construction worker working on foundation rafters

Construction workers face a number of risks and workplace hazards that leave them vulnerable to serious injuries.

If you have suffered an injury or lost a loved one as a result of a construction accident, you may be entitled to seek compensation, whether through the workers’ compensation system or a personal injury lawsuit. You need a law firm that has the resources to handle whatever may arise in your case.  Over more than 40 years, The Perecman Firm, P.L.L.C., has recovered more than half a billion dollars in compensation for clients. Our Brooklyn construction accident attorneys are ready to put that experience to work for you.

Contact us today to discuss your legal options in a free consultation with an experienced Brooklyn construction accident lawyer.

Why Choose Us to Handle Your Construction Accident Case?

New York has one of the largest construction industries in the nation, employing more than 370,000 people, according to the New York Comptroller’s Office. Many construction workers are employed on job sites in Brooklyn. If you have suffered a serious injury in a construction site accident, you need an experienced attorney who understands the N.Y. construction industry and the challenges you may be facing as an injured worker.

Our Brooklyn construction accident attorneys at The Perecman Firm, P.L.L.C., have more than 40 years of experience standing up for the rights of construction accident victims. NYC construction accidents are one of our primary areas of practice, particularly cases of falls from scaffolds and other complex injury cases.

Here are a few examples from our record of case results:

  • $15,208,168 – Jury verdict for a construction worker who was injured when a ladder was kicked out from under him
  • $12,000,000 – Settlement for a union driver who was injured by a fall from a ladder attached to a truck container
  • $11,899,469 – Settlement for a union worker who fell from a scaffold resulting in an injured back
  • $10,000,000 – Jury verdict for a laborer who fell from a suspended scaffold

Every personal injury case is unique in some ways. Former construction accident case results are not predictive of the outcome of future cases. But they do show our experience taking on complex construction accident claims and our commitment to standing up for injured workers.

Who Can Be Held Liable After a Construction Accident?

Construction sites have many hazards and often have multiple companies working side by side. One of the most important steps when investigating an injury claim after a construction accident is determining who is financially liable.

A construction site may have a general contractor and multiple subcontractors working on a site — any one of whom may be at fault in a construction accident. If a construction worker sustains an injury due to negligence on the part of a company other than his employer, the worker may have a right to sue the at-fault company.

Depending on the circumstances, any of the following parties may be liable:

  • Your employer – If you suffered a work-related injury, you may be entitled to benefits from your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance. Additionally, New York’s labor laws give you the right to sue your employer under certain circumstances if you are injured in a gravity-related incident due to the employer’s negligence.
  • The property owner – If the property owner’s negligence contributed to your injuries, you might have grounds for a premises liability lawsuit.
  • Vendors or contractors – If another vendor or contractor was negligent in a way that contributed to the accident (such as by failing to provide a safe work environment, you may file a third-party personal injury lawsuit.
  • Manufacturers – Finally, if a construction equipment manufacturer provided a faulty product that injured you, you may file a product liability lawsuit against the equipment manufacturer.

Understanding Your Rights After a Construction Accident

At The Perecman Firm, P.L.L.C., we can help you identify all possible sources of compensation after a construction site accident, including:

  • Workers’ compensation claims – If your injuries were work-related, you are most likely entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. New York’s workers’ compensation system requires employers to have workers’ compensation insurance to pay for medical care for injured employees and cover a portion of lost wages from missed time at work, regardless of who caused the accident.
  • Work injury claims – You typically can’t sue your employer if you collect workers’ comp benefits, but there are certain exceptions in New York, which our attorneys can explain. You also may have grounds for a personal injury lawsuit against a vendor or contractor if their negligence contributed to your injuries. If you were injured in a “gravity-related” accident, you might even be able to file a lawsuit against a negligent employer under New York law.
  • Social Security Disability (SSD) claims – If your injuries left you with a long-term or permanent disability, we can help you seek disability benefits through an SSD claim.

Demanding Maximum Payment for Your Losses After a Construction Accident in Brooklyn

With a workers’ compensation claim, you can obtain benefits that cover your medical expenses and part of your lost wages, regardless of who was at fault. If you also have grounds for a third-party personal injury claim, you may claim compensation for:

  • The full value of your lost wages
  • Projected losses in your lifetime earning capacity
  • Present and future medical expenses
  • The intangible costs of your pain, suffering, and lost quality of life

How Long Do You Have to File a Construction Accident Lawsuit?

If you have grounds for a personal injury lawsuit after a Brooklyn construction site accident, you should know that your time in which to file such a lawsuit is limited. Under New York’s statute of limitations, you have just three years from the date of the accident to sue.

If you file a lawsuit after the three-year deadline has passed, the court may dismiss your lawsuit as untimely. If this occurs, you can lose your right to demand compensation.

Keep in mind that there are time limits for workers’ compensation claims. In New York, you must report your injury to your employer within 30 days of the accident and then file your claim within two years to receive benefits.

How Our Brooklyn Construction Accident Attorneys Can Take the Pressure Off of You

Our construction accident lawyers in Brooklyn are prepared to support you throughout your case by:

  • Explaining your rights and providing dependable legal advice
  • Conducting an independent investigation into the construction accident to determine who may be liable
  • Identifying insurance policies available to provide compensation
  • Obtaining medical records, accident reports, and other documentation of the accident and your subsequent injuries
  • Interviewing witnesses for statements that can support your claim
  • Working with expert witnesses, such as healthcare providers and accident reconstruction specialists, to develop your claim
  • Communicating with insurance providers, construction company lawyers, and other third parties on your behalf
  • Keeping track of important deadlines for your claim
  • Negotiating aggressively to maximize your compensation
  • Filing a lawsuit and taking your case to trial, if necessary

Tips for Protecting Your Rights After a Construction Accident in Brooklyn

If you’re not sure what to do after a Brooklyn construction site accident, here are some steps you can take to protect your rights:

  • Seek prompt medical attention – If you sustained serious injuries in a construction accident, call 911 to obtain emergency medical care. You should have a doctor evaluate and treat your injuries as soon as possible, even if you feel fine.
  • Report the accident to your employer – Tell your supervisor or human resources (HR) representative about the accident promptly. To claim workers’ comp benefits in New York, you must report workplace injuries within 30 days. If your injuries prevent you from reporting the accident to your employer, ask a trusted coworker, friend, or family member to submit the notice on your behalf.
  • Gather as much evidence as possible – Keep the clothing you were wearing when you were injured and take photos of the area where the accident occurred. If anyone else saw what happened, ask them for a statement and their contact details. Keep track of medical bills, bank statements, pay stubs, and other accident-related documents.
  • Contact a personal injury lawyer – A knowledgeable attorney can help you understand your options and how to seek the compensation you are owed.

Common Causes of Construction Accidents in Brooklyn

Here are some of the most common causes of Brooklyn construction accidents:

  • Lack of fall protection on ladders, scaffolds, and other elevated structures
  • Lack of protection from falling objects for ground-level workers
  • Slip and fall hazards such as spills, uneven flooring, and debris
  • Missing or defective safety features on power tools
  • Unsafe or poorly maintained equipment or machinery
  • Exposed electrical wiring
  • Exposure to toxic substances or dangerously loud noises
  • Lack of protection against trench collapse for workers in trenches
  • Inadequate training or personal protective equipment (PPE) for workers

Common Construction Accident Injuries

Construction workers are at especially high risk for on-the-job injuries. Common construction site accident injuries include:

  • Burns, electrical shocks, and electrocutions
  • Toxic exposure or inhalation injuries
  • Loss of hearing or vision

Talk to a Brooklyn Construction Accident Attorney Now

If you have been injured on a construction site in Brooklyn, don’t hesitate to reach out to The Perecman Firm, P.L.L.C. One of our experienced Brooklyn construction accident lawyers can discuss your concerns and explain your legal rights during a free case review.