Construction Accident

A construction accident can be a devastating physical and emotional experience. Construction accidents happen more often than you might realize. In fact, they are one of the top three reasons for accidental death in the United States. Construction work is considered dangerous because of the use of heavy equipment, working at great heights, or below ground. A construction accident can cause life-threatening injuries including a brain injury, head Injury, internal bleeding, a spinal injury or broken bones. In the same way that a victim of a car accident may seek damages from the negligent person through a personal injury claim the law allows victims of construction accidents to seek damages as well. If you suffered an injury at a construct site, contact an experienced Bronx construction accident lawyer as you may be entitled to receive compensation for your financial loss, as well as pain and suffering. In addition, if during the course of the treatment for your injuries the medical staff commits medical malpractice, the party responsible for your construction accident injuries may be required to compensate you for the medical malpractice injury as well.

While there are many types of accidents occur at construction sites, common types of construction site accidents include:

• Scaffolding accidents
• Slip and fall accidents
• Crane accidents
• Falling debris
• Trench collapse
• Fire and explosions
• Ladder accidents

For example, Ralph Devito fell off a ladder as he was working in a building that was under construction. Devito was on an extension ladder when the ladder skidded out from underneath Devito, causing Devito to fall. Devito was seriously injured in the fall. In filing a defective product claim against the manufacturer of the ladder, Devito noted that the ladder lacked feet or cleats to prevent it from skidding. Devito v. Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., 2008 NY Slip Op 50415 (N.Y. Sup. Ct., 2008).

As an experienced Bronx construction accident lawyer can explain, an injury from any type of construction accident can be severe and result in permanent disability, preventing the victim from ever being able to return to employment. Under New York Labor Law §§ 200, 240, and 241, employers must ensure that workers use proper safety equipment and are protected from falls and falling objects. If an employer fails to follow safety requirements, then the employer may be legally liable if the employee is injured. However, liability may not be limited to employers. Depending on the circumstances surrounding the accident, other parties may be wholly or partly responsible including property owners, general contractors, project managers, subcontractors, equipment manufacturers, and architects.

Construction accidents can cause devastating injuries and even death. The type of injury suffered by the victim depends on a number of factors including whether the accident was a crane accident, scaffolding accident or some other type of accident. Injuries that are common in construction accidents include amputations, burns, broken bones, back injuries, and traumatic brain injuries.

Depending on the facts of your case, if you are hurt in a construction site accident due to another person's negligence you may be entitled a number of types of compensation.

• Medical Bills: Construction accidents can cause devastating injuries the cost of which can well exceed insurance limits. The individual may be able to file a claim to cover expenses for medical treatment, surgeries, medicine and future doctor visits and care. If you are concerned about whether you may be entitled to compensation to cover your medical bills, contact an experienced construction accident attorney in the Bronx.
• Loss of Income: When a victim is injured, they may be unable to work for an extended period of time. Victims may be able to file a claim for loss of income as well as for loss of future earning potential caused by the injury.
• Pain and Suffering: Victims may be able to file a claim for pain and suffering caused by their injury, as well as for loss of enjoyment of life. Whether you will be entitled to receive pain and suffering damages and the amount of such damages depends on the seriousness of your injuries. Injuries that leave permanent damage your pain and suffering award is likely to be greater than if you completely recover from your injuries.
• Wrongful Death: If the victim’s accident was fatal, the family may have legal recourse via a wrongful death suit. The claim can include reimbursement for medical bills, pain and suffering, and loss of future income.

If you have been hurt at a construction site, contact our legal team. These cases are complex and it is essential to have legal guidance to obtain the compensation you deserve. You may be able to collect compensation over and above the workers compensation award. If you have been injured, it is important you speak with legal counsel from our office to ensure that your rights are protected. Our construction accident attorneys serving the Bronx are experienced in representing clients who have been injured in accidents at construction sites and elsewhere. Contact us at 800.696.9529 to schedule a free, no obligation consultation regarding your case. We represent clients in the following locations: Bronx, Brooklyn, Long Island, Manhattan, Westchester County, Nassau County, Queens, Staten Island, and Suffolk County.