If you have been injured in a construction accident in New York, you are not alone. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), construction is New York City’s deadliest industry, accounting for 27 percent of all work-related deaths. Fortunately, construction workers in New York are afforded the protections of the New York State Labor Law.
Although construction is an inherently dangerous industry, the vast majority of serious injuries and fatalities are largely preventable. With proper training and supervision, and regular maintenance of construction equipment, the risk of injury or death drops dramatically. If you work in construction and notice a problem, such as poorly-maintained equipment, report the issue immediately.
At Kenneth Marder PLLC, our New York construction accident attorneys have been helping construction workers obtain the compensation they deserve for decades. If you have been injured in any type of work-related accident, contact us today at (212) 390-9529 for a free and confidential consultation about your case.
What to Do After a Construction Accident in New York
Once you have sought medical attention for your injuries, it is in your best interest to contact a lawyer with experience in this particular area of the law. Construction workers are not the only ones at risk of being injured in a construction-related accident. This is particularly true in congested cities, such as New York, where millions of bystanders walk under scaffolding and past work sites every day.
How a NY Construction Accident Attorney Can Help
Whether you are an employee, a contract worker, or a bystander, being involved in a construction accident can lead to serious damages, including extensive medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost wages. The last thing you need to be doing at a time like this is dealing with insurers, workers’ compensation paperwork, and construction companies.
An experienced NY construction accident lawyer can shoulder the burden of the legal process so that you can focus on healing. The skilled legal team at Kenneth Marder PLLC will work tirelessly to:
- Hold at-fault parties responsible
- Calculate the value of your claim
- Prepare and file your claim
- Communicate and negotiate with adjusters
- Fight to get you the compensation you deserve
We believe that communication, comfort, and understanding are key components of a successful attorney-client relationship. We want to understand what happened to you, how you have suffered, and what you need to get back on your feet. Our experienced construction accident lawyers will ensure that you understand your rights and options. We will maintain open lines of communication throughout the entire process so that you are always sure of where you stand. And rest assured, our legal team will remain by your side from start to finish. We are in this together.
Common Construction Accident Injuries
Although construction accidents can occur for an infinite number of reasons, many are due to negligence. Some of the most common construction accidents involve:
- Ladders, scaffolding, and falls from heights—Poorly-erected scaffolding and ladders, as well as those that are faulty or poorly-maintained are responsible for thousands of serious injuries at construction work sites. In fact, the BLS estimates that approximately 4,500 people are injured and 60 killed in scaffolding accidents every year.
- Poorly maintained or faulty equipment—Construction involves the use of nearly unlimited types of equipment and heavy machinery. When this equipment has defects, or necessary repairs go unattended, serious injury and death may occur. In some cases, injuries due to faulty equipment may involve a third party, such as the product’s manufacturer, designer, or retailer.
- Safety violations—When it comes to the construction industry, safety violations should not be taken lightly. The New York State Labor Law, New York Industrial Code and regulations put in place by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) are intended to prevent accidental injury and death in the workplace. Sadly, many employers fail to obey these rules and regulations. If you suspect your employer is in violation of safety codes, report it to a supervisor immediately. If your employer fails to take appropriate action, you can contact OSHA, whose job it is to investigate claims of workplace safety violations.
The Fatal Four
The construction industry accounts for more work-related deaths than most industries, and four types of accidents are the leading causes of construction fatalities. Appropriately named the “Fatal Four,” these accidents include:
- Falls—accounting for nearly 40 percent of all construction-related accidents, falls are also one of the most deadly.
- Being struck by an object—Objects falling from higher levels and in-motion equipment are the main contributors to these often-fatal injuries.
- Electrocution—Unsafe wiring frequently results in burns, amputations, and fatal injuries.
- Trapped or caught in-between—When working around heavy machinery, it is not uncommon for workers to get caught in-between equipment and another immovable surface. These injuries can also involve getting crushed beneath collapsing structures.
Compensation for Construction Accidents in New York
If you have been injured in a work-related construction accident, you are likely entitled to workers’ compensation. However, if negligence played a role in your injuries, you may be able to obtain additional compensation for other related expenses, such as pain and suffering. Even if negligence was not a factor, applying for workers’ compensation is a complex process, and the smallest error can result in reduced or delayed benefits.
By working with a team of New York lawyers experienced in both workers’ compensation and construction accident claims, you can ensure that all your bases are covered. At Kenneth Marder PLLC, we have helped countless construction workers obtain the full compensation they deserve in a timely manner.
The year 2020 will see an increase in laws surrounding construction safety and penalties for violations in New York. New legislation includes increased fines for safety violations, a requirement for additional supervisors at work sites, a minimum of 40 training hours for all workers, and the addition of 150 safety inspectors.
Contact Kenneth Marder PLLC Today
If you have been injured in any type of work-related accident, the legal team at Kenneth Marder PLLC can help. Our attorneys have been protecting the rights of NY workers for decades, and we want to help you get the compensation you deserve in a timely manner. Contact us today at (212) 390-9529 for a free and confidential consultation about your case.