New York Construction Accidents Attorneys Representing Injured Workers
The construction industry is one of America’s largest business sectors, employing approximately 6.3 million people across the country on residential, commercial, heavy, and civil engineering projects. In NYC alone, public and private institutions initiated $2.9 billion in construction projects during the first half of 2015, up from $796 million through June of 2014, an increase of 269 percent, according to a New York Building Congress analysis of construction data from Dodge Data & Analytics. Construction work requires the skills of architects, engineers, bricklayers, electricians, and carpenters, as well as general operations managers and administrative staff.
Despite providing millions with steady and well-paid work opportunities, construction is also one of the most dangerous sectors to work in. Figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics put fatalities in the construction industry at 856 in 2013, with non-fatal injuries and illnesses recorded at 3.8 per 100 workers. Recently, the New York Times reported a shortage of qualified safety inspectors available to ensure safe working conditions for construction workers in NYC, making a hazardous job even riskier.
Construction sites are inherently dangerous. The construction accident attorneys NYC at The Rybak Firm, PLLC, understand how injuries occur and the process for holding the responsible parties accountable. OSHA’s “Fatal Four” report for 2013 listed the most common causes of fatalities on construction sites:
- falls;
- electrocution;
- struck by falling objects;
- caught in or between objects.
These dangerous cases often occur because employers fail to adhere to safety regulations, fail to provide proper personal protective equipment, or neglect to enforce its use. If you or someone you know has suffered an injury on a construction site, our experienced construction accident lawyers NYC are here to help. From determining liability to filing suits, we’ll guide you through every step of the process.
What Do You Need To Know If You or Your Loved One Were Injured In A Construction Accident In New York?
1. Workers Compensation Benefits
If a worker is injured on a New York construction site during their daily work tasks, they are eligible to claim worker’s compensation. Benefits include full coverage of medical costs and partial compensation for lost wages. Disability benefits may also be available if the injury results in long-term impairment. While workers cannot usually sue their employers directly, this compensation offers a critical lifeline.
Our construction accident attorneys NYC can assist you in navigating this complex legal process to ensure you receive the maximum benefits available under the law.
2. Scaffolding Injury Claims
Construction workers often use scaffolding to perform their work. When a worker falls from scaffolding, or when scaffolding collapses, it can cause them life-altering injuries, including head trauma, spinal cord injuries, and broken bones. If your injury was a result of falling off scaffolding, New York Labor Section 240 is specifically designed to protect workers. This law helps workers injured while on scaffolds secure compensation for medical bills, lost earnings, pain, suffering, and other costs.
Section 240 places strict liability for scaffolding accidents on property owners and contractors. It provides broader coverage than traditional claims, allowing workers to pursue compensation for losses such as emotional distress. Our experienced construction accident attorneys NYC are well-versed in these laws and can help you recover the maximum benefits.
If you or a loved one were involved in a construction accident, you may be able to bring a lawsuit for your injuries against the owner, general contractor, and other contractors or companies under Sections 200, 240, and 241 (6) of the Labor Law of the State of New York. This is very important information for workers injured in construction site accidents because, in many cases, the workers’ compensation benefits do not adequately compensate for the injuries and other damages, like loss of earnings and benefits. It’s important to note that you cannot sue your employer for a work accident because the law limits you to a workers’ compensation claim for your employer if they have workers’ compensation insurance.
The same protections apply to injuries caused by falls from heights.
As a construction worker, your job often requires working on ladders, roofs, and other high structures. These environments expose you to significant risks, such as falling or being struck by objects from above. Injuries from such accidents — like broken bones or head trauma — can be devastating, often preventing you from returning to work and leading to high medical costs. Securing compensation for lost wages and doctor bills is critical for injured workers and their families.
The same is true for injuries due to falls from heights.
If you are a construction worker, you know that your job requires you to work on ladders, roofs and on other structures that, because they are high above the ground and can expose you to falling or being struck by falling objects. When workers fall from heights, or when objects fall from heights and land on workers, the result can be broken bones, devastating head injuries, and other serious injuries. These injuries often make it impossible to return to work and can involve expensive medical care. Getting compensation for lost wages and doctor bills is critical for injured workers and their families.
3. Third-Party Injury Claims
While suing an employer is typically not permitted, third-party claims allow injured workers to pursue compensation from others responsible for their accidents. If negligence by a contractor, manufacturer, or property owner caused your injury, our law firm can guide you through filing a third-party lawsuit to recover damages.
From handling cases involving scaffolding injuries to identifying liable parties, our team of construction accident attorneys NYC ensures every case is meticulously prepared for the best possible outcome.
The Most Common Injuries in Construction Site Accidents
Forklift Accidents Injuries
Construction workers who use forklifts regularly know how dangerous they can be. In an environment that often stresses productivity over safety, accidents and injuries are likely to occur. Workers are injured in forklift accidents every year. Accidents involving forklifts often lead to serious injury, such as brain trauma, spinal cord damage, or back and neck injuries. In severe cases, victims may suffer life-altering conditions like paraplegia or quadriplegia.
These cases often require an experienced construction accident lawyer NYC to help recover compensation for medical costs and lost income.
Electrocution Injuries
Anyone who has worked around sources of electricity, such as high-voltage transformers and wires, knows the potential for danger, especially when proper safety measures are not provided. Electrocution often leads to burns, severe neurological injuries and other serious injuries. In any construction accident case, it is important to know what happened and what should have been done to protect you from an injury. New York Construction Accident Lawyer of The Rybak Firm, PLLC., will investigate your accident, identify those responsible and handle all aspects of your lawsuit and workers’ compensation claim.
New York Crane Accident
While cranes help workers perform essential tasks, they are also dangerous to operate and serious injury can result both to crane operators and to others on a work site where a crane is being used. According to OSHA, there are approximately 125,000 cranes in operation in the construction industry throughout the United States. There are an additional 80,000 to 100,000 cranes in use in the maritime industry and in other general industries.
Crane accident may occur for many reasons, but OSHA has identified the top causes of injury as:
- Cranes coming into contact with energized power lines.
- Overturned cranes.
- Loads dropping from cranes.
- Boom collapses.
- Crushing by the counterweight.
- Damage from the hook-lifting device.
- Falls.
- Rigging failures.
- Outrigger use problems.
A New York crane accident can be deadly or cause permanent, life-changing injuries. It is extremely important to understand your rights if you or a loved one is hurt in a crane accident. Our experienced construction accident lawyers NYC can guide you through the process of securing the compensation you deserve. When a crane accident happens, injured victims or their surviving family members may be entitled to benefits or compensation.
There are two primary sources of potential compensation from a crane accident.
- Workers’ compensation benefits. It is available to all covered workers for any on-the-job injury, regardless of whether the employer was negligent or whether the employee made mistakes.
- Third-party lawsuits. If a third party, such as the manufacturer or owner of the crane, was responsible for the injury, you may file a personal suit or wrongful death claim. While workers’ compensation prevents you from suing your employer directly, a skilled construction accident attorney NYC can help identify third-party liability and ensure you receive the maximum compensation available.
Ladder/Scaffold Fall
As a construction worker, you know that any fall from a ladder can result in injuries to the back, spinal cord, head, and other areas of the body. One of the most important — and often one of the most complex — parts of any case involving a construction accident is determining the responsible parties.
Typically, the construction worker’s employer may be held liable in a ladder fall. Additionally, we will examine whether other parties, such as a general contractor, property owner, product manufacturer, or another negligent party, may also be liable. Our experienced construction accident attorneys NYC will evaluate whether these parties followed OSHA regulations regarding the ladder and equipment involved.
Even a broken bone can significantly impact your ability to work and live normally, while more severe injuries may require a lifetime of care. Partner with a construction accident lawyer NYC who will prioritize your best interests and guide you through the process of obtaining compensation.
Construction sites are often scattered with debris, which often leads to serious injuries for workers. Debris-related accidents, such as trips and falls, are common in NYC and can be dangerous. When property owners, general contractors, or others in charge of a site fail to remove unnecessary debris or implement proper safety measures, they should be held accountable.
Construction site injuries happen every day. Burns. Broken bones. Paralysis. Cuts. Nerve damage. Slips. Falls. And even wrongful deaths. And while high-profile accidents grab headlines, every incident can deeply impact the injured individual. We have an exceptional understanding of construction accident law, and our construction accident lawyers NYC can also assist with your worker’s compensation claim. From diagnosing the full scope of your injuries to enlisting medical experts to demonstrate long-term effects, we’re prepared to ensure you receive every dollar you deserve.
At a busy construction site, falling objects — such as rebar, sheet metal, power tools, and cinder blocks — pose serious risks to workers below. Even something as simple as a bolt can be extremely dangerous when falling from a few stories above. And while the rules and regulations surrounding falling object injuries may seem clear, there are always opportunities for employers and site managers to search for legal loopholes in falling object injuries. And that’s why you need legal representatives that know the terrain. The construction accident attorneys NYC at The Rybak Firm, PLLC., are ready to help, bringing essential trial experience to your litigation.
If you’ve slipped, tripped, or fallen while working on a construction site, don’t assume workers’ compensation is your only option. Consult an experienced construction accident lawyer NYC right away to determine if you have a personal injury claim. Unlike other firms, we can handle both your workers’ compensation claim and personal suits, bringing your case full circle and ensuring you receive comprehensive representation.
We Are Experienced New York Construction Accidents Attorneys for Injured Workers
The New York construction accident attorneys NYC at The Rybak Firm, PLLC., have more than 50 years of combined legal experience helping injured workers. Consultations are free and confidential. In addition, if we help you pursue a personal injury claim, it will be against someone other than your employer, so you do not have to worry about getting your boss in trouble.
If you have been injured in a construction accident in the Bronx, Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, or elsewhere in New York, we can help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Let us put our experience and passion to work for you.
Second to seeking medical attention, hiring a New York construction accident attorney NYC is the most important decision you can make after a construction accident. Without legal guidance, you may struggle to secure adequate compensation. An experienced New York Construction Accident Lawyer has handled cases like yours before and can offer you sound legal advice on how you should move forward.
Personal Injury Lawyer Near Me
Our offices are located in Brooklyn, New York. However, we serve clients throughout the whole New York City Metro Area and represent clients in every borough of New York City. If your injury prevents you from meeting at our offices, our personal injury attorneys can arrange to meet you near me at your home, hospital, or another convenient location. We also provide free transportation to and from our offices.
To learn more about how our construction accident lawyers NYC can help, contact The Rybak Firm, PLLC., today. We are available 24/7 and offer free transportation to and from our offices. If you are unable to visit us due to an injury, we can meet you at your home or hospital. Call us at (718) 307-5554 or complete the ‘Contact Us’ form on our website to schedule your free consultation.
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