Construction sites have a number of dangers for workers, visitors, delivery drivers, and anyone else who sets foot on the premises. In fact, construction is one of the most dangerous occupations, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). OSHA and state regulators ensure companies take precautions to protect workers, but according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, construction workers suffered 3.2 injuries per 100 workers in 2016. This is significantly more than most industries.
If you suffered injuries in a construction accident in Holbrook, Long Island, Gacovino, Lake & Associates, P.C., has the knowledge, skill, and experience you need to feel confident you are getting the maximum payout possible. We can handle any type of construction accident claim, from workers’ compensation to personal injury claims. We will help you understand your legal options, navigate the claims process, and fight for the full value of your case. Call our office today at 631-600-0000 for a free case review with a construction accident lawyer in Holbrook, Long Island.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Construction Accidents in Holbrook?
Construction site injuries can occur in a variety of ways, but some are more common than others. Almost all are preventable if everyone follows safety protocols and utilizes the right type of protective equipment. If an employer allows unsafe working conditions to develop, however, employees can suffer serious injuries in an accident.
Falls
Together with car accidents, fall injuries are one of the most common types of personal injury we see in our practice. Slip and fall risks exist in your home, in stores, inside of restaurants, and in many other locations. Construction sites often feature significantly more fall risks, as well as the danger of falling from a height if not using proper fall protection equipment when working on a ladder or scaffolding. Falls may seem like minor accidents, but they take the lives of more construction workers each year than any other cause, according to data from OSHA.
Caught in and Caught Between Injuries
Caught in and caught between injuries often result when workers are in crush accidents involving machinery, caught under falling building materials, trapped in trench collapses, and in other similar situations. Like most other types of construction accidents, these injuries typically occur because of lax safety precautions and poor supervision on the site.
Injuries From Falling or Airborne Objects
Hardhats are mandatory for workers and visitors on most construction sites, but they only protect you in certain situations. A shifting steel beam or a hammer dropped from several stories up can cause serious head and neck injuries, crush injuries, and even death. It pays to be aware of the risk for flying and falling objects at all times. However, with proper safety equipment and strict safety protocols, these injuries should be avoidable.
Electrical Hazards
Unfinished electrical jobs, exposed wiring, and even power tools can all create electrocution hazards. By taking the right precautions, following all safety protocols, using tools according to manufacturer’s specifications, and relying on trained electricians and other qualified personnel to deal with live wiring, these accidents are almost all preventable.
Equipment Accidents
There are many different types of equipment on a construction site, including heavy machinery, power tools, and various equipment for specialized tasks. Any of these machines or tools could have defects that cause them to malfunction—or misuse could lead to serious injuries. Like other types of construction site accidents, these injuries are preventable. However, sometimes the responsibility lies with the equipment manufacturer, maintenance team, or other third parties.
Other Construction Site Injuries
While these causes make up the majority of injuries every year, there are also other injuries and illnesses that are common among construction workers. For example, outdoor workers are susceptible to frostbite in winter and heat exhaustion in the summer. Workers may also suffer back injuries or repetitive motion injuries, which could require surgery and time away from work.
How Do I Know Who Is Liable for My Injuries?
When we meet for your complimentary case evaluation, we can help you identify the liable parties in your accident. If suffered your injury while you were working, we can help you file your workers’ compensation claim—but this may be the extent of your legal options for a payout. Visitors to the construction site or others whose accident occurred because of a third party may be eligible to file an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit.
Depending on the situation, the liable party in a construction accident may include:
- The property owner, if they failed to repair hazards or provide warnings;
- The current occupier of the property, if their negligence caused your injuries;
- A motorist, if they caused a crash on the construction site;
- A contractor or subcontractor, if you suffered injuries because of their employee’s negligence;
- A manufacturer, if a defective part or product caused your injuries; or
- Your employer, if they could have prevented your injury by following regulations.
It is almost impossible to fully understand how New York state statutes and workers’ compensation laws work in any given situation unless you have extensive experience navigating this type of claim. We can explain your rights and help you understand your options for compensation. The three most common ways we can help our clients recover the money they need after a construction accident are:
- Filing for workers’ compensation benefits;
- Pursuing a third-party liability insurance claim against the negligent party; or
- Filing a personal injury lawsuit against the negligent party.
How Can I Talk to a Construction Accident Lawyer in Holbrook?
The best way to understand your rights after a construction accident is to discuss your case with a lawyer who can explain how state laws apply to your situation. At Gacovino, Lake & Associates, P.C., our team of construction accident attorneys can help you pursue the compensation you need and deserve. Call our office today at 631-600-0000 to schedule a free case evaluation.
