Accidents on construction sites expose employees, visitors, and bystanders to extreme dangers. With so many pieces of heavy machinery and equipment on a job site, the risk for severe personal injuries is quite high. Construction workers injured on a job site are often confused about how to navigate the legal system after an accident.
If you were part of a construction accident, a Long Island construction accident lawyer from Gacovino, Lake & Associates, P.C. will work to gather evidence, establish the liable parties, and fight for the compensation that you may be owed. For a free case review with someone in our office, call us at (631) 600-0000 today.
Causes of Construction Accidents
Construction accidents come in all shapes and sizes. Most construction sites involve many workers, third-party contractors, and other parties. The sheer amount of activity on a construction site often creates risks for those involved in a construction project. This commotion can lead to human errors that cause severe forms of personal injury.
Construction companies and third parties may also be deemed responsible for a construction accident. For example, if a construction company fails to comply with any of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) job site safety standards or local protocols, they put their employees at risk of injury. This kind of negligence is often used to establish liability when a lawyer examines the evidence pertaining to an accident.
Similarly, if a company manufactures a piece of equipment that is faulty, and it causes an accident, the manufacturer may be held liable. Or, if a contractor does not comply with New York Labor Law §240 (LAB), they may be held liable if faulty scaffolding collapses and causes injuries. If a company fails to perform routine maintenance on its equipment, this can expose workers, guests, and bystanders to unnecessary dangers as well.
While defective and faulty equipment is present in many construction accidents, there are other common causes to examine. Poor weather conditions that affect the employee may create an environment that is prone to accidents. Simple human error can also create disastrous outcomes.
With so many variables at play in a construction accident, deciding on the course of action is often challenging. A lawyer who handles construction accidents will work to assess variables, establish liability, and go after any forms of compensation that you may be owed. They will also communicate with any involved parties for you so you can focus on recovering from any injuries you may have sustained in a construction accident.
Common Injuries from Construction Accidents
Injuries caused by construction accidents vary in their severity. If you were injured in a construction accident, you should seek medical attention right away. Doctors will perform diagnostic tests and implement treatment plans depending on the nature of your injury. Some injuries heal on their own, while others require years of treatment.
Even injuries that may seem mild at first, such as fractures, can have major effects on a person’s ability to live their day to day life normally. As the University of Rochester Medical Center points out, it could take months for the broken bones to knit back together. Fractures, along with broken bones, may leave you unable to return to work for some time. In these cases, you may be eligible to receive compensation to cover lost wages. Other common forms of injuries caused by construction accidents include:
- Spinal cord injury
- Burns and lacerations
- Disfigurement
- Paralysis
- Traumatic brain injury
If you sustained injuries of any kind in a construction accident, you may be entitled to receive compensation. A Long Island construction accident lawyer from Gacovino, Lake & Associates, P.C. will build a case on your behalf and fight for any forms of compensation that you may be owed. Contact our law office today at (631) 600-0000.
Pursuing Compensation and Recoverable Damages
To pursue compensation for injuries and other damages caused by a construction accident, legal teams will first investigate the accident to establish cause and the liable parties. In this process, they will gather evidence, such as photographs taken at the scene of the accident, eyewitness reports, and maintenance records. Lawyers may also conduct interviews with other parties involved in the incident.
If an employee is injured in a construction accident, they may be eligible to receive workers’ compensation through the New York State Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB). The laws around worker’s compensation can be challenging to digest without legal counsel. Third parties such as equipment manufacturers may be held partially responsible, which can introduce additional layers of complexity. A lawyer who handles construction accidents can help to answer any questions you have.
There are also some state and local laws that may apply to your situation. For example, you generally have three years to file a personal injury lawsuit under New York Civil Practice Law & Rules (CPLR) §214, but there are exceptions to the statute of limitations that may shorten or lengthen it. A lawyer who focuses on construction accidents will work to interpret these laws and others to establish liability and determine a value for any damages that you may be owed. Possible forms of damages could include:
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation programs
- Past and future medical bills
- Lost wages
- Reduced earnings potential
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
Contact a Construction Accident Lawyer Today
If you were involved in a construction accident, a Long Island construction accident lawyer from Gacovino, Lake & Associates, P.C. will stand up for justice on your behalf. In addition to gathering evidence and performing a thorough investigation, our legal team will also negotiate a settlement. If your case goes to trial, we will defend you. To speak with someone in our office about your situation, contact us at (631) 600-0000.
