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The private construction industry is one of the most dangerous in the country. Traditionally, construction has one of the highest worker fatality and injury rates each year. Despite these realities, many employers fail to take the necessary safety precautions to protect their workers.
At Ajlouny Injury Law, we represent people who have been hurt or killed in construction accidents throughout New York City. We have recovered millions of dollars for injury victims and their families. If you or a loved one have suffered harm at an NYC construction site, contact our office at (718) 233-3913 to schedule a free consultation.
What Should I Do If I Was Injured at a Construction Site in NYC?
If you are injured at a construction site in NYC you need legal representation. You might be entitled to financial recovery through a workers’ compensation claim or by pursuing a personal injury lawsuit against a liable party.
Too often, construction workers are injured on the job because an employer fails to provide adequate safety measures. You should not have to pay for your employer’s negligence or wrongdoing. Our office can help you understand your rights and pursue legal action against your employer or another liable party.
Construction Accident Statistics
According to the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), there were over 4,700 5,250 workers killed on the job in a single year. Over 20 percent of worker fatalities occurred in the construction and extraction industry. Most deaths are caused by Construction's "Fatal Four."
According to OSHA, the construction industry’s “Fatal Four” are:
- Falls
- Struck by object
- Electrocutions
- Caught-in/between
The construction industry’s fatal four account for an overwhelming percentage of worker injuries and deaths. OSHA estimates that over half of the construction worker deaths could be prevented by adhering to the safety guidelines related to the fatal four.
What Are the Most Frequently Cited OSHA Violations?
OSHA is a relatively small agency within the United States Department of Labor. It is responsible for overseeing and regulating the safety of millions of employers across the country. OSHA inspectors routinely visit and investigate safety violations.
The most frequently cited OSHA standards violations include:
- Construction industry - fall protection codes
- General industry – respiratory protection
- Construction industry – ladders
- General industry - hazard communication
- Construction - scaffolding
- Construction - fall protection training
- General industry - control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout)
- Construction - eye and face protection
Many injuries and deaths can be avoided by following state and federal safety guidelines. When an employer fails to provide a safe work environment, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.
Who Is Liable for a Construction Accident?
In general, the property owner and general contractor are required to keep a construction site safe from hazards. They are also required to ensure that workers have the equipment and training they need to handle the job.
Construction accident liability, however, may be difficult to prove. In some cases, an injured worker’s sole remedy may be filing a workers’ compensation claim. Depending on the situation, you may be unable to sue your employer for damages if they were carrying workers’ compensation insurance as required by law.
In rare cases, you might be able to hold a third party liable for your injuries. In order to determine who can be held legally responsible after a construction accident in New York City, you need to speak to an attorney.
What Types of Injuries Happen at Construction Sites?
There are a number of different types of injuries that can happen at construction sites. While they can range in severity, many injuries are serious requiring workers to miss significant periods of work.
Injuries that can happen at construction sites include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Crushing injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Broken bones
- Deep cuts and lacerations
- Burns
- Electrocutions
- Amputation
- Head and neck trauma
- Loss of vision or hearing
- Paralysis
- Spinal cord injuries
The first thing you need to do if you are injured in an NYC construction accident is to seek medical attention. Whether you seek workers’ compensation benefits or file a personal injury lawsuit, you will need to prove the extent of your injuries. Failing to seek medical treatment immediately can directly impact your case and your recovery.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Construction Accidents?
Falls are the leading cause of construction injury injuries and deaths. Lack of adequate fall protection is one of the most commonly cited violations at construction sites nationwide.
In addition to injuries caused by falls, many construction accidents occur due to:
- Machine or equipment failure
- Falling accidents
- Malfunctioning electrical equipment
- Elevator accidents
- Gas leaks or explosions
- Transportation incidents
- Scaffolding accidents
Section 240 of New York’s Labor Laws is often referred to as the “scaffolding law.” It requires contractors and property owners of construction sites to give “proper protection” to employees. Under this law, scaffolding must be constructed to bear 4x the maximum weight required. Individuals injured in scaffolding accidents are strongly encouraged to retain legal counsel.
Hurt in a Construction Accident in NYC? Contact Our Office.
Were you or a loved one hurt in an NYC construction accident? Contact our office at (718) 233-3913 to schedule a FREE, no-obligation consultation. Do not wait. You only have a limited amount of time to file a lawsuit or workers’ compensation claim. Call now to get FREE legal advice from an experienced attorney.
