Long Island Construction Accident

Even with safety extensive federal and local regulations and intensive safety training, the construction industry is dangerous. Accidents occur often for a variety of reasons such as miscommunication between workers, faulty equipment, inadequate training on equipment, and poor safety training. Injuries sustained in these accidents can be serious and at times life threatening, including head injuries, back injuries, neck injuries, and broken bones. If you or a loved one was seriously in a construction accident it is important that you immediately speak with a Long Island construction accident lawyer as you may be entitled to benefits through workers' compensation or compensation through a personal injury claim.

Construction sites are inherently dangerous because of the heavy equipment, presence of chemicals, even terrain, and high elevations. Just like car accidents, pedestrian accidents, and other types of workplace accidents, there are a variety of reasons that construction accidents happened. Common types of construction site accidents include scaffolding accidents, equipment failure, slip and fall accidents, crane accidents, electrocution, falling debris, trench collapse, and fire and explosions. An injury from any of these types of accidents can be severe and can result in permanent disability, preventing the victim from ever being able to return to employment.

Under New York Labor Law as well as federal regulations employers must make sure that workers use appropriate safety equipment so that they are protected from falls and falling objects. Falls are one of the most common types of accidents at construction sites as workers often work at high elevations and on uneven terrain. If an employer fails to follow safety requirements, then the employer may be legally liable if the employee is injured. Employers are also required to make sure workers where safety goggles, ear protection, hard hats, and other safety gear to minimize the risk of injury.

However, liability may not be limited to employers. Depending on the circumstances surrounding the accident, other may be liable including responsible including property owners, general contractors, project managers, subcontractors, equipment manufacturers, and architects.

Construction accidents can cause devastating injuries and even death. Common construction site accident injuries include burns, amputation, cuts and abrasion, electrocution, loss of sight, back injuries, exposure to toxins, head injuries and paralysis.

If a worker is injured at a construction site, the accident is likely to be covered by workers' compensation. This may mean that compensation is limited to benefits offered by workers' compensation insurance . Workers' compensation provides medical care provided by approved medical professionals. It also provides wage replacement that is a percentage of the victim's weekly wages subject to a limit that is adjusted annually.

As a construction accident attorney in Long Island will explain, there are some cases in which victims of construction site accidents may have the right to pursue damages through a personal injury lawsuit. Compensable losses include:

• Medical expenses: Hospital stays, surgery, outpatient treatment, medication, physical therapy, medical equipment, and assistive technology.
• Loss of income: When a victim is injured, they may be unable to work for an extended period of time resulting in missed paychecks and lost benefits.
• Pain and suffering: Victims may be able to file a claim for pain and suffering caused by their injury, as well as for loss of enjoyment of life. Pain and suffering refers to both the physical pain as well as emotional trauma.

If a victim is killed in a construction accident, the victim's family or personal representative may be able to file for workers' compensation death benefits or file a wrongful death claim.

If you have been hurt at a construction site, contact our legal team. These cases are complex and it is essential to have legal guidance to obtain the compensation you deserve. You may be able to collect compensation over and above the workers' compensation award. If you have been injured, it is important you speak with legal counsel from our office to ensure that your rights are protected. That construction accident attorneys serving Long Island at the Law Offices of Stephen Bilkis & Associates have years of experience in successfully representing clients who have been injured in construction accidents, as well as in other types of accidents. Contact us at 800.696.9529 to schedule a free, no obligation consultation regarding your case. We represent clients in the following locations: the Bronx, Brooklyn, Long Island, Manhattan, Nassau County, Queens, Staten Island, Suffolk County and Westchester County.