Suffolk County Construction Accident

While construction work is known to be dangerous, it is a very large industry in the United States adding millions of dollars and thousands of jobs to the U.S. economy each year. Despite laws to protect construction workers, accidents at construction sites account for a significant number of deaths each year. The injuries suffered by workers in construction accidents tend to be serious, including back injuries, spinal cord injuries, brain trauma, and broken bones. Victims often find themselves in dire situations as they face extended recovery periods, have significant medical bills, are unable to work, and as a result face financial problems. There are, however, sources of compensation for victims of construction site injuries. If you are in need of a personal injury lawyer because you were injured in a construction accident due to the negligence of another person or entity, it is important that you immediately speak with a Suffolk County construction accident lawyer as you may be entitled to receive compensation for your financial loss, as well as pain and suffering.

Construction sites are inherently dangerous. They typically have heavy, motorized equipment such as bulldozers and cranes. They also have temporary, unstable structures such as scaffolds. Unfinished structures have open sides. Surfaces are often uneven and rough, and work is often completed below ground or high above the ground. There are both federal and local laws related to safety at construction sites. Accidents typically occur when these rules are ignored. For example, failure to wear proper harnesses and take other fall prevention steps can result in a fall from a high elevation. Failure to wear ear or eye protective gear can lead to hearing or vision loss. Improper training can lead to crane accidents and other accidents with heavy equipment and chemicals.

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. For example, in Grinberg v. C&L Contracting Corp., 107 A.D.3d 491 (N.Y. App. Div., 2013), plaintiff Mark Grinberg fell while working at construction site and was seriously injured. His injuries included a pilon fracture, crushed ankle, and a multi-fragmented comminuted fracture to the tibia.

Depending on the facts of your case, if you are hurt in a construction site accident due to another person's negligence you may be entitled a number of types of compensation including medical expenses, lost income, loss of earning capacity, and pain and suffering. If the victim's accident was fatal, the family may have legal recourse via a wrongful death suit. The claim can include reimbursement for medical bills, pain and suffering, and loss of future income.

As a construction accident attorney in Suffolk County will explain, if your injury happened in a work-related accident, you may be entitled to workers' compensation benefits. New York's workers' compensation laws state that injured parties are entitled to compensation if they sustain a work-related injury. Compensation often comes in the form of medical expenses, lost income and benefits, loss of ability to earn, and more. However, it is important to note that worker's compensation benefits are limited. Just because the accident occurred at work does not necessarily mean that you are limited to the benefit available through workers' compensation.

In the case of Grinberg v. C&L Contracting Corp., Mark Grinberg required 2 surgeries to help repair the damage to his ankle. In addition, his injuries required rehabilitation. As a result of the injury Grinberg suffered permanent arthritis and tendonitis. The jury determined that C&L Contracting Corp was 45% responsible for Grinberg's injuries and that Grinberg was 55% responsible. He was awarded over $800,000 in compensation for pain and suffering.

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 in a construction accident, contact an experienced construction accident attorney serving Suffolk County at office to ensure that your rights are protected. That staff at the Law Offices of Stephen Bilkis & Associates is experienced in 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.