It seems like everything in New York is always under construction. From roads to tall buildings to bridges and streets, there is always something being built, renovated, or repaired. But for all the safety measures and equipment, construction is still a very dangerous occupation.
Types Of Accidents
Whether you work on the ground or in the air, accidents can happen at any time. Construction workers in New York are four times as likely to be fatally injured on the job. Many of these accidents are due to insufficient safety provisions for workers, including equipment. The worst of these accidents are:
- Falling objects
- Falls
- In-between (injuries from compression or being caught in between two objects or pieces of equipment)
- Electrocution
Generally, these are the most common construction accidents in Greenwich Village and the New York City area:
- Scaffolding
- Cranes
- Welding
- Forklifts
- Other heavy equipment
Other factors, like toxic chemicals and defective equipment are also responsible for a large number of construction-related injuries and fatalities.
Damages And Compensation
Since a construction accident is a work-related personal injury, you may receive compensation differently, depending on who is responsible.
- Workers Compensation, paid by your employer’s insurer, covering work related injuries, and includes medical expenses.
- A construction personal injury claim, which involves filing a lawsuit against the responsible party. This could be your employer, as well as other third parties who might be held responsible. However, if you have Workers Compensation in place, you will not be able to file a suit against your employer.
You may be able to recover for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Benefits for disability
- Death benefits (for surviving family members)
A suit against a responsible third party may also allow you to recover for pain and suffering, lost earning capacity and future wages, and other damages.
Speak with a Greenwich Village personal injury attorney who can help you decide how to proceed after a construction accident.
New York Labor Laws
There are two laws that are specific to construction accidents:
- NY Labor Law Section 240, commonly called the “Scaffolding Law,” is designed to protect workers who fall from an “elevated worksite” because they were not supplied with adequate safety equipment, as well as workers and others on the ground who are injured by falling equipment and debris.
- NY Labor Law Section 241 is designed to protect those on the ground. Called the “Safe Place To Work Law,” it details the arrangement and operation of a work site to prevent slip and falls, chemical hazards, contaminations and other hazards.
These laws put complete liability on construction companies, contractors, property owners and others who are responsible for maintaining a safe work environment for employees. The injured party’s negligence is not normally a concern, unless the injury was caused solely by his or her negligence.
Greenwich Village Construction Lawyers
If you’ve been injured at a construction site, whether on the job or as a pedestrian, our Greenwich Village injury lawyers are here to help. Not only do we have an esteemed reputation in construction injury cases, but we also make your interests our top priority.
Our office is located right in Manhattan, but we represent individuals throughout New York City, including Greenwich Village. Call us today at (212) 777-9400 or contact us online for a free consultation.
