With more than 8 million people working somewhere in New York, injuries and accidents are bound to happen.
Construction is one of the top industries in New York, attracting people nationwide to work on projects here. But construction in New York is also inherently dangerous, so it’s no surprise that people working in construction tend to have the lion’s share of injuries.
The New York State Department of Health reports that since 2011, hospitalizations due to injury averages 823 per 100,000 New Yorkers.
Wherever you work, whether in one of New York’s many skyscraper offices, a service-oriented business like a bodega or restaurant, drive, bicycle, or go to one of our many construction sites, you can experience a work-related injury just about anywhere.
Most Common Causes
The National Safety Council reports that a worker experiences an injury on the job about once every seven seconds.
- It’s the top reason people end up in the hospital. The NSC reports that one-third of all nonfatal injuries in the US are due to falls. About 800,000 people have head injuries or hip fractures that keep them hospitalized every year from all age groups, and 25% of workplace injuries are due to a fall.
- Over-exertion. Handling heavy objects, bending and twisting while lifting, and repetitive motions can all cause injuries, even in an office setting.
- Equipment-contact injuries. Cuts, bone breaks, crush injuries, and other damage can result from accidental contact with workplace equipment, or caught in-between two items. Many of these types of injuries can be prevented with proper safety gear and training.
These can lead to a wide range of injuries in nearly any employee. Even jobs that aren’t as physically demanding as construction can lead to injuries such as:
- Lacerations and punctures
- Soft-tissue damage such as sprains, tears, and strains of muscles, ligaments, and bones
- Musculoskeletal damage from repetitive motions and incorrect spinal alignment
For someone in construction, retail, or food service, these kinds of injuries can be career-ending or even deadly. For someone who works in an office, disability is also a possibility, particularly from falls.
Workers Compensation
Businesses in New York are required to have workers’ compensation, a type of insurance that covers you in the event you are hurt on the job. Workers comp covers these expenses while you are recuperating:
- Loss of regular income
- Medical expenses, including hospital costs
- Prescription medication related to your injuries (i.e., antibiotics, painkillers, etc.)
- Continuing medical-related costs, such as physical therapy and follow-up doctor visits
Since New York is a “no-fault” state, neither you nor your employer has to prove fault for workers comp. If you are proven to have contributed to your injury, the “no-fault” clause means that your settlement won’t be decreased, unless you were shown to be under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol at the time of the accident.
However, you will be required to show that your injuries are the result of a condition that caused your accident while you were at work. Working with a lawyer who understands worker’s compensation can ensure that your case is handled properly and you are able to receive the maximum amount of help you’re entitled to.
New York City Work Accident Injury Lawyers
If you or a loved one has been injured at work on or off a construction site, our Greenwich Village workplace accident lawyers are here to help. We have considerable experience with work-related injuries as well as other types of personal injury cases.
From our Manhattan office, we represent injured people throughout the New York City area. Call us today at (212) 777-9400 or contact us online for a free consultation.
