Sadly, New York’s construction industry is becoming increasingly dangerous, with a 10-year high of worker fatalities recorded last year. While fatal accidents are the most serious incidents, a substantial number of construction workers also sustain non-fatal injuries while working.
In fact, the construction industry is considered to be one of the most dangerous sectors throughout the whole of the U.S. Here, we take a look at the three most common causes of NYC construction worker injuries and tell you how a construction accident lawyer in NYC can provide you with assistance after a workplace accident:
1. Falls from Height
Falls are a leading cause of injuries and fatalities in the construction industry, both in New York and throughout the country. If safety equipment isn’t provided, isn’t functional, or workers aren’t correctly trained to use it, the rate of falls can increase, and workers may sustain unnecessary harm.
2. Struck-by Injuries
Being struck by something can be harmful, regardless of what it is. On a construction site, however, the risks are higher as you’re more likely to be struck by something heavy, such as construction machinery or equipment. As a result, people can sustain a wide range of injuries, such as broken bones, head injuries and crush injuries.
3. Caught-in/Between Injuries
When a worker is caught in between two items on a construction site, they can suffer catastrophic injuries. This may occur when equipment is being moved around the site, for example, or when excavation work is completed improperly, and workers are caught in unsafe trenches.
Dealing with a Construction Accident in NYC
Your primary concern following a construction accident will be seeking medical help for yourself and anyone else affected. However, you’ll soon need to consider the practical, financial and legal implications of the incident too.
Depending on how serious your injuries are, you may need to take a lengthy time off work to recover or you may be unable to return to work at all. Due to this, your income may be reduced or cease altogether, which could leave you in a precarious financial position.
However, there is support available and, depending on your circumstances and type of employment, you may be eligible to claim workers’ compensation following a construction accident in NYC. Additionally, you may be able to take legal action against the person or company responsible for the incident, depending on what caused the accident.
Getting Advice from a Construction Accident Attorney in New York
Until you seek legal advice from a professional construction accident attorney, you won’t know what your rights are or how much compensation you can expect to receive. By helping you to make a claim for workers’ compensation, for example, a construction accident lawyer can help to ensure that you receive the compensation you’re entitled to, without unnecessary delays.
Furthermore, your construction accident attorney can provide guidance when it comes to taking direct action against the person or company responsible for your injuries. With expert advice and representation, you may find that you’re entitled to far more compensation than you expected.
