Construction sites are inherently dangerous. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and state regulators have strict rules in place to protect people who work at and visit construction sites, but they are still high-risk places. In fact, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 3.5 injuries reported per 100 workers in the industry in 2015. This is significantly higher than most workplaces and demonstrates the dangers faced in construction.
If you suffered injuries in a Long Island construction accident, the attorneys at Gacovino, Lake & Associates, P.C., are ready to take your call. We can help you identify all liable parties, determine your options for compensation, and file an insurance claim, workers’ compensation claim, or personal injury lawsuit to recover the money you deserve. Call us today at 631-600-0000 to schedule a free case review with a construction accident lawyer in Sayville, Long Island.
What Causes Long Island Construction Accidents?
More people die in construction accidents each year than in any other industry. Many more suffer construction accident injuries that range from relatively minor to catastrophic. Depending on the nature and severity of your injuries, you may require weeks or even months of inpatient treatment and rehabilitation. Some people require ongoing care for the rest of their lives.
Here are some of the most common causes of serious construction accidents.
Falls
Falls are one of the most common reasons clients come to us for personal injury claims. The fall risks on a construction site are even higher. There are uneven surfaces, unmarked steps and inclines, and even temporary walkways to worry about. Of course, there is also the chance of falling from a height such as scaffolding or a ladder. While any fall is dangerous, this type of fall can cause particularly devastating injuries.
Caught In or Between Injuries
Caught in and caught between situations usually result in crush injuries. They can happen in a variety of ways and may involve machinery, loads of building materials, power tools, and trench collapses. These incidents are usually preventable, but may occur due to lack of communication or oversight on the property.
Hit By Falling Objects
All workers and visitors to a construction site should wear hardhats at all times, but in some cases this is not enough to protect you from a falling or flying object. Large or heavy objects—or objects falling from a height—can cause head and neck injuries or crush injuries. In almost all cases, utilizing proper safety equipment and following proper protocol would prevent this type of injury.
Incidents with Equipment
Forklifts, power tools, and other equipment can malfunction or fail, causing serious injuries. This may occur because of equipment defects, misuse, or a number of other causes. Depending on how the injury occurs, it could be minor or severe.
Burn Injuries
Exposed wiring, corrosive chemicals, and other hazards lead to an increased risk of burns and electrocutions in the construction industry. These injuries are not as common as falls or even power tool accidents, but they do cost lives and livelihoods each year. Most are preventable with the right precautions.
Other Common Causes of Injury
Construction workers and visitors to the site can also be at risk of illnesses and injuries common in other professions. Working outside may expose a worker to frostbite in winter and heat exhaustion in the summer. Repetitive motion injuries and back injuries are also extremely common in both construction workers and manual laborers in other industries.
Who Is Liable for the Injuries I Suffered in My Sayville Construction Accident?
In most cases, construction accidents happen to employees during work hours. If this is the case for you, you can recover compensation through a workers’ compensation claim. If you were a visitor to the site or if we can identify a liable third party, however, you may have other legal options to pursue compensation for your injuries. The responsible third party in your case may include:
- The property owner or occupier, if their negligence led to your injury;
- A motorist, if they caused an accident on the construction site;
- A contractor or subcontractor, if their employee’s negligence caused your injury;
- The manufacturer, if a defective product caused your injuries; or
- Your employer, if they failed to follow regulations and this led to your injury.
The rules around construction accident liability and workers’ compensation are complex. It can be difficult to understand your rights in this situation. Having one of our knowledgeable construction accident lawyers on your side can help. We can identify all possible liable parties and determine your best option for recovering all compensation available to you. This may include filing for workers’ compensation, pursuing a third-party liability insurance claim, or filing a personal injury lawsuit.
What Type of Damages Could I Recover in a Third-Party Claim?
If we file a third-party liability claim or personal injury lawsuit on your behalf, we will ask for compensation to cover a wide variety of accident-related expenses, losses, and damages. These could include:
- Medical bills;
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy;
- Prescription drug costs;
- Ongoing care costs;
- Lost wages;
- Future lost income, if you cannot return to work;
- Other related expenses; and
- Pain and suffering and other emotional damages.
One of the most common questions we hear is, “How much is my claim worth?” This is impossible to know until we collect the documentation of all your damages and calculate an estimated value. Only then can we understand what a fair settlement will look like during negotiations with the insurance company and can we explain to you the range you may expect to receive.
How Can a Construction Accident Lawyer in Sayville Help Me?
New York workers’ compensation laws are complex. The complicated hierarchy at many construction sites makes understanding your rights after a construction accident particularly difficult. At Gacovino, Lake & Associates, P.C., our seasoned construction accident lawyers can help you understand your legal options for compensation and pursue the one that will allow you to collect the payout you deserve. Call us today at 631-600-0000 to schedule a free case evaluation.
