The construction industry is among the most hazardous industries in America.
One out of every ten construction workers is injured on the job each year, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
Many argue that the inherent dangers involved in construction work are especially prevalent in New York City due to the sheer scale of construction projects.
Fortunately, there are certain laws in place which are designed to protect construction workers in the State of New York by providing workers’ compensation and other forms of support in case an injury occurs.
Construction Accidents That Qualify For Workers’ Comp
The severity of construction accident injuries compared to other types of workplace accidents is well known. In fact, the dangers associated with construction work have inspired phrases such as “The Fatal Four,” which is a commonly used term referring to the four most fatal types of accidents in construction.
The “Fatal Four”
In order of most common fatal accidents, the Fatal Four includes:
- Falls
- Struck by Object or Equipment
- Electrocution
- Caught In / Or Between Equipment
Other Construction Accidents
The Fatal Four are the most common construction accidents which lead to death, however there are many other types of accident which can occur on a job site including:
- Slip & Fall Accidents;
- Forklift injuries;
- Crane Accidents;
- Ceiling or floor collapses;
- Crane accidents;
- Failure to provide hoisting equipment leading to back or other injuries;
- Defective machinery and heavy equipment;
- Highway motor vehicle work zone accidents;
- Welding rod accidents;
- Exposure to toxic mold and asbestos on construction sites;
- Falls through floor holes or unprotected wall openings;
- Failure to provide safety nets or lifelines;
- Falling on unguarded rebar;
- Failure to provide guardrail systems;
- Trench collapses and cave-ins;
- Excavation accidents and wall collapses;
- Unguarded nip points and rotating shafts;
- Unguarded cutting hazards and flying scrap material;
- Unguarded punch machines;
Recovering From Work-Related Injuries
Injuries suffered on a construction site can leave workers with expensive medical bills and can prevent workers from earning income for extended periods of time. Understanding what to do after a construction accident can maximize your chances of recovering from any physical and financial damages that you incur as a result of your injury.
Can I Sue For An Accident On Job Site?
When it comes to workers’ compensation, the construction industry is unique in that workers are often eligible to recover compensation for their injuries through multiple channels.
Depending on the specific circumstances of an accident, injured workers are often able to sue to recover compensation from negligent parties in addition to recovering workers’ compensation benefits provided by their employer.
There are also specific laws in the State of New York, such as the “Scaffold Law,” which are designed to protect construction workers who become injured on the job.
New York’s Scaffold Law
Workers on construction sites in New York are given special legal rights under New York Labor Law Sections 200, 240 and 240(1). These laws are sometimes referred to as the “Safe Place to Work Law” or the “Scaffold Law.” These laws may allow construction workers to sue for pain and suffering in addition to collecting New York State Workers’ Compensation Benefits.
Should I Hire A Lawyer?
While hiring a lawyer to recover workers’ compensation is not required by law, it is advisable. The process of recovering damages can be complicated regardless of whether you are seeking compensation through a Workers’ Compensation claim, personal injury lawsuit, or both.
Additionally, studies have shown that working with an experienced lawyer can increase your chances of winning a workers’ compensation claims.
The Disability Guys: New York Workers’ Comp Lawyers
If you or a loved one have been involved in a construction accident or other work-related accident, you may be entitled to receive compensation. However, it can be difficult to obtain the benefits that you may be owed.
That is why is it important to consult a qualified workers’ compensation lawyer when seeking financial compensation for a work injury.
The Disability Guys have been helping New York workers obtain the benefits that they deserve for decades. We have what it takes to win the most difficult of cases and are committed to representing the rights of our clients.
We serve clients throughout the Greater New York City area from our offices in Westchester County, Manhattan and Staten Island.
Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your legal options after a workplace injury.