Understanding Construction Site Accidents
While a worker in any occupation has the risk of becoming injured in work-related incidents, those in the construction industry are especially susceptible. In fact, the construction industry is considered one of the most dangerous industries for workers. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the construction field suffers the highest percentage of on the job accidents and worker fatalities as compared to all other major American industries. In fact, of the 5,000 workers who die each year from job-related accidents, more than 20 percent of those victims are in the construction industry. If you or a loved one has suffered a construction site accident, one of our New York workers’ compensation lawyers from our firm can help you get the benefits you deserve.
Types of Construction Accidents
While there is a myriad of different types of accidents that can occur on a construction site, OSHA has identified certain types of accidents as the most dangerous. These are referred to as the Fatal Four:
- Falls: Falls on construction sites are responsible for about 35 percent of all construction site deaths.
- Heavy objects: Workers getting hit by heavy objects, falling debris, or equipment are responsible for many construction site fatalities.
- Electrocutions: Construction on new structures, as well as construction on existing structures can result in electrocutions with live wiring being installed, as well as exposed while the work is going on. There is also the risk of electrocution from faulty tools or equipment.
- Getting caught: Also included in the fatal four are workers who became trapped between objects, such as machinery, equipment, or vehicles.
New York workers’ compensation lawyers know that the majority of these Fatal Four accidents are caused by the lack of proper safety procedures or poorly maintained worksites. For example, taking a look at the most frequently cited violations issued by OSHA inspectors – the failure to provide fall protection, improper scaffolding, lack of safety guards in machinery to prevent workers from being trapped, and poor communication about hazards between managers and workers – and you can see a direct correlation between those violations and the Fatal Four.
If You Are Injured on a Construction Site
In order to ensure you receive the benefits you are entitled to, it is important to report your injury as soon as possible to your supervisor. You also want to get medical attention right away, even if you don’t think the injury is serious. Complications could arise later and if you wait too long, your claim can be disputed.
Your employer will likely give you many forms to fill out. In order to make sure that no errors occur and that your claim is protected, it is best to contact one of our New York workers’ compensation lawyers to make sure that forms are filled out correctly and you are meeting any and all deadlines for submitting them.
Contact Our New York Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Today
Workers’ compensation settlements require a high level of legal knowledge and skill, and you must be able to give your claim a monetary value, negotiate with the insurance company, complete settlement forms, and comply with other state and federal laws. You don’t have to hire a workers’ compensation lawyer to settle your claim, but it’s probably in your best interest to do so.
A settlement is when you agree to give up your rights to collect workers’ compensation benefits related to your injury. If you are going to sign a settlement agreement, you should have a workers’ compensation lawyer review it.
If you can never ever work once again, you’ll need to enhance your workers’ compensation benefits and structure them in a method to last well into the future. If you’re getting Social Security Special needs Insurance Coverage (SSDI) advantages, these advantages might be lowered if you get employees’ payment benefits. If you are eligible for Medicare, you may likewise be required to set aside a part of your payment advantages to invest for future medical treatment. If you are looking for a workers’ compensation lawyer in NY you should reach out to Polsky, Shouldice & Rosen, P.C. today.
