Construction sites are one of the most dangerous job sites according to statistics from the federal government. This is due in part to the complex tools and machinery and heavy materials that workers use. There are many different ways workers are injured on construction sites, but one of the most common types is falls, either to a lower level or on the same level.
According to data collected by the U.S. government, there are more than 900 construction site accidents each year, and approximately 400 of these fatalities happened because of falls.
At Polsky, Shouldice & Rosen, P.C, our Queens construction accident lawyers have handled many cases where workers were injured due to a fall and we understand the catastrophic injuries that can occur as a result.
What Are Some of the More Common Causes of Construction Accident Falls?
Workers can suffer falls from roofs, ladders, scaffolding, equipment, or vehicles. There are a variety of reasons why workers sustain falls on construction sites, including failing to utilize or wear safety equipment, failure to adhere to safety procedures, faulty equipment, inadequate training, unstable surfaces, slippery surfaces, materials or equipment not properly stored or cleaned up, unprotected edges, and unprotected holes.
What Type of Compensation Can a Construction Accident Victim Obtain for Their Injuries?
There are two different types of compensation a construction site accident attorney can pursue on an injured worker’s behalf. The first type is a workers’ compensation claim. The second type of legal action is a personal injury or third-party claim. Your construction accident lawyer will explain to you what your best legal options are.
What Do Workers’ Compensation Benefits Cover?
These benefits include the coverage of all medical treatments and continued rehabilitation and therapy. Workers are also entitled to disability benefits to cover the lost wages the worker is suffering from being unable to work.
What If the Worker Dies from Their Injuries?
If the worker does not survive the accident, then their family is eligible to receive death benefits which are meant to cover the victim’s lost income and benefits, as well as funeral and burial expenses.
What Is a Third-Party Claim?
Another legal action a construction site accident attorney can pursue is a third-party liability claim against any party whose negligence was responsible for the worker’s fall. For example, if the worker fell because the scaffolding they were on collapsed, and that scaffolding was shown to be defective, the victim could sue the manufacturer of the scaffolding.
Are There Differences in the Damages a Victim Can Receive in Each of These Legal Actions?
Workers’ compensation only allows the victim to collect actual financial damages, while a third-party claim allows the victim to pursue damages for noneconomic damages, such as pain, suffering, emotional anguish, scarring, and disfigurement. A construction site accident attorney can evaluate a victim’s case to determine which legal course of action would benefit them the most and what damages they may be entitled to.
Contact Our Injury Firm Today
If you have been injured in a construction site accident, contact Polsky, Shouldice & Rosen, P.C to meet with one of our dedicated Queens, NY construction accident lawyers and get the financial compensation you are entitled to.
