Queens NY Construction Accident Lawyer

Queens NY Construction Accident Lawyer

If you were injured on a construction site, you should consult a Queens NY construction accident lawyer. Construction is considered one of the most dangerous jobs out there, putting workers at risk of life-threatening injuries. A lawyer can help you file a timely lawsuit and improve your chances of getting the compensation you deserve.

Table Of Contents:

• COMMON TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION ACCIDENTS
• Queens NY Construction Accident Infographic
• Has Your Employer Ensured Your Safety?
• Common Misconceptions About Workers’ Compensation
• 8 Tips for Avoiding Construction Work Injuries
• Your Health is the Priority
• Queens Construction Accident Statistics
• Contact Us For a Free Consultation

COMMON TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION ACCIDENTS

Construction workers are always surrounded by various tools, machinery and building materials, putting them at risk of accidents at any given moment. Here are the most common types of construction accidents:

• Falling from Heights: Construction workers often have to work in elevated heights, putting them at risk of falls. If they make one wrong move, they’re in danger of suffering a fall. Falls can result in severe injuries, like amputations, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries and burns. Workers can reduce the risk of falls by using proper safety equipment, like guardrails and covers. 

How can falling from construction heights be avoided, as per the implementation of safety measures?

• One of the ways to avoid falling from heights, is to ensure that all construction aspects that focus on work that will be done from a higher level, are tightly held together. Moreover, it would also be important, to ensure that testing is needed as well, to ensure that accidents do not happen.  Now; sometimes when it comes to accidents that revolve around falling from heights, freak accidents can end up taking place.  These are rare occurrences, and although they can take place, ensuring that safety measures are put in place, reduces the chances of accidents happening. Overall, precautions need to be taken, when it comes to the assessments of construction safety, such as ensuring that height safety measures are implemented into place, and more. 
• Falling Objects: As a Queens NY construction accident lawyer can confirm, construction workers are also at risk of getting hit by falling objects, like heavy tools and debris, and suffering serious head injuries. An effective way to protect themselves against falling objects is to wear hard hats.

• Machine Entanglement: There is a lot of heavy machinery on construction sites and not all of them may be secured properly. This puts workers at risk of getting caught between machinery and a structure that has collapsed, which can lead to the body being squeezed or crushed. 

What are some other reasons that machine entanglement occurs?

• Machine entanglement can often lead to severe injuries and even a part of a limb having to be amputated, if there is enough damage, that the damaged portion of the limb cannot be saved or repaired. One of the reasons why machine entanglement issues happen, is because of a lack of safety, when it comes to machinery within the workplace.  One of the strongest examples of this, would be unclear or vague instructions, when it comes to how to operate machinery properly, without sustaining injury.  For example; let’s say that someone is working a machinery that involves processing and working with tems, that have a strong focus on shredding materials. This can be a very dangerous job, which could lead to injuries, if there are no instructions about keeping distancing from the blades that can shred one’s hand. 
• Electrocutions: With exposed wires and power lines on construction sites, workers are at risk of getting electrocuted. Electrocution can result in burns, shock or even death. It’s important for construction companies to make sure no live wires are unattended to cut the risk of electrocutions. Moreover, one of the reasons why electrocutions can end up happening, is because of wires and power lines that can end up becoming wet.  When this happens, it is important for one to keep their distance from these wires and power lines, because they can cause electrocution and death.  One of the strongest examples of this, pertains to power lines that have fallen over, or wires that are caught in the rain.  These are what need to be taken into consideration. 

• Getting Hit By Vehicles: Several types of vehicles are commonly found on construction sites, including trucks, cranes and bulldozers, and workers may be in danger of getting struck by them. Getting hit by vehicles can result in head injuries, broken bones and other serious injuries. Construction workers should always be aware of their surroundings to reduce the risk of getting struck by these vehicles.

• Overexertion: Construction workers often have to work long hours and lift heavy items, putting them at risk of injuries that relate to overexertion and strain. To minimize the risk of overexertion, workers should be properly trained in safe lifting and handling techniques. What some construction workers need to learn, is that when it comes to the work that is done within their field, there needs to be a balance between working hard and taking care of one’s physical and mental health.  Failure to do this, can make the job harder for construction workers, causing their own quality work that they produce on a regular basis, to suffer as a result. 

What is the difference, between overexertion and hard work, as it relates to construction?

Overexertion relates to when someone is suffering from physical exhaustion from the construction work that is being done, to the point that it affects their performance.  However, hard work, refers to the fact that when it comes to construction work that is done, there is a heavy focus on doing work to the best of one’s ability, while also ensuring that one is getting ready, taking a day off when or if needed, eating and drinking plenty of water (especially when there is construction work during hot days), and more.  These are some factors to take into consideration. Overworking can be dangerous or one’s health, and it can set an individual back, as it relates to their work. As such, this should be avoided. 

Queens NY Construction Accident Infographic

Has Your Employer Ensured Your Safety?

If you’re hurt on the job, you can contact a Queens, New York construction accident lawyer to set things straight. If your injury was caused by the actions (or inaction) of someone else, you have good reason to file a lawsuit for financial damages. However, before you take legal action, it’s important to understand what negligence looks like.

It’s important that an employer takes steps to ensure his or her employees are safe. They have a responsibility to prevent injuries, and they have to work hard to make sure everyone knows the risks involved with a jobsite – and how to avoid those risks by taking the proper safety measures. However, if an employer fails to adequately warn or educate their employees, they could be held accountable for any injuries that happen on their watch. Read on to learn more about ensuring safety at work, and how a Queens NY construction accident lawyer can help if you’re a victim of an unsafe work environment.

Maintaining a Safe Workplace

There are many methods an employer could use to keep everyone safe. This list paints a broad picture of what a responsible employer should do, but there are many other ways they can (and should) ensure your health and safety.

• Safe workplace culture: Sometimes people enjoy being a bit reckless. This can cause serious accidents to them and bystanders. It’s important to encourage a culture of safety in the workplace: If employees see something that seems unsafe, whether it’s activity or equipment, they shouldn’t feel afraid to report it.
• Educating employees: If employees are encouraged to report potential safety issues, this goes double for employers and management. Employers should always stay on their toes so they can point out when there are accidents waiting to happen – and they should also take the time to explain why certain practices are best avoided to keep everyone safe from injuries.
• Training: It’s a common misconception that some jobs don’t require training. Many (ignorant) people look at construction sites, warehouses, or factories and assume that “anyone could do that” – and they couldn’t be further from the truth. Training is a necessity, whether you work in an office or in a construction zone. People need to learn how to use the tools they’ll be working around every day, and assuming training isn’t necessary is just plain dangerous.

Have You Been Injured on the Job? It May be Time to Lawyer Up.

The above list isn’t a complete picture of how employers can keep their employees safe. However, it does detail some important steps to ensure everyone’s health and safety. If your employer didn’t even provide training – or worse, if they discouraged reporting safety violations – you have a right to financial compensation because of their negligence.

A legal battle for workers’ compensation can be complicated and painful, but with the help from the right attorney, you can take an important step towards getting the money you need to stay afloat during your recovery, and also ensuring similar accidents don’t happen to any of your colleagues. Reach out to Polsky, Shouldice, & Rosen, P.C. today, and see how a Queens, NY, construction accident lawyer can help.

Hiring a Construction Accident Lawyer

A construction accident can cause serious injuries, which can lead to astronomical medical bills. That’s why it’s important to hire an experienced construction accident lawyer as soon as possible. He or she can help you gather necessary evidence and negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance company.

If you were in a construction accident, schedule a consultation with a Queens NY construction accident lawyer at Polsky, Shouldice & Rosen, P.C. now.

Common Misconceptions About Workers’ Compensation

If you suffer an injury at work, you have the right to file a workers’ compensation claim. If your claim gets approved, your medical bills and lost wages that resulted from the injury will be taken care of. However, believing certain untruths about workers’ compensation may prevent some people from going after the compensation they deserve.

Here are a few common myths about workers’ compensation that you shouldn’t believe.

• You can only receive benefits for serious injuries. Many work accidents result in serious injuries, like traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries. However, that doesn’t mean that workers don’t suffer minor injuries from time to time. Minor injuries can still result in hefty medical bills, and you deserve to be compensated for that. 
• Filing a workers’ compensation claim can put your job at risk. Unfortunately, some injured employees shy away from filing a workers’ compensation claim because they’re afraid of losing their jobs. However, it’s illegal for any employer to fire a worker for filing a workers’ compensation claim. If your employer still tries to fire you or retaliate against you in any way, contact a Queens NY work injury attorney immediately.
• If your claim gets denied, there’s nothing you can do. It’s not uncommon for initial workers’ compensation claims to get denied. That does not mean that all hope is lost. If you believe that your employer wrongly denied your claim, you can file an appeal. An experienced work injury attorney can help you with the appeals process.
• If the accident was your fault, you’re not eligible for benefits. This is another common misconception about workers’ compensation. The reality is that fault isn’t a factor considered in workers’ compensation cases. If you suffered an accident because you were inattentive, for example, you’re still eligible to receive benefits. On the other hand, if the accident occurred while you were under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you can’t receive benefits.
• If I got injured off-site, I don’t qualify for workers’ compensation. This isn’t true either. Just because you didn’t get injured at your work site, doesn’t mean that you are not eligible for benefits. As long as you were performing your job while you got hurt, the location doesn’t matter. For instance, if you drive a vehicle for work and got into a car accident, you still qualify for benefits.

8 Tips for Avoiding Construction Work Injuries

Many people are aware of the dangers of construction jobs, but they don’t realize just how often injuries occur on these sites. Construction accidents can be very serious and even deadly, so it’s important for workers to know how to stay safe.

Our experienced construction accident lawyer in Queens NY from Polsky, Shouldice & Rosen, P.C are here to help you get the compensation you deserve if you’ve suffered an injury in Queens, New York.

Here are eight tips for avoiding construction work injuries:

1. Wear the right safety equipment.

This includes hard hats, goggles, gloves, and steel-toed boots. It also includes other types of protective gear that may be necessary depending on what you’re doing at the job site (such as an air tank in confined spaces).

2. Make sure you have proper training before starting your first job as a construction worker.

While some employers may require this training, many do not. If your employer doesn’t make you take it, make sure you do so yourself so that you have a better understanding of what you’re doing at work and how best to avoid accidents on the job site.

3. Ask Questions

Ask questions if something doesn’t seem right or if there is something that seems unsafe or dangerous to you at any time while working at a construction site (even if it’s not specifically related to what you’re doing).

4. Use proper tools and equipment

This tip is so obvious that it’s easy to overlook, but it’s also critical to safety. Make sure that you have the right tool for the job — not only will this save time and effort, but it will also help avoid injuries from improper use

5. Follow instructions carefully

Construction sites can be chaotic places where things happen quickly, so it’s important for everyone involved — including subcontractors — to follow instructions carefully.

This is especially true when it comes to equipment, tools and equipment safety. You should also ensure that you are using the right equipment for the job at hand. For example, if you are using an extension ladder make sure that it is constructed properly and that it meets OSHA standards.

6. Be aware of your surroundings

Be aware of your surroundings at all times when working around heavy machineries such as cranes or bulldozers because these machines can be extremely dangerous if they come into contact with another person or object by accident.

This is why employers should always have an adequate number of spotters available during any type of operation involving heavy machinery just in case something happens unexpectedly so that they can stop the machine immediately before anyone gets hurt!

7. Hire a construction accident lawyer

If you’ve been injured in a construction accident and believe your employer is responsible for your injuries, it’s important that you contact an experienced construction accident lawyer in Queens, NY from Polsky, Shouldice & Rosen, P.C who can help you seek compensation.

A construction accident lawyer in Queens NY from Polsky, Shouldice & Rosen, P.C can help you get the compensation you deserve. An experienced attorney can handle all aspects of the case and make sure that your interests are represented in court.

Your Health is the Priority

After a construction accident, your priority must be to ensure that your health is okay. Stop, get yourself somewhere safe, and notify your employer right away about what unfolded and if you have any visible injuries. Your employer should have you report the incident and then get you a doctor’s appointment the same day. If you are an employee, then chances are your employer has a workers compensation program where you can get coverage for medical care and other losses.

Workers compensation programs were created to help injured victims get the care they need while also helping prevent a lawsuit being filed against the company. The primary reasons why you may be ineligible for workers benefits are if you caused the accident to happen or were under the influence of drugs or alcohol when it occurred. However, we can discuss this with you and review your employer’s policy and then advise on what to do from there.

After visiting the doctor, please request a couple copies of your medical records, one for your keeping and one for your Queens Construction Accident Lawyer in New York from Polsky, Shouldice & Rosen, P.C. The more details and evidence you have for the accident, the stronger your claim is for receiving compensation. The most common injuries victims face after a construction accident include the following: 

• Traumatic brain injury
• Concussion
• Whiplash
• Broken bones
• Emotional trauma
• Cuts, bruises, and lacerations
• Head, spine, and neck injuries
• Organ damage
• Internal bleeding
• Crushed extremities

Queens Construction Accident Statistics

According to statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labor, annually, there are more than 21,000 nonfatal workplace injuries caused by falls, slips, and trips suffered by workers in the construction industry. More than 300 of those workers die from their injuries. Falls account for one in three deaths each year for construction workers.

Contact Us For a Free Consultation

The lawyers at our law firm have been supporting victims of construction accidents for many years. We understand that you may be stressed out due to your injuries, have money problems from missing work, and are trying to cope with mental trauma. We are here to support you the entire way through and always have your best of interest in mind. Sadly, your employer and other parties involved in the construction accident probably aren’t watching out for your wellness. You can trust that we will advocate for you and oversee how your workers compensation claim is handled, to ensure your rights are not being violated and that you receive the maximum amount in benefits possible.

If you would like to hear more, please call a Queens, Construction Accident Lawyer at Polsky, Shouldice & Rosen, P.C. for the guidance you need during this difficult time.