Construction site accidents can cause severe damages for victims, making representation from New York workplace injury lawyers imperative. Although there is immense pressure to meet strict deadlines to complete a construction project within specific deadlines, it’s essential always to put safety first. Construction workers are often exposed to severely hazardous situations. When an accident happens, it can come at a cost not only to the victim of the accident but also to the worksite because the loss of productivity can slow progress on the project.
There are several reasons accidents occur. For those who have suffered an accident, it’s essential to clearly understand their workers’ compensation benefits and their ability to seek damages through a third-party claim. Managing this process independent of a lawyer like those available at Polsky, Shouldice & Rosen, P.C can be overwhelming. Still, with guidance from a professional, it’s possible to ensure that the victim’s rights remain intact throughout the process.
New York Construction Accident Statistics
Construction work is one of the most dangerous places a person can work. While this comes as no surprise considering the hazardous conditions workers face each day, it may be shocking to discover that construction sites in New York are among the most dangerous as the fatality rates are above the national average. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, falls and trips from a higher level were among the most prevalent types of injuries construction workers faced between 2019-2020. Construction-related jobs had the highest rate of fatalities among all other occupations. Because of this, workers on construction sites are especially vulnerable to suffering debilitating injuries or, worse, death. The damages faced by workers within the construction industry stand to face hazardous working conditions and cause significant losses that may require assistance from New York Workplace Injury Lawyers to ensure that their interests are put first and their rights protected.
Top Reasons for Construction Accidents
New York state and New York City are booming areas of development. Construction projects are happening every day and at a rapid pace. For those working within these environments, they stand to experience one of the most hazardous workplaces in the country. While the majority of accidents on construction sites occur due to falls, there are several reasons victims may suffer injuries while working on a construction site, including:
- Improperly Training
- Lack of Safety Training
- Safety Violations
- Falls From Scaffolds, Rooftops, or Trenches
- Failure to Wear Protective Gear
- Electrocution
- Being Struck by an Object
Damages from accidents can include lost wages, medical expenses, miscellaneous out-of-pocket expenses, loss of earning capacity, and more. When an accident has occurred, it may be possible to receive compensation to cover these losses. While workers’ compensation benefits may offer some relief, they may not be enough. Having a lawyer examine your case may be imperative to ensure whether it’s possible to receive additional compensation in the form of a third-party claim.
Workers’ Compensation Benefits
After an accident, injured employees are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits, coverage of medical expenses, a portion of lost wages, and more. Workers’ compensation allows victims to access benefits regardless of who was at fault for the accident. Victims are required to access workers’ compensation, and in lieu of accepting this benefit, they forgo the opportunity to seek damages through the legal claims process. Despite the benefits, victims may find themselves short-changed or unable to obtain benefits due to claim denials or employer pushback. Having New York workplace injury lawyers representing victims can play a crucial role in determining whether a third-party suit is in their best interest and can assist with managing complications that may arise while obtaining workers’ compensation benefits.
