New York Construction Accident Frequently Asked Questions

• Seek medical attention as soon as possible. Even if you aren’t sure if your injured. Besides getting the proper treatment, seeing a doctor will document your medical condition. This documentation will become important if you decide to file a claim.
• Be sure to speak with your supervisor and notify them about the accident. This notification is mandatory to pursue a claim. In most jurisdictions you have 30 days to notify your supervisor.
• Gather all your documentation pertaining to the accident. This can include police/accident reports, medical records, invoices, etc.
• Identify if there are any witnesses to your accident, obtain a statement from them, and get their contact information.
• Take photos of your injuries and the scene of the accident.
• Speak with a lawyer about your legal options.

The general contractor and property owner are responsible for maintaining a safe environment.

Unfortunately, construction accidents can happen at any time and cause serious injury to employees and bystanders. One of the most common causes of injury at the work site is being struck by a falling object. Falls from scaffolding and machine malfunction are also reasons.

The most common construction accident injury is a head injury, or traumatic brain injury. Broken bones are commonly seen, as well as spinal cord and back injuries.

Worker’s compensation laws do prevent you from bringing a lawsuit against your employer. However, it doesn’t prevent you from filing a lawsuit against a third party.

The construction company has the responsibility to ensure that the job site is safe and secure.

OSHA stands for the Occupational Safety Health Administration. This entity creates and enforces regulations and guidelines to ensure safety of workers at the job site. When these guidelines are not adhered to, it can be grounds for negligence on the part of the company.

Most all workplace injuries are covered under Worker’s Compensation insurance. There are some limits however. For instance, if an employee was injured at work under the influence of drugs or alcohol, their injury may not be covered.

During an inspection, an OSHA representative will meet with the employer and inspect work and maintenance records, as well as the premises. They may also speak with employees. The inspector will notify the company of any possible violations.

This law is also known as the scaffolding law. This law contains various safety rules and the penalties for violating them.

There is no easy answer to this. It will depend on many different factors such as the type and severity of your injuries, the insurance available, and your prognosis for the future. It is important to discuss your case with an experienced lawyer to learn what options are available to you.

Having a lawyer working on your behalf can make a dramatic difference on the outcome of your case. A construction case can be very complicated, and it is not a good idea to try and handle it alone. A lawyer can guide you through the legal process, ensure you the best result possible and ensure that your legal rights are protected.

Expert witnesses can contribute their experience and knowledge regarding the generally accepted practices and standards in the industry. They can make a very big difference in helping to prove your case.