Understanding Construction Site Accidents: Protecting Your Rights After an Injury
If one thing is constant in New York City, it’s the construction. Construction in NYC is ever-present and can make getting around on foot difficult. Construction sites always pose a danger and, unfortunately, injure hundreds of workers and passersby annually. If you have sustained an injury in a construction work zone, you should understand your rights and how you can recover financial compensation.
Causes of Accidents at Construction Sites
Below are some of the most common causes of construction accident injuries:
- Trucks – Trucks take up significant space and have restricted movement in construction zones, making accidents more common.
- Congested Traffic – Rerouting traffic in construction zones can create congestion and narrow roads, increasing the likelihood of rear-end collisions and sideswipes.
- Falling Debris – Falling debris, such as building facades or loose construction tools/materials, can fall and strike pedestrians walking near the zone.
- Work Injuries – Construction workers may sustain injuries from falls from roofs, scaffolds, or ladders, machinery accidents, and impacts with heavy objects.
Liability in Construction Site Accident Cases
In a construction site accident, the liable party is the one whose negligence caused the injuries in the first place. Depending on the circumstances, several parties could be held liable for injuries sustained in a construction zone:
- Construction Company – In most cases, construction companies are liable for worksite accidents that cause injuries. Companies must also provide workers with appropriate safety equipment and can be liable for any injuries that happen if they fail to do so.
- Tool or Equipment Manufacturer – If a pedestrian or worker is injured due to malfunctioning construction equipment, the manufacturer can be liable for the injuries.
- Subcontractors – General contractors may subcontract parts of the construction process to other companies. These subcontracting companies also assume liability for any injuries caused by their specific work activity.
- Safety Engineers – The professionals responsible for ensuring the safety and structural integrity of the construction process may also be liable for construction injuries.
How Can an Attorney Help with a Construction Site Accident?
The presence of multiple commercial entities and overlapping liability make recovering compensation after a construction site accident complex. If more than one party bears liability, you may have to juggle multiple claims and lawsuits. Construction accident attorneys in New York City routinely deal with these types of injuries, so they understand how to optimally approach a case.
An attorney will conduct a thorough accident investigation and identify the causal factors contributing to the event. They will handle all the legal aspects of your construction accident claim so you can focus on rest and recovery.
Call Jaroslawicz & Jaros, PLLC, Today for a Free Case Consultation
Construction site accidents can create serious injuries requiring expensive medical treatment. Victims should not have to deal with the consequences of construction companies’ negligent actions alone. The attorneys at Jaroslawicz & Jaros, PLLC, can take on your case and pursue justice on your behalf. Contact us online or call today to speak to a construction site accident attorney.