Construction sites are inherently dangerous environments. As such, construction workers are exposed to serious injuries every day. Despite the stringent safety measures in place, accidents can still occur due to negligence. In the unfortunate event of a construction accident, it’s crucial to understand the steps you must take to protect your legal rights and seek compensation for the damages you have wrongfully endured. Please continue reading to learn the steps you should take after a construction accident in New York and how a trusted Bronx Construction Accident Lawyer can help you navigate your legal options.
What Steps Should I Take Following a New York Construction Accident?
As mentioned above, if you suffer any injury on a construction site, it’s crucial to be aware of the steps you must take to ensure your well-being and safeguard your rights. The first and most immediate concern after a construction accident should be your health. Even if your injuries initially seem minor, it’s essential to have them examined and treated by a medical professional. Certain injuries may not exhibit immediate symptoms or have delayed onset. Without timely intervention, these injuries can exacerbate and pose life-threatening risks. In addition, a comprehensive medical examination will ensure that your injuries are properly documented, which can help prove the extent of your injuries later on. If you refuse or delay medical attention it can hinder your ability to recover monetary compensation for your damages.
From here, it’s important to report your accident to your employer. If you fail to report the accident and your injuries to the appropriate party it could diminish your ability to seek compensation for your losses. When you make the report to your supervisor or site manager, you should stick to the facts. Avoid speculating what happened. If circumstances permit, you should gather as much evidence as possible at the scene. This includes taking pictures of the accident scene, your injuries, and any hazardous conditions that may have contributed to the cause of the accident. In addition, you should collect contact information from any witnesses who can corroborate your version of the events. This can help you establish liability.
Should I Consult a Lawyer?
Nevertheless, the most important step you can take after a construction accident in New York is to consult an experienced lawyer who can help you understand your rights. If you were injured while performing duties within the scope of your employment, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. However, if a contractor violates OSHA safety codes and that violation leads to your injury, you may be able to hold that contractor strictly liable for your injury. As such, it’s in your best interest to connect with a skilled lawyer from James Newman, P.C., who can help fight for the compensation and justice you deserve.
