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Bronx Construction Accident Lawyer

Construction workers are subject to some of the most extreme dangers found in any workplace. Building site workers in the Bronx experience a wide range of serious injuries every day. That said, if you’re one of them, our firm is here to help. Contact a dedicated Bronx construction accident lawyer from James Newman, P.C. today.

Construction Accident Lawyer | Fighting for Injured Workers in NYC

Under New York law, the majority of construction site injuries are covered by workers compensation. What you may not know is that if your accident occurred because of the negligence of a supervisor, the equipment you were using was defective or the property owner did not comply with OSHA requirements, you may be able to file a separate personal injury lawsuit. A competent New York City personal injury lawyer from James Newman, P.C. can help you seek maximum compensation against responsible third parties and help you close the gap between your workers comp benefits and the real cost of your injury.

Common Construction Accidents & Injuries

There is little doubt that construction sites and construction jobs are inherently dangerous. The use of power tools, scaffolding, trucks moving through tight spaces, falling debris and electrical wires can spell catastrophe. As a carpenter, welder, ironworker, electrician, plumber, roofer or other construction site employee, whether you are a contractor or subcontractor, you are expected to take reasonable precautions. Nonetheless, property owners, general contractors, sub-contractors and even manufacturers of the tools of the trade are all responsible for ensuring the safety of construction site workers and visitors. When they fail to do so, accidents happen and may include:

  • Building/roof collapses
  • Falling debris
  • Explosions
  • Faulty wiring
  • Forklift accidents
  • Truck accidents
  • Crane collapses
  • Elevator crashes
  • Scaffolding collapses
  • Ladder collapses
  • Tool/equipment failure
  • Stairway defects

As construction accident attorneys who have practiced law in the Bronx for nearly 30 years, we know that New York is constantly building and rebuilding itself. We also know that the people who make this one of the most dynamic cities in the world can suffer the greatest harm when responsible parties are negligent or careless. If you or a family member has been the victim of a construction accident, whether you are receiving workers’ compensation or not, contact us to find out how we can help you get everything you deserve for serious or catastrophic injuries, including:

  • Traumatic brain injury
  • Spinal cord injury/paralysis
  • Electrical, chemical or thermal burns
  • Complete or partial vision or hearing loss
  • Broken bones
  • Amputation
  • Wrongful death

Under the New York Labor Law Sections 240 and 241, those who work from heights on ladders or scaffolding are afforded special consideration. You may be able to hold contractors, supervisors, property owners and others responsible for your accident — even if you were partially at fault — when injuries occur during the construction, repair or demolition of a building or structure and involve the use of:

  • Ladders and scaffolding
  • Hoists, stays, slings and hangers
  • Blocks, pulleys and braces
  • Irons and ropes

If any of the above devices were not constructed properly, were placed incorrectly, were operated in such a way that proper protection was not provided or if the accident was elevation-related, you may be able to make a claim against the third party (other person or company) responsible.

What is the purpose of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)?

OSHA’s role is to ensure the safety of all workers in the United States. OSHA has created regulations to govern the safety of most industries, including construction. When employers cut corners and violate OSHA regulations, they can face large fines and other penalties. These violations are often discovered during OSHA inspections. If a violation led to your injury, a New York City personal injury lawyer from our firm will use all available evidence to prove the violation in court and hold your employer liable for the costs of your injuries.

After a Construction Accident

If you have been hurt, you should notify your employer immediately and request medical attention. Once you have been seen by a doctor, you should contact a Bronx construction injury lawyer to learn your rights. All New York workers’ compensation claims must be filed within two years of the date of the accident, and personal injury claims must be filed within three years of that date.

Contacting the New York State Workers’ Compensation Board

The New York State Workers’ Compensation Board’s website is an excellent resource. Workers injured in the Bronx are covered by the Manhattan District Office located at 215 W. 125th Street. You can reach this office by calling 800-877-1373. All mail should be sent to PO Box 5205, Binghamton, NY 13902-5205. We urge you to speak with an attorney before filing your claim.

Establishing Liability

In most cases, your employer will be held responsible for your construction accident under workers’ compensation law whether your negligence or theirs contributed to the accident. In cases where a contractor violates OSHA safety codes and that violation leads to your injury, you can hold that contractor strictly liable for your injury.

Recovering Compensation for a Construction Injury

Construction workers suffering injuries are generally eligible for workers’ compensation benefits only. Exceptions apply when a contractor or entity other than your employer or co-workers was responsible for your injury. In these cases, you may be able to bring a third-party personal injury claim against the responsible person or business. If you were injured on a scaffold or ladder, you may be able to hold your employer liable for your injury under New York State’s scaffold law.

Contact a Construction Accident Lawyer Today

Don’t wait to file your claim. If you wait too long, the statute of limitations may expire and you may lose your right to sue altogether. Instead, simply reach out to a competent Bronx construction accident lawyer from James Newman, P.C. for a free case evaluation today.

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