Construction Site Slip & Fall Accident Attorney in NYC
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), falls on construction sites are the leading cause of fatal workplace injuries. In addition, injuries sustained in a fall from heights, scaffold collapse, or any fall on a construction site are often catastrophic. Generally, victims are covered by workers’ compensation. However, injured workers can sometimes sue third parties whose recklessness or careless actions caused their accidents.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a fall on a construction site in New York, our team at Douglas & London is here to help you explore all avenues of potential compensation from negligent third parties. A skilled construction accident lawyer will fight for your right to recover damages for your losses. Schedule a free consultation today.
Potential Compensation
If you work in construction and were injured in a fall, you are generally entitled to workers’ compensation benefits that cover your medical bills and a percentage of your lost wages. However, injured workers can sometimes sue third parties whose recklessness or careless actions caused their accidents.
Common defendants may include manufacturers of defective equipment, maintenance companies in cases of improper inspections, and negligent subcontractors. A personal injury claim can seek additional compensation to cover damages outside workers’ comp benefits.
While trying to recover from a serious injury, you need a tenacious advocate who can negotiate the best settlement or award on your behalf. Construction site injuries are often devastating and may warrant various damages through civil litigation, including compensation for:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional Distress
- Diminished earning capacity
- Permanent disability
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Rehabilitation costs
- Loss of consortium
- Punitive damages, in some cases
Thorough investigations will determine if a civil lawsuit is warranted against a third party after a serious fall. When property owners, contractors, and their agents violate laws and regulations imposed to keep workers safe, they may be sued in a third-party claim.
Common Causes of Falls on NYC Construction Sites
Ensuring safe worksites is a key responsibility of contractors and site owners who often fail to provide workers with safe environments due to negligence, attempts to keep costs down, time constraints, and others. Common causes of falls include the following:
- Slip and fall accidents: Construction site hazards include loose debris, uneven walkways, and potholes. Ice and snow also create falling dangers in New York during winter. A construction site trip and fall accident attorney in NYC can investigate the cause and hold the negligent parties liable for damages.
- Ladder falls: The most common reasons for falls from a ladder include unlocked spreaders, excessive loads, proximity to electrical wiring, and use on unstable surfaces. Even falls from small step ladders can result in severe head trauma, spinal cord injuries, and complex fractures.
- Scaffold falls: Under Section 240 of the New York Labor Laws, owners and contractors can be held liable for falls from ladders, heights, and scaffolds.
The sooner a New York construction accident lawyer can begin investigating a defective scaffold, faulty ladder, or other workplace hazards, the sooner they can build a strong case on your behalf.
Injuries from a Fall on a Construction Site
The National Safety Council (NSC) reports that In 2022, “the industry sector experiencing the largest number of preventable fatal injuries was construction, followed by transportation and warehousing.” Serious injuries from a fall include the following:
- Head Injuries: A traumatic brain injury (TBI) creates an alteration in brain function. Rehabilitation therapy can include occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech therapy. However, it may also require psychological counseling and medication to address mood and behavior. Other head injuries include subarachnoid hemorrhage, hematoma, lacerations, and concussions.
- Spinal Cord Injury: A spinal cord injury causes temporary or permanent changes in function, such as a loss of movement and sensation, as well as changes in autonomic functions, e.g., blood pressure and temperature control. The injuries were generally severe, 24% of them being complete cord injuries with no sensory or motor function below the level of injury.
- Fractures: A bone fracture from a fall can be a partial or complete break. In severe cases, the bones may be broken into several fragments, known as a comminuted fracture. It is typically very painful. Because the fracture is in several pieces, surgery is usually required to fix it, such as an Internal fixation with plates and screws and traction.
While the hardships from such injuries are challenging, the law provides avenues for compensation that can help you pay your bills and rebuild your life. Our attorneys will take all necessary steps to hold all liable parties accountable for your losses.
Contact Douglas & London
Our aggressive representation has helped many workers and their families to overcome the often devastating losses that construction accidents can cause. If one of these accidents results in death, we can pursue damages for medical expenses and loss of future support. To arrange a free consultation with an experienced New York construction fall accident attorney, contact us today.
