Construction Accident Attorney in NYC
Construction sites pose many dangers to workers and innocent bystanders alike. Construction workers are subject to a high level of risk as they are often involved in potentially dangerous tasks such as lifting heavy objects, operating large machinery, and performing job duties at elevated heights. Still, proper protocol and safety practices can decrease a worker or bystander’s risk of injury. When someone causes a preventable construction accident through negligence, he or she may be liable for the victim’s injuries. When a construction accident causes harm to an employee, New York’s workers’ compensation laws will generally apply. There are, however, cases in which the worker can also obtain economic recovery from other parties who may be deemed liable such as companies that manufacture construction equipment that prove to be defective.
When an innocent bystander suffers injury as the result of a construction accident, he or she may also be eligible to recover damages by filing a personal injury claim. Whether you’re a construction worker or merely a bystander who has suffered injury as the result of a construction accident, you may be eligible to receive economic recovery for your losses. Our attorneys can help you understand your legal rights and determine the best course of action going forward. Contact Katter Law today.
Common Causes of Construction Accidents
There are perhaps innumerable ways in which a person can suffer an injury at a construction site. Scaffolding accidents are the most common, accounting for nearly two-thirds of all construction accidents. Other common causes include falls, electrocution, and improperly braced trenches.
When attempting to determine the liability for injuries sustained in a construction accident, it helps to understand each party’s responsibilities at the site. In the case that a construction accident occurs, any of the following parties may bear total or partial responsibility:
- Site Owners
- General and Sub-Contractors
- Architects and Engineers
- Manufacturers of Construction Machinery or Equipment
- Insurers
- OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Act) compliance officer
If you have been injured in a construction site accident, you must try and document as much of the incident as possible. This means taking photographs or videos of the accident or unsafe conditions that caused your accident, reporting the accident to the police, and seeking medical attention immediately after the accident occurs. Not only will a physician treat your injuries, but he or she can also provide you with valuable medical documentation detailing the extent and origin of your injuries, which you may also use to prove your personal injury claim.
Contact Our Firm
If you have sustained an injury in a construction accident, you are responsible for proving your case against the liable party. This usually requires the help of a qualified New York Personal Injury Attorney. It is always wise to seek competent legal counsel after a construction accident to ensure that your rights are protected, especially since a statute of limitations applies to all workers’ compensation and personal injury cases. Contact Katter Law for a consultation with a knowledgeable injury attorney. Our firm is here to help.