It is a well-known fact that construction work is one of the most dangerous jobs in the country. More than 20 percent of all private industry worker fatalities occur in construction. One out of every five worker deaths happens to someone in the construction industry.
The financial consequences of a construction accident can be devastating for the entire family of the injured construction worker. Almost all injuries suffered while in the course of employment are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits (medical expenses and lost earnings) in the State of New York. However, if the negligence of a “third party”, meaning someone other than the injured worker’s employer or a fellow employee (i.e., that works for the same company as the injured worker,) contributed to the cause of the accident, additional compensation might be recoverable
A Freeport, NY construction accident lawyer from Friedman & Simon, L.L.P. will help you determine your rights and options if you have been hurt on the job. Contact us today at 516-932-0400 for a free and confidential consultation about your case.
In This Article
- Common Causes of Construction Accidents
- Paths to Recovery
- How a Freeport, NY Construction Lawyer Can Help
Common Causes of Construction Accidents
Of the 991 work-related construction deaths in 2017, about one-third (370) were caused by falls. Falls continue to hold the number one spot for construction deaths each year. But there are a few other types of accidents that also occur with shocking frequency.
What are the “Fatal Four”?
The four leading causes of construction-related deaths have been dubbed the “Fatal Four.”
Fatal Four
Comprising more than 59 percent of all construction work-related deaths in 2017, the fatal four include the following:
- Falls (39.2 percent)
- Getting struck by an object (8.2 percent)
- Electrocutions (7.3 percent)
- Getting caught in or between machinery (5.1 percent)
But why is construction so dangerous? Well, aside from the obvious answers—that construction often involves heights, heavy machinery, and electrical work—most serious and fatal accidents involve easily-preventable causes where precautions are neglected.
Leading Safety Violations
According to the Federal Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), the leading safety violations in 2018, in the construction industry, involved:
OSHA’s 10 Most Cited Safety Violations of 2018
- Lack of proper fall protection
- Issues with hazard communication
- Scaffolding dangers
- Lack of adequate respiratory protection
- Failure to control energy hazards (machines that suddenly turn on, etc.)
- Issues around ladder safety
- Problems with industrial trucks
- Inadequate fall protection training
- Improper machine guarding
- Lack of eye and face protection
If you or a loved one has been injured in a work-related construction accident, a Freeport, NY construction accident lawyer at our firm will protect your rights and obtain the compensation you deserve. Call us today at 516-932-0400.
For a free legal consultation with a Construction Accident lawyer serving Freeport, call 516-932-0400
Paths to Recovery
Depending on the circumstances surrounding the construction accident in Freeport, NY, you may be looking at applying for workers’ compensation, bringing a personal injury lawsuit, or filing a wrongful death lawsuit. These three potential paths to recovery are explained in greater detail below.
Workers’ Compensation
Workers’ compensation covers most work-related injuries. Workers’ comp is an insurance policy that provides compensation for medical expenses and a portion of lost wages when a worker is injured on the job. By law, workers may not sue their employer but exchange have the protection of workers’ compensation benefits when injured in the course of employment. However, the amount you can recover through workers’ comp is usually much less than in a personal injury lawsuit.Personal Injury Lawsuit
If the negligence of a “third party” played a role in your injuries, you may be able to bring a personal injury lawsuit against a party other than your employer or fellow employee. For example, if a worker in another trade on a job site was, in some respect, negligent and that negligence was a cause of injury, a third-party claim or lawsuit is probably indicatedIf successful, you could recover for pain and suffering and other damages, beyond Workers Compensation benefits. As stated above, in many cases when there is in fact third-party liability, an injured construction worker may recover, significantly more through a third-party claim or lawsuit than through a Workers Compensation claim. A Freeport, NY construction accident lawyer will help you determine if a lawsuit is appropriate and what you might expect.
Wrongful Death
If you lost a loved one in a work-related Freeport construction accident, you may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit. By doing so, you may be able to recover for any of the following:
- The pain and suffering the deceased person endured before death
- The medical costs the deceased person incurred before death
- Loss of the deceased person’s income
- Funeral expenses
- Loss of companionship
If you lost a loved one in an on-the-job accident, we will, with compassion and dedication, work to recover the compensation you need and the justice that your departed loved one deserves.
Freeport Construction Accident Lawyer Near Me 516-932-0400
How a Freeport, NY Construction Lawyer Can Help
At Friedman & Simon, L.L.P. we understand the complexities of work-related construction accidents. Our experienced legal team will thoroughly review your case to determine the most appropriate legal strategy, and we will seek the maximum compensation available so that you can focus on rest and healing. Our multilingual team speaks English, Spanish, Greek, Bengali, Tamil, and Kannada.
Whether you should recover compensation from workers’ comp, a personal injury lawsuit, or a wrongful death lawsuit, Friedman & Simon, L.L.P. will work diligently to get you the compensation you deserve. We will analyze your case, gather relevant information and evidence, and position you for the best possible outcome. If we are able to win an excellent settlement for you, we will advise you to settle out of court. However, we have found that the way to obtain the best settlements is prepare the case for trial. Depending upon the unique circumstances of your case, we are prepared to take your case to trial if an appropriate settlement cannot be reached. You’ve been through enough already; let us step in and provide the effective, dedicated representation you deserve.
At Friedman & Simon, L.L.P., it is our goal to obtain the maximum compensation available to you. In addition to workers’ comp benefits, you may be entitled to substantial compensation for pain and suffering and other damages.. Do not attempt to go through this complex process alone. Our legal team is here to help you obtain the compensation you deserve so that you can get your life back on track. Call us today at 516-932-0400 for a free and confidential consultation about your case.
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