ELMIRA CONSTRUCTION ACCIDENT LAWYER HELPING INJURED WORKERS GET THE COMPENSATION THEY NEED

Our firm has handled many construction-related injury claims and we pride ourselves on our experience and success. Every year, thousands of people are injured or killed as a result of improper safety measures at a construction site. Construction accident injuries result from errors in judgment, faulty equipment, falls from scaffolds, being struck by falling materials or machinery, defective or unreasonably unsafe equipment, chemical leaks or explosions, electrical accidents, and electrocution injuries.

Accidents on a construction site also can be the result of many problems, including inadequate safety inspections, someone’s negligence, poor equipment, and OSHA violations. Owners and general contractors are obligated to keep construction sites safe. We are experienced in all facets of New York construction site accidents, especially in determining the complex liability situations involved when there are many different contractors on a job site. We understand the complexities of New York construction laws, as well as issues of owner, agent, and contractor liability.

If a construction worker is injured, in many cases (and when working with an Elmira construction accident lawyer) a claim can be brought against the owner or contractor, in addition to a workers’ compensation claim. Workers’ compensation benefits may not be enough to cover the expenses resulting from the serious injuries that New York construction accidents can cause. It is important to hold all negligent parties accountable.

In New York, pursuant to sections 200, 240, and 241(6) of the New York State Labor Law, a construction worker involved in a work-related accident, in addition to a workers’ compensation claim, may also have a third-party lawsuit against the general contractor and/or owner of the construction site. A direct cause of action may also exist against another contractor to the extent that the other contractor was at fault for the happening of the accident.

EXAMPLES OF COMMON CONSTRUCTION ACCIDENTS

Construction sites are some of the most dangerous places to work. Open pits, heavy machinery, electrical lines, and explosive materials create conditions that can quickly cause serious injuries. Some of the most common construction accidents involve the following:

  • Injuries caused by falling materials, tools, or other equipment
  • Scaffolding or structure collapses
  • Accidents caused by malfunctioning machinery or equipment
  • Explosions and electrocutions
  • Crane and hoist accidents
  • Falls from heights and other slip and fall accidents
  • Crushing or cutting accidents
  • Vehicle accidents
  • Injuries caused by dangerous tools such as nail guns, welding equipment, and punch presses

Accidents resulting in serious injury can occur at any moment. If you have been injured in a construction accident, you may be entitled to compensation beyond what you can recover through worker’s comp. We recommend that you talk to an Elmira construction accident lawyer as soon as possible to understand your options before taking action.

DANGERS FACING CONSTRUCTION WORKERS

Construction accidents often arise from surprisingly hazardous conditions, either with the job site itself or in the way that workers were expected to perform their duties. For example, some of the most common dangerous conditions include the following:

  • Industrial code violations
  • Hazardous electrical wiring
  • Missing or inadequate safety equipment or failsafe protections
  • Lack of signage warning workers of known hazards
  • Defective tools and equipment
  • Negligently maintained tool and equipment
  • Environmental hazards such as exhaust, chemical fumes, or harmful dust
  • Unstable ladders
  • Toxic materials and substances
  • Loud noises
  • Asbestos

Unfortunately, many owners and employers are aware of these dangerous conditions but choose to ignore them. Whether you were injured due to a known environmental hazard or forced to work in an unsafe manner, the law allows injured workers to hold owners and their employers accountable. An Elmira construction accident lawyer can determine whether you may have a claim and help you understand your options.

ABOUT NEW YORK SCAFFOLDING ACCIDENTS

Scaffolding is ubiquitous at construction sites, meaning that the hazards it presents to construction workers are often overlooked. Many scaffolding injuries are the result of falls which are often caused by the following:

  • Missing, loose, or defective platform planks
  • Missing toe boards or guard rails
  • Missing or unsafe ladders
  • Slippery platforms

In addition to the danger of falling off of the scaffolding, construction workers are also at risk of severe injury due to scaffolding collapses. A collapse is typically the result of negligent maintenance or construction flaws:

  • Missing or improperly installed braces, cross-braces, or base plates
  • Broken pins
  • Improperly securing the scaffolding to the building
  • Exceeding the scaffolding’s weight limit

In addition to falling off or being injured in a scaffolding collapse, construction workers also face the following hazards:

  • Injuries caused by falling tools, materials, or equipment
  • Risk of electrocution when scaffolding is placed close to power lines
  • Injuries sustained during assembling or dismantling of scaffolding

Understanding how scaffolding accidents occur and how may be responsible is important when you need to pursue a claim for your injuries. An Elmira construction accident lawyer can help you get the compensation you need.

Contact an Elmira Construction Accident Lawyer Today

Whether you are a worker severely injured on the job, or an innocent passer-by injured in a New York construction site accident, our Elmira construction accident lawyer team has the experience and expertise to handle your case and will get you the maximum monetary reward you are entitled to. If you were injured by a welding rod, a nail gun, heavy equipment, a chemical leak, an explosion, or by falling from a height, we have the legal skill and expertise necessary to help you. If you have been injured in a construction-related accident, call one of our construction personal injury lawyers today for a FREE consultation and case review.