Construction Accidents Attorney in Long Island, New York
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, 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 an 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 a course of action.
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
Know Your Rights
If you have suffered an injury as the result of a construction accident, you are responsible for proving your case against the liable party(s). This usually requires the help of a qualified 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 us for a consultation with a knowledgeable injury attorney.
Lawrence M. Gordon, Attorney at Law, P.C. has offices in Bellmore, NY, and assists clients throughout Long Island, including: the north shore of Long Island, The Town Of Oyster Bay, The Town Of North Hempstead, The Town Of Hempstead, The Town Of Huntington, Nassau & Suffolk Counties & throughout the Five Boroughs of The City Of New York.