New York City Construction Accident Lawyers

Construction work is one of the most dangerous jobs in the country. Every year 1 in 10 workers in this field are injured on the job. This is partly due to unavoidable dangers of the job: heavy machinery, great heights, and dangerous chemicals. However, these dangers do not relieve construction employers of the obligation to provide a safe work environment, or remove workers’ rights to fair compensation.

At the offices of New York City construction injury attorneys Orlow, Orlow & Orlow, P.C., we proudly represent injured workers and their families.

Causes of Construction Accidents

Causes of Construction Accidents There are many potential problems that can cause serious injury to construction workers or bystanders near construction sites, including:

  • Scaffolding Accidents
  • Ladder Accidents
  • Forklift Accidents
  • Crane Accidents
  • Falling Objects

If you have been injured by any of these accidents while at work or near a construction site, contact a New York City construction accident lawyer right away. There is a statute of limitations on personal injury claims, so you need to learn about your rights and responsibilities soon.

Consequences of Construction Accidents

Construction workers are not only more likely to be injured than other employees; their injuries are more likely to be very serious. Some of the more severe construction workplace injuries include:

  • Back or spinal cord damage
  • Bone fractures
  • Burn injuries
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Amputation

While most employers understand that it is essential to provide a safe work environment for all employees, some industries pose a greater risk than others when it comes to accidents and injury to individuals on the job. When it comes to the construction industry, workers may find themselves at greater risk of injury than their office-bound counterparts.

It is estimated that nearly one in ten individuals in the construction industry will be injured while working on a project. Persons who suffer injury on the job may find themselves unable to work and support themselves and their family members. In addition, they may face out-of-pocket expenses that may not be covered by their health insurance plans. The New York City personal injury attorneys of Orlow, Orlow & Orlow, P.C. would like to provide you with the following information regarding construction accidents and your legal options.

Common Types of Construction Accidents

When it comes to residential and commercial construction, workers often face strict deadlines within which they must complete the project. In the absence of proper planning and organization, accidents may happen. This is especially true for sites that feature heavy machinery and workers who are required to perform their duties at significant heights.

Construction accidents may occur in a number of ways, but commonly reported cases include:

  • Construction machinery accidents
  • Power-tool injuries
  • Fall from height
  • Electrocution
  • Falling objects
  • Slip and fall accidents

Workers have reported injuries during residential building projects and commercial construction and may suffer injuries during the building or demolition process. In the event of an accident, it is important to visit a doctor to treat any injuries and file a report with your employer so that they have a record of the incident. For more information on construction injuries, you may wish to consult an experienced New York City personal injury attorney at Orlow, Orlow & Orlow, P.C.

Construction Site Safety

City and state labor laws in New York have put protections in place for workers in the construction industry. In many cases the laws put strict safety requirements in place for employers in order to prevent accidents and provide assistance for families in the event of accidental injury or death.

In order to provide a safer work environment, employers should:

  • Provide proper training for all employees
  • Conduct regular safety classes to educate all workers about workplace safety
  • Provide safety equipment for all employees
  • Conduct routine inspections to make sure that conditions are safe and to identify potential hazards
  • Conduct regular maintenance on equipment and tools used in construction
  • Make sure construction sites are cleaned and organized thoroughly at the end of each day
  • Ensure that workers who are required to perform their duties at significant heights are provided safety equipment to help prevent falls from elevation

If an employer fails to provide safety equipment for employees or is found to be negligent in providing a safe work environment for persons in its employ, the company may be held liable for injuries that occur. In some cases, workers may be eligible for compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and certain out-of-pocket expenses related to the accident.

Construction accidents can cause severe physical injuries and may have lasting effects on the individual’s health and livelihood. Persons who have suffered construction-related injuries should consult the experienced New York City personal injury lawyers from the firm of Orlow, Orlow & Orlow, P.C. to discuss their legal options. For assistance with your construction accident case.