Construction is one of the most dangerous industries a person can work in. Working at a construction site day in and day out may place a worker at risk of sustaining serious injuries in an accident caused by defective equipment, poor implementation of safety standards or sheer carelessness. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), construction accidents claimed 759 workers’ lives in 2011. This number represents nearly 16.5% of all workplace fatalities across the U.S. that same year, a staggering number when you consider the wide range of occupations this statistic covers.

If you or someone you know has been injured at a construction site, the team at Marc J. Bern & Partners LLP may be able to help. From our headquarters in New York City and fully-staffed offices in other states, we assist construction workers and passersby throughout the U.S. who have been injured at or near construction sites. If you were working at the time of the incident, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. If you were walking by or visiting the site and were injured, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party. Our goal will be to seek out all possible sources of compensation to give you the best opportunity of regaining financial stability and rebuilding your life.

We work with construction workers of all kinds in all types of accidents. We are experienced in handling the particular issues that may arise for union members and can also help independent contractors or people who were not working at the site at the time of the accident. No matter your case or concerns, our lawyers may be able to assist you.

About New York Construction Accidents

Construction is a field that is physically demanding and involves heavy equipment and tools that can easily cause injury if mishandled. The following are some of the most dangerous types of equipment that workers must handle or work in close proximity to: cranes, forklifts, power drills, delivery trucks, drill rigs, wood chippers, table saws and tractors. Workers must also climb ladders and work on scaffolding tens or hundreds of feet from the ground. The chance of injury is great.
Some of the most common types of construction accidents include falls from heights, injuries from falling object, electrocution or electrical injuries, scaffolding accidents, ladder accidents and accidents involving defective or poorly maintained equipment or tools. Our New York construction accident attorneys stand ready to help those who have been injured in any of these or other types of construction-related accidents. You can learn more about some of our primary areas of practice in this area by reviewing the highlighted topics listed below:

Crane Accidents

Cranes are frequently used at construction sites to lift and move heavy building materials. Mobile or fixed cranes can move extremely heavy loads, making them essential at numerous worksites throughout New York. If a crane is not operated properly or if it malfunctions, workers at the site below may be placed at serious risk. Our lawyers help those injured in crane accidents, including crane operators and others.

Electrical Injuries

Construction workers often have to work with or around electrical wiring, power lines and equipment that runs off electricity. When safety procedures are not followed or equipment is misused or poorly maintained, workers may be at risk of suffering from electrical injuries or electrocution. Marc J. Bern & Partners handles all types of electrical accident claims and lawsuits for construction workers throughout New York.

Falling Debris

With equipment and materials being moved and workers working above, ground-level workers at construction sites may be in danger of being struck by falling debris. Anything from a steel beam to a power tool to a single nail can cause catastrophic injuries if it strikes a worker or passerby. A falling debris accident may cause head trauma and crush injuries that claim the life of the victim.

Falls at Construction Sites

Falls are the leading cause of construction industry fatalities in the U.S. and account for approximately one-third of all construction-related deaths each year. Construction falls may be caused by improperly constructed scaffolding, improper use of or a failure to use guardrails or other protective equipment, or improper use of portable ladders. Falls have the potential to cause minor to severe injuries or even death, depending on the height of the fall and what lies below.

Ladder Accidents

A fall from a ladder has the potential to cause back and neck injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones and head trauma. Ladder accidents may be caused by improperly placed or inadequately secured ladder or by carelessness on the part of another worker who strikes a ladder or drops an object on a worker who is currently on a ladder. In any incident such as this, our firm can provide skilled representation.

Scaffolding Accidents

Working on scaffolding is one of the most dangerous parts of a construction worker’s job, as he or she is working above ground, possibly even hundreds of feet in the air. Falling from scaffolding or a scaffolding collapse may lead to life-threatening injuries. Our team can identify at-fault parties or file a workers’ compensation claim on behalf of a worker injured in a scaffolding accident.

Construction accidents such as the ones listed above are often not the fault of the victim. They may be caused by the carelessness of general contractors, site supervisors or managers, property owners or others. Whether the incident is caused by negligence or a product defect, there are specific steps you can take to protect your right to workers’ comp benefits or financial compensation.

Steps to Take After a Construction Site Accident

After a construction accident, you may be able to be compensated for your injury or a loved one’s death if you take the appropriate steps and involve a competent attorney. First, be sure to seek medical attention as soon as possible. If your injuries do not require emergency treatment, inform the foreman or supervisor at the scene of what has occurred. They may refer you to a particular medical facility to receive treatment. If you require emergency medical care, call 911 or have another person at the scene call on your behalf. Take pictures of the scene and your injuries. Get the contact information of any witnesses present. Keep detailed notes of your recollection of the event and keep all receipts or invoices for medical care, medical supplies and even over-the-counter medication or supplies you purchase for your injuries. This documentation may prove invaluable later on, as your attorney seeks fair compensation on your behalf.

You may be entitled to financial compensation for the injuries you have experienced in an accident at a construction site. If the incident is covered by workers’ compensation, you may be entitled to cash benefits and medical care. If your case does not qualify for workers’ comp benefits or if a third party was to blame, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit. If a judge finds the defendant guilty you may be compensated for not only the actual injury, which includes medical expenses, but also for any money that you may not have been able to earn as a result of the injury. You may be able to receive money for lost earnings, medical care, pain and suffering and possibly more.

Find out more about your right to compensation by scheduling a free consultation with an attorney at Marc J. Bern & Partners LLP. Our friendly, knowledgeable professionals are standing by to see how we can best represent your interests. With our help, you may be able to recover the money that will help you face a more stable future, even after a serious accident. Contact a construction accident lawyer at Marc J. Bern & Partners today.