Negligence at a job site should never be accepted, whether it is failing to correctly secure scaffolding, a reckless excavation, or not providing workers with mandatory safety equipment. Construction sites are inherently dangerous, and workers should always feel safe knowing that their employers, other workers, and other parties are not putting them in danger. Unfortunately, construction accidents are commonplace throughout New York, and a single accident can change a worker’s life. While workers’ compensation is mandatory in our state and an important source of compensation, victims should consider working with a dedicated attorney who will fight to get them the highest possible award.

Reviewing All Sources of Compensation

For most construction workers in New York, workers’ compensation is the first form of compensation they count on to help cover the cost of their medical bills, two-thirds of lost weekly wages, and other damages. The benefits are invaluable as it can ensure that injured workers do not get buried in medical debt, but it is not the only option.

If a worker was injured by a third-party while on-the-job, then he or she can file for both, workers’ compensation and a personal injury claim. This can include claims against negligent drivers, premises liability claims against careless property owners, and product liability claims for defective and unsafe equipment. By having an experienced attorney investigate your construction accident, you may be able to find more sources of compensation.

Collecting Evidence to Support Your Claim

A key element of any construction accident claim is the evidence of negligence. Whether you have photos of the accident scene, witness statements, or detailed medical records, all of these documents can help show how serious your injuries are and why another party is responsible for them. Even in workers’ compensation claims, you may face an uphill battle proving that your injuries were severe. A thorough investigation by your lawyer can uncover invaluable evidence that supports your claim and even show that you have a case against a third-party.

Medical Treatment Is Pivotal to a Claim

One of the biggest mistakes workers make after a construction accident is not going to see their doctor or keeping up with treatment. Many victims do not want to take time off from work or pay the high out-of-pocket costs of treatment, even if they have insurance coverage. Unfortunately, attempting to save money can hurt your claim down the line.

By receiving medical treatment, you are demonstrating that the extent of your injuries is accurate and that you require compensation for them. If you miss an appointment or stop your treatment, it shows an insurance company that your injuries are not serious and that you do not need further care. Even if your treatment is expensive, you should continue attending appointments to ensure a speedy recovery and then have your attorney include all of your medical costs in your claim. Properly documenting all medical bills and expenses is key to increasing the value of your claim.

Working With an Experienced Attorney

Throughout your entire claim process, it is important to have a dedicated New York construction accident lawyer at your side. At Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP, we have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for workers throughout our city and know how to maximize our clients’ claims. We understand how difficult it is for a victim and his or her family to move on after a construction accident, which is why we never settle for anything less than what our clients deserve in a claim. We will not back down from the tactics used by a big insurance company and can bring every resource to fight on your behalf.

If you were injured in a construction accident, call us today at (212) 986-7353 to get a free consultation.