Whether you work in a small office or work long shifts on major construction projects, your employer is required to follow the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) regulations when it comes to preventing work-related accidents. In 2013 alone, roughly 4,585 workers lost their lives due to workplace accidents and thousands more suffered serious or even catastrophic injuries on the job.
While OSHA reports that the 2013 statistics for work injuries and deaths are, in fact, the second-lowest since 1992, many of these tragic incidents could have been prevented, if it weren’t for negligence. For example, the top four causes of fatal and catastrophic injury accidents on the job are simple slip and falls, electrocution, being struck by an object, or getting pinned between two objects.
It only takes a moment of carelessness or laziness at work to put others at risk, such as failing to warn others about a slip hazard, forgetting to turn off the electricity when working with electrical wires, or operating heavy machinery without concern for others.
In a NY work accident, it is important to begin the filing process for workers’ compensation as soon as possible, regardless of how the injury accident occurred or who is at-fault. If you have suffered severe trauma, such as a head injury, electrocution, or broken bones, you will need all the financial support you can get to help you cover the medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If the accident is the result of a third-party, such as another motorist on the road or a contracted worker, you may be able to recover additional compensation through a personal injury claim.
The NYC attorneys at Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP strive to protect those who suffer catastrophic injuries while on the job. Contact us to learn more about your rights and options.