Common New York Construction Accidents that Lead to Workers’ Compensation Claims
With the warm summer weather on the way, we are entering the busy construction season. The streets of New York will be lined with orange barrels and detour signs leading to longer commutes. Along with the increase in the construction-related activity we also begin to notice the disturbing and all too familiar headlines:
“Worker severely injured at Theatre District construction site”
“One dead and one in stable condition when lift overturns at Midtown construction project”
“Roof collapses at Queensbridge unit expansion project—two workers severely injured”
According to the US Department of Labor, the most common construction accidents are:
- A result of falling, tripping or slipping
- A consequence of worker contact with equipment
- Involve a worker being struck by an object
What is the nature of the most common construction worker injuries or illnesses?
- Sprains: These injuries involve damage to the ligaments, the tissue connecting your bones. The ankle is the most common area of occurrence.
- Strains: Involves damage to either muscles or tendons. Tendons are the critical link between muscles and our bones. Strains of the upper body are most likely to impact the lower back region. In the lower body, the most common location is in the hamstrings, in the rear of the thigh.
- Tears: Most commonly occur when cartilage is torn within the knee.
- Soreness: Aches and pains resulting from trauma to a muscle, which may increase in intensity over the course of a day.
- Pain: An unpleasant symptom stemming from bodily damage.
- Bruises: When there is blood vessel damage beneath the skin, blood rises and collects near the surface resulting is tenderness and skin coloration.
- Contusions: A variation of a bruise resulting from impact damaging a deep tissue.
Contact Us Today
Our team of tough and experienced New York workers compensation lawyers at Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP want you to know that you do not have to be alone in seeking compensation for work-related injuries. Contact our office at (212) 986-7353 today so we can begin working to insure you are treated fairly, allowing you to remain focused on recovery. Put our strength to work for you today by scheduling a free consultation.
If you have been injured on the job, make sure that you and your loved ones get the representation that you deserve! The workers compensation process can be difficult to navigate and there may be other liable parties at fault in your case; therefore, make the call to Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP now for a confidential case review.
Governor Cuomo Acts to Protect New York Workers
The Task Force to Combat Worker Exploitation has just been given a boost from Governor Andrew M. Cuomo. According to WorkersCompensation.com report, the governor approved $700,000 for education, outreach, and investigations. The Governor also formed an Anti-Retaliation Unity and a Mediation Unit. These units will exist within the State Department of Labor to help prevent retaliation against workers who assert their rights.
Who Counts as an Employee Under New York Workers Compensation Law?
In New York, employees who are injured on the job or who contract a work-related illness are covered by workers’ compensation insurance. Workers’ comp pays for a wide range of medical bills, and in cases of serious injury, may also replace portions of lost wages or pay for rehabilitation and job retraining.
Only “employees” are covered under New York workers’ compensation law. Independent contractors are not covered. While there are no set rules for determining who is and is not an employee, the New York Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) provides a list of criteria for determining who is likely an employee – a question that matters a great deal if you have been injured on the job.