Representing Injured Brooklyn Carpenters
Carpentry is physically demanding, dangerous, and one of the most valuable professions in the world. Good carpenters are essential in the construction industry, ensuring that structures are solid, safe, and built to last. These skilled workers are responsible for almost every part of a building, from floors to framework, doors, and finishing.
New York carpenters are exposed to a variety of risks and workplace hazards. If you have been injured on the job doing carpentry work, consult with a Brooklyn carpenter accident attorney to find out about your options under the law. Call Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP, for a free consultation at (212) 986-7353.
How Do Carpenters Get Hurt on Work Sites?
Construction is one of the most dangerous industries in the U.S. Carpenters face the same workplace hazards as other construction workers, plus certain risks that are specific to the carpentry trade. Common accidents and injuries in carpentry include:
- Falls: Carpenters often work on scaffolds, elevated platforms, and ladders, with a risk of falling from heights. They are also exposed to tripping hazards from uneven ground, unsecured flooring, and tools and materials left on the ground.
- Electrical shocks: Electricity can be a hazard for any construction worker when currents are live on a job. Carpenters work with power tools that can cause electrical injuries when they malfunction.
- Crush injuries and amputations: Like all construction workers, carpenters are at risk for crushing accidents or amputations from heavy machinery. They may also be injured by falling building materials. Carpenters working with large sheets of lumber, drywall, and other material can cause severe crush injuries leading to amputation if impacting a finger, hand, toe, or foot.
- Power tool accidents: Carpenters work with power tools, including circular saws, lathes, and nail guns. These tools can cause severe puncture wounds, lacerations, and amputation of fingers or hands.
- Sawdust exposure: Excessive exposure to wood dust can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat and cause damage to the eyes. Inhaling sawdust into the lungs can cause breathing problems and lead to lung disease, including asthma and cancer.
- Asbestos, silica, lead, formaldehyde exposure: Carpenters may be exposed to various toxins when working on new builds or remodeling structures, with severe health consequences.
What Types of Workplace Injuries Are Common for Carpenters?
Like other workers in the construction trade, carpenters are at risk for a wide range of injuries. Types of injuries common among carpenters include:
- Eye injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Bone fractures
- Severe lacerations
- Puncture wounds
- Knee injuries
- Hearing loss
- Hand injuries
- Foot injuries
- Amputations
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- Splinters leading to infection
How Is Liability Determined in a Brooklyn Carpenter Accident?
Generally speaking, parties who have been negligent may be held liable when that negligence results in injury to others. If parties other than your employer, such as property owners, third-party contractors, or manufacturers of tools or equipment, are responsible for your work-related injuries, you may be eligible to file a third-party lawsuit for compensation against the responsible parties. Workers injured on the job in New York are entitled to receive workers’ compensation benefits, regardless of fault for the accident. In a third-party lawsuit, you may be able to recover compensation for noneconomic losses not covered by workers’ comp, such as pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life.
Why You Need a Brooklyn Carpenter Injury Lawyer
Your best chance of recovering the maximum compensation available for your accident and injuries is to have an experienced Brooklyn carpenter accident lawyer handling your claim. At Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP, we have recovered over $1 billion dollars for our clients. Our Brooklyn personal injury attorneys bring more than 50 years of experience to the practice, and we are honored to be recognized as a leading construction accident law firm. Call us at (212) 986-7353 to discuss your case.