Representing New York Sanitations Workers Injured in the Line of Duty
The sanitation workers of New York are vital to the ebb and flow of modern society, ensuring our streets, sidewalks, and buildings are clean. They are the unsung heroes of civilization, allowing the rest of us to go about our day without worrying about our own waste. And yet, when injured on the job, sanitation workers are often cast aside like the trash they help eliminate, forgotten by those in charge in order to save money.
If you have been injured on the job as a sanitation worker, do not accept a minor payout or denial of your workers' compensation claim. You have rights, and an experienced NYC work injury attorney can help you fight to receive the compensation you deserve. In some cases, a civil lawsuit against a negligent third party may be warranted. Call Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP, at (212) 986-7353 to discuss what happened and learn about your options.
Workplace Accidents and Injuries for Sanitation Workers
Sanitation workers face particular challenges and situations. Some of the common accidents a sanitation worker might have on the job include:
- Falls: Sanitation workers don't spend their days sitting in an office, but are out and about in the city. This puts them at risk for slips, trips, and falls since their work environment changes so often. When objects are placed near sidewalks, or snow and ice are not properly dealt with, there is a greater risk of a slip-and-fall.
- Impacts: Sanitation workers can be struck by falling objects or items falling from a truck or garbage receptacle. When people do not stow trash or other items properly, the risk of an impact increases.
- Repetitive stress: The daily routine for sanitation workers includes making the same movements over and over again. This creates the risk of repetitive stress in certain areas, particular the shoulders and rotator cuff.
- Machinery accidents: Sanitation workers use trucks and powerful machinery to collect and dispose of waste on a daily basis. Accidents involving these machines can result in catastrophic injuries that may change the rest of the worker’s life.
Injuries from these types of accidents can include:
- Broken bones
- Traumatic amputations
- Soft tissue damage
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Deep lacerations
What To Do After a Workplace Accident
Immediately following an accident at work, seek medical attention for your injuries. As soon as possible, file an official report about the accident with your employer, which may include a statement to your site manager. Make note of anyone who witnessed the accident and can attest to what happened.
You should then file a New York workers' compensation claim for your injury as soon as you can, since there are deadlines for filing that you have to meet. Follow any doctor's orders you receive based on your injury to prevent it from getting worse. If your claim is denied, you will need to appeal the decision. A top NYC personal injury attorney can greatly help with this process.
In some cases, you may be able to file a civil lawsuit against a negligent third party who caused or contributed to your injuries. Knowing exactly who is liable for an accident can be difficult - and filing a claim when the city is involved is even more complicated. Consult with a knowledgeable sanitation worker injury lawyer to figure out what needs to be done to pursue just compensation.
Call the legal team at Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP, at (212) 986-7353 right away to discuss your accident and what you should do next.