Attorneys Protect the Rights of Injured Staten Island Construction Workers
Construction workers in Staten Island routinely perform hazardous and challenging work that often involves heavy machinery, great heights, and an unforgiving environment. Staying alert can prevent most accidents, but it's possible that those around you may not take the same precautions.
At Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP, our Staten Island personal injury attorneys strive for justice by conducting thorough investigations, collaborating with experts, and achieving the best possible outcome for our clients. We have received recognition for our excellence and hold the esteemed "AV" rating from Martindale-Hubbell, and we have a proven record of securing substantial compensation for our clients — our results are a testament to our commitment to exceptional service and support.
Our services cover a broad spectrum of legal needs, including construction accident injuries. You deserve legal advocates who leave no stone unturned, and Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP can advocate for you. Reach out to us for a free consultation at (212) 986-7353. Your journey to justice starts here.
Types of Construction Work That Lead to Accidents
Construction work involves various activities, and every type of construction job has its own risks and potential for accidents. Still, certain kinds of construction work are more susceptible to accidents due to their complexity and nature. These include:
- Excavation and Trenching: This involves digging trenches and excavating, which can lead to collapses, cave-ins, and accidents involving heavy machinery.
- Heavy Equipment Operation: This deals with operating heavy machinery like cranes, bulldozers, forklifts, and excavators.
- Electrical Work: Electricians and other workers risk electrocution, electrical fires, and other electrical-related accidents.
- Welding and Cutting: Welding and cutting can lead to burns, fires, and explosions.
- Demolition: Demolishing structures can lead to unexpected collapses, flying debris, or structural instability.
- Crane and Rigging Operations: Crane accidents can result from equipment failures, improper rigging, overloading, or operator errors.
- Hazardous Materials Handling: Handling hazardous substances requires protective measures to prevent accidents and exposure.
- Road Construction: These have increased risks related to passing vehicles, heavy machinery, and changing traffic patterns.
- Scaffolding Work: Scaffolding collapses, falls, and other accidents are some risks associated with this type of construction work.
- Bricklaying: Bricklayers face risks from repetitive motion injuries, falls from scaffolding or ladders, and exposure to dust and hazardous materials like cement and mortar.
- Carpentry: Carpenters are at risk of injuries from using power tools, falls from heights, and repetitive strain injuries.
Common Construction Accident Injuries
Construction sites are known for their inherent risks due to the nature of the work and the potential for accidents. They pose a multitude of dangers to workers. For example, falls from heights, heavy equipment accidents, caught-in or caught-between incidents, electrocutions, and operating heavy machinery all pose significant risks. Workers may also slip, trip, or fall due to clutter on the ground. Welding and cutting activities may lead to burns and explosions. Falling objects and structural collapses can likewise cause head injuries, fractures, and fatalities. Trench and excavation workers are also at risk of cave-ins and soil-related accidents.
In order to avoid injuries, it is important to implement a range of safety measures, provide adequate training, use personal protective equipment, comply with safety protocols, and continuously stay alert to potential hazards.
Common construction accident injuries include:
- Electrical Injuries: Workers can encounter live wires, faulty electrical systems, and exposed circuits, which can lead to electric shocks, burns, and even fatal electrocution.
- Broken Bones: These injuries often result from falls, being struck by heavy objects, or accidents involving machinery. The impact can cause fractures in various parts of the body, including arms, legs, ribs, and even the skull. Broken bones may require extended recovery time and cause severe consequences, including loss of mobility and significant medical expenses.
- Head Injuries: These may result from falls, being hit by falling objects, or collisions with equipment. Severe head injuries may cause traumatic brain injury (TBI), which can have serious and long-lasting effects on a worker's health and cognitive function.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: These injuries often result from falls, heavy machinery accidents, or being struck by falling objects. The repercussions can be life-altering, potentially causing partial or complete paralysis. Victims may face long-term rehabilitation, loss of income, and substantial medical bills.
- Machinery-Related Injuries: These injuries include amputations, crush injuries, loss of limb, and fatalities. Causes include faulty equipment, inadequate safety protocols, and insufficient training.
- Chemical Exposure: Construction sites frequently contain hazardous materials like solvents, asbestos, and other toxic substances. Exposure can lead to severe health issues, including respiratory problems, chemical burns, and long-term illnesses such as cancer. Immediate symptoms might include skin irritation, dizziness, and difficulty breathing.
Compensation in Staten Island for Construction Injuries
If you're injured in a construction accident in Staten Island, there may be a three-year time limit to file a lawsuit under New York law. If the accident happened on government property, you may need to file a notice of claim within 90 days of the accident. More time may be available to file if you didn't know about the injury or its cause.
Importantly, you could be eligible for no-fault workers' compensation benefits, which cover medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation. However, accepting these benefits might waive your right to sue your employer for personal injury damages. A Staten Island personal injury lawyer can help you understand your rights and options.
Factors That Contribute to Construction Site Accidents
Fatigue and overwork are significant factors that contribute to construction site accidents. Long hours, physically demanding tasks, and inadequate rest can lead to exhaustion, impairing a worker's cognitive and physical abilities. Fatigue reduces alertness, slows reaction times, and increases the likelihood of errors, all of which can result in serious accidents and injuries.
It is essential for employers to create schedules that allow for sufficient rest breaks and avoid excessive overtime to help employees combat fatigue. Workers should be encouraged to take regular breaks and stay hydrated throughout their shifts in compliance with OSHA guidelines.
When employers neglect safety measures, the risk of accidents and injuries increases significantly. Unsafe working conditions include machinery that lacks guards, exposed electrical wires, inadequate fall protection, and poorly maintained equipment. It is vital for employers and site managers to address unsafe working conditions, conduct regular safety inspections, and promptly rectify any identified hazards.
Inadequate training is a critical factor contributing to accidents on construction sites. Workers who are not adequately trained may not understand how to operate machinery safely, recognize hazards, or follow essential safety protocols. To reduce this risk, employers must invest in comprehensive training covering a wide range of topics, including equipment operation, hazard recognition, emergency procedures, and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
Employers and Contractors Must Maintain a Safe Work Environment
Employers must ensure compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations and other relevant safety standards. Maintaining a safe working environment is a fundamental responsibility of employers and contractors in the construction industry. This requires establishing a comprehensive safety plan that outlines procedures for identifying and mitigating hazards.
Safety audits and inspections should be conducted frequently to identify and address potential risks promptly. Any identified issues with machinery should also be addressed immediately to prevent equipment-related accidents.
What to Do After a Construction Accident in Staten Island
Seeking immediate medical attention is the first and most critical step following a construction accident. Prompt medical evaluation ensures that injuries are properly diagnosed and treated, which can prevent complications and promote faster recovery. Even if your injuries appear minor, it's essential to get a thorough examination, as some injuries may worsen over time.
In addition to safeguarding health, obtaining medical documentation of injuries is crucial for any potential legal claims. Medical records provide evidence of the extent and impact of the injuries, which can be vital for workers seeking compensation.
It's essential for workers to inform their employer or supervisor about an on-the-job injury as soon as possible, providing details about the incident and any injuries sustained. Employers should provide clear procedures in place for accident reporting, including designated personnel to handle such reports and specific forms to be filled out.
Documenting the accident scene is another critical step to take after a construction incident. Accurate and detailed documentation can serve as crucial evidence in any subsequent investigations, insurance claims, or legal proceedings. Workers should take photographs of the accident scene from multiple angles, capturing the conditions and any equipment involved. Collecting contact information from witnesses will also make it easier for your construction site accident attorney to contact them.
Call Our Staten Island Construction Accident Lawyers for Legal Support
From laying the groundwork for your legal needs to building strong arguments for a construction accident case, the law firm of Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP offers a broad range of legal services. When you need legal advocates to dig deep into the issues of your case, trust our Staten Island construction accident attorneys to create a well-crafted, compelling case. We vigorously pursue justice and full compensation for our clients.
Schedule a free consultation today by calling (212) 986-7353.