New York Workers’ Comp Claims for Bricklayers and Brick Masons
It probably wouldn’t surprise anyone to hear that being a bricklayer or a brick mason is hard work. But it’s also a very hazardous job. In addition to the strenuous lifting, kneeling, and repetitive motion they endure, bricklayers and brick masons also work with dangerous machinery.
If you are a bricklayer or brick mason who has been injured on the job, contact the New York City construction accident lawyers at Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP by calling (212) 986-7353 today. Our team will review your eligibility for compensation to pay for your medical care and recoup the losses you incurred while missing work.
What Are Types of Injuries Suffered by Bricklayers and Brick Masons?
Bricklayers and brick masons are subject to sprains, strains, ligament damage, and chronic aches and pains caused by the rigors of their job. Machines that are heavy enough to cut brick and stone can also be very dangerous. The types of injuries commonly sustained by bricklayers and brick masons include:
- Broken bones
- Loss of limb
- Falls
- Electric shock and electrocution
- Toxic chemical exposure
- Head and brain injuries (TBI)
- Back, neck, and spine injuries
- Wrist, arm, and shoulder injuries
- Respiratory issues, including COPD, lung cancer, and silicosis from inhaling stone, concrete, and silica dust
What Causes Bricklayer and Brick Mason Injuries?
Most construction site injuries can be prevented when employers and supervisors follow OSHA guidelines and take the appropriate proactive safety measures. When workers have the right equipment and they have been shown how to use it safely, worksite accidents are dramatically reduced. Frequent causes of bricklayer and brick mason accidents include:
- Saws and grinders that don’t have the proper guards
- Failure to provide necessary training
- Poorly maintained equipment
- Handling excessive loads
- Wet surfaces and debris in walkways that result in slip and fall accidents
- Failure to provide fall protection equipment for employees working more than six feet above the ground
The Risk of Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was commonly used in construction for many decades. But it has been discovered that asbestos is highly toxic. Today, the use of asbestos is highly restricted but not entirely banned in the United States.
Because it was used for such a long time, asbestos can still be found in ceiling tiles, insultation, flooring, furnaces, and other building materials. Asbestos commonly enters the body through inhalation, and exposure to it can be deadly, as it has been linked to mesothelioma, asbestosis, ovarian cancer, and lung cancer.
Asbestos was a major component in bricks, concrete, and masonry cement for many years, so a lot of currently working and retired bricklayers and brick masons face the risk of exposure. It can take 35 years or longer for exposure to result in a life-threatening illness.
Talk to Our New York City Workers’ Compensation Attorneys If You've Been Injured
If you are a bricklayer or brick mason who has been injured on the job, report your injury to your supervisor immediately and seek medical care. It’s also important to attend all your scheduled medical appointments and keep records of your medical treatments.
As soon as you can, you will want to get in touch with an experienced NYC workers’ compensation lawyer. Call Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP at (212) 986-7353 today. Our attorneys will help you get a fair settlement to pay for your medical expenses and other costs related to your injury.