How NY Construction Workers Get Hurt on the Job

On May 17, 2018 by No Comments

The construction industry is a dangerous one in which to work, and many construction workers are injured every year in New York. In this post, we’ll detail the most common reasons for a construction job injury and tell you what to do if your workers’ compensation coverage isn’t satisfactory.

Common Reasons for Construction Site Injuries

One out of every 10 construction workers is injured each year. Why?

Falls. The number one reason for construction injuries. Falls from roofs, scaffolding, and ladders are common and as a result cause many significant injuries and even deaths. Falling on stairwells or escalators is also a frequent reason for injury.

Getting struck by an object. Another common reason for injury, with over 26,000 yearly cases. Tools and building materials could fall onto you if they are not properly secured.

Electrocution. Sometimes the misuse of electricity can start a fire, which is another reason injuries occur on construction sites.

Trapped. Getting trapped inside objects or in between objects is a common reason for accidents. For example, a large truck may back up without seeing you, which crushes you against a wall.

Building materials. Metal materials, pipes, tubing, and lumber are top reasons for injury. If you hit them or they hit you in the wrong way, it can result in injury or death.

Nails and screws. Hand tools, whether powered or nonpowered, contributed to nearly 10,000 total cases. One of the biggest reasons? Because they often utilized nails, screws, or other objects that can cut, dig, strike, and bore holes, causing significant injury.

Overexertion. Accidents often happen due to twisting, climbing, reaching, and walking in and around construction sites. Overexertion, or lifting something too heavy, often causes back injuries.

Slip and falls. Another common reason for injury is slick or uneven surfaces, which cause slip and fall accidents. Slip and fall accidents are more likely to occur on the job than in any other location.

Large machinery. Construction site machinery, such as forklifts, excavators, or cranes, can contribute to injuries. If a machine fails to operate properly, or the driver of the machine does not see you, injury may result.

Elements. Heat exhaustion or frostbite can affect construction workers who are constantly exposed to the elements. Often, these conditions often cause a variety of symptoms which can be life-threatening.

Other medical problems. Long-term work on construction sites can cause all kinds of problems. Repetitive motion injuries, respiratory problems, and elevated lead levels can result from specific construction environments.

Common Injuries on New York Construction Sites

Depending on the accident, you may have sustained any of the following injuries from a working on construction site:

• Broken bones
• Burns
• Cuts
• Eye injuries
• Hearing loss
• Loss of a limb, toe or finger
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Puncture wounds
• Spinal cord injuries
• Sprains or strains
• Traumatic brain injuries

If you are injured on a work site, then it’s important to seek medical treatment right away. Even if you don’t feel the effects right away, such as from a muscle strain, you could endure weeks, months, or even years of pain that can negatively impact your ability to work. Consistently, a medical report is the best piece of evidence in a construction injury case.

Filing a Construction Injury Lawsuit in New York

Your right to compensation will most likely be protected under workers compensation laws. However, you may not be awarded the full amount that you deserve. A skilled New York workers’ compensation and personal injury attorney can help.

Of course, other factors may be present that could allow you to seek more compensation. For example, if you were injured by a nail gun that misfired, you may be able to sue the manufacturer for product liability due to a defective product. You also may be able to sue your employer on charges of negligence if you were not properly trained or protected from harm.

A skilled New York personal injury lawyer will be able look at all the details of your case to determine which party or parties may be held accountable for your injuries. He or she will also be able to assess the potential compensation you may receive, including damages for lost income and pain and suffering.

It’s in your best interest to schedule a free consultation as soon as possible. You may need additional legal help to get your employer to pay what is due to you. You should not be forced to bear the financial burdens yourself if someone else is at fault.

Call a New York personal injury attorney who understands how the state laws apply in your situation. You may be awarded a significant compensation with an attorney’s assistance. (800) 762-9300.