Construction Site Hazards in New York
Construction is an important and dangerous industry. We count on construction to build and renovate our buildings and infrastructure. It is through construction projects that we are able to enjoy all of the buildings, roadways and amenities that we are accustomed to in New York City.
Yet, the job of a construction worker is dangerous, particularly when safety protocols are not followed and safety regulations are not met. Construction workers make up about 6 percent of the United States workforce and about 20 percent of American workplace fatalities. Therefore, it is important to consider the specific hazards present on a construction site and the legal responsibility of employers and construction site operators to help mitigate these dangers.
If you've been injured in a New York City construction accident, you may have a legal claim for your damages -- and the NY construction accident attorneys of David Resnick & Associates can help. We handle construction injury claims in New York City, including the five boroughs of Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island and the Bronx. Contact us at (212) 279-2000 or contact us online for a free, no-obligation case consultation.
The most common construction site hazards include:
- Falls from heights;
- Motor vehicle crashes;
- Electrocution;
- Machine malfunctions;
- Being struck by falling objects;
- Noise that leads to hearing loss;
- Exposure to asbestos, harmful chemicals or gases;
- Trench collapses;
- Fires and explosions; and
- Crane and forklift accidents
While construction site operators cannot eliminate all of the above hazards, they do have a duty to act as reasonably prudent construction operators would act given the situation. That means that construction site operators must comply with all applicable safety regulations and take common sense safety precautions. For example, motor vehicles should not be operating in a tight space without appropriate warning devices, such as a beeping sound when in reverse or a person directing traffic. As another example, hard hats and reflective vests should be worn at all times required by regulation or common sense. A construction site operator may be legally responsible for the personal injuries caused by a falling object that causes a head injury if a person was not wearing a hard hat on a construction site, or by a motor vehicle if appropriate precautions were not taken.
In most cases, workers can collect workers' compensation benefits when they are injured on the job. In other cases, workers who are hurt in a construction accident may be able to sue the owner, its agents and contractors for the personal injuries sustained in the accident. The damages that can be recovered may allow for a greater recovery than what is provided for under workers' compensation laws.
The experienced NY construction accident attorneys of David Resnick & Associates P.C. can help you determine if you have a legal claim and who the proper defendant(s) may be in your case. You may be entitled to legal damages in addition to your workers' compensation benefits, so do not hesitate to contact us today for a free consultation at (212) 279-2000 or contact us online.
Potential damages in a construction site accident case include medical bills, lost income, loss of benefits, pain and suffering and other types of damages. Our New York injury lawyers have helped many construction accident victims throughout New York City, including the boroughs of Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island and the Bronx, recover these kinds of damages and we look forward to speaking with you about your case.
