The development of the famous New York City skyline began in the late 1800s. This tireless and never-ending work is all done at the hands of construction workers. Still continuing today, construction workers never stop improving and adding to the buildings, roads, and sidewalks throughout New York. The job often puts these workers in hazardous conditions. They frequently handle risky tools and put themselves potentially dangerous situations. Because of this, construction workers can sometimes become injured on the job. If this happens, workers are able to receive certain benefits under workers’ compensation laws. It is important to contact an attorney if you have been injured while working in a construction incident.
Types of Accidents
Construction jobs are considered to be one of the most dangerous jobs in the country. Workers are exposed to dangerous conditions while they are on the job. These conditions have the potential to seriously injure someone if something goes wrong. Construction workers trust the equipment they are given to use is safe and will not hurt them. Most construction companies go through the right preventative measures to ensure the safety of their employees. Even still, sometimes mistakes are made or tools malfunction. Some common accidents that can happen on the job include:
- Dangerous falls
- Nail gun accidents
- Ladder accidents
- Scaffolding accidents
- Falling debris
- Electrocutions
- Explosions
- Collapsing buildings
- Unsafe property conditions
- Supervisor negligence
Workers’ Compensation
Construction workers who are injured on the job are able to receive financial compensation for their injuries. Workers’ compensation is insurance that many employers are required to have for their employees in the event of injuries on construction sites. It is compensation to cover medical bills and lost wages that occur due to the accident. If a construction worker wants to receive workers’ compensation, they must give their employer notice within 30 days of when the accident happened. The employee also has 2 years from the date of the accident to file a workers’ compensation claim. If they fail to do so within this time limit, they may lose the chance to collect the benefits. It is important to know that if a construction worker accepts these benefits, they are not able to pursue legal action against their employer for the accident.
Third Party Lawsuits
Even though a construction worker cannot take legal action against their employer if they receive workers’ compensation, it is possible for them to do so against a third party. If another party is responsible for an injury, the individual may be able to hold them responsible while receiving workers’ compensation. If this is the case, the employee must prove the party knew about, or should have known about, the hazardous condition that caused their injury. This requires the employee to gather evidence that proves so.
Contact our Firm
If you or a loved one has been injured in a construction accident and wishes to seek legal counsel, contact the Law Offices of George Poulos today.
The Law Offices of George Poulos is an experienced Workers’ Compensation, personal injury, and Social Security Disability law firm with offices in Queens and the Bronx. If you require strong legal representation, contact our firm today to schedule a free consultation.
