Construction Accidents

New York leads the nation with over 250,000 construction workers. Because of the hazardous nature of this profession, working in the construction industry requires a hyper-awareness of all things happening on and around a job site to ensure the safety of themselves and those around them when handling dangerous materials and equipment.
Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for construction workers to be involved in an accident and become badly injured at a construction site. Workers are exposed to dangerous machinery, high elevations and other hazards that can lead to devastating injuries or even fatal construction accidents in NYC.

What to do if you face a construction site accident?

In these situations, it’s important to seek legal assistance from a New York construction accident law firm like KDLM and work with an experienced construction accident lawyer that knows how to help victims and their families receive the compensation they deserve and holds responsible parties accountable. With the assistance of lawyers for construction site accident claims, victims can navigate the legal process, understand their rights, and work toward a fair settlement.

Who to contact if you face a construction site accident?

First, it’s important to notify your human resources department so the incident can be documented as soon as possible. Human resources will direct you to steps for getting medical treatment and assist in the process of setting up worker’s compensation so you may continue to provide for your family while recovering from injuries. New York law states that injured employees are entitled to worker’s compensation coverage so it’s best to set this up with your employer as soon as possible.
Next, contact a construction accident law firm in New York like KDLM to help you understand your options for collecting damages related to your injuries. Under New York law, if your employer holds liability in construction accidents endured by you or someone you love, you are entitled to damages.

The Importance of Safety Training for Construction Workers

The Occupational Safety and Health Agency, better known as OSHA, is a federal agency in the United States Department of Labor. OSHA is responsible for ensuring safe and healthful working conditions by setting and enforcing standards, performing regular inspections of job sites, and providing resources and training pertaining to workers’ safety at construction sites.
The following were the top 10 most frequently cited violations by Federal OSHA in the fiscal year 2021 (October 1, 2020, through September 30, 2021):

1. Fall Protection, construction (29 CFR 1926.501)
2. Respiratory Protection, general industry (29 CFR 1910.134)
3. Ladders, construction (29 CFR 1926.1053)
4. Hazard Communication, general industry (29 CFR 1910.1200)
5. Scaffolding, construction (29 CFR 1926.451)
6. Fall Protection Training, construction (29 CFR 1926.503)
7. Control of Hazardous Energy (lockout/tagout), general industry (29 CFR 1910.147)
8. Eye and Face Protection, construction (29 CFR 1926.102)
9. Powered Industrial Trucks, general industry (29 CFR 1910.178)
10. Machinery and Machine Guarding, general industry (29 CFR 1910.212)

Source: https://www.osha.gov/data/commonstats

As indicated by the list, most of these violations occur in the construction industry. This further emphasizes the risks associated with this industry, why this job is inherently dangerous, and how lawmakers are addressing these risks.
When a construction site accident occurs, it’s important for workers and their families to seek legal representation from a construction accident lawyer to help them understand their legal options and pursue compensation for their injuries. By taking legal action, injured workers can hold negligent parties accountable and help prevent similar accidents from occurring in the future.

Accident Prevention and Workplace Safety

Now that we understand construction work is inherently hazardous and poses a variety of risks to workers, let’s explore the various hazards they encounter. These hazards include falls from heights, being struck by falling objects, getting caught in heavy machinery, and exposure to toxic materials. To mitigate risks, employers are required to comply with OSHA regulations and implement appropriate safety protocols on construction sites. However, even with proper safety measures in place, accidents can still happen. 

Construction risk management is of utmost importance in ensuring the safety of workers and preventing serious injuries or fatalities. One critical aspect of construction industry safety is the safe use of cranes and scaffolding. These two pieces of equipment are commonly used in construction and are involved in many construction hazards. 

• Scaffolding safety in construction requires proper installation and inspection to ensure stability and strength to prevent falls. Fall prevention in construction is another essential component of construction site safety. Falls from heights are one of the most common causes of construction injuries. To prevent falls, workers should be provided with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and fall protection systems, such as guardrails or safety nets. Employers are also obligated to implement proper training programs and ensure that workers are aware of the risks associated with working at heights and securing scaffolds.
• Crane safety in construction involves ensuring proper training, maintenance, and operation of the crane equipment to ensure that it functions correctly and safely. Employers should also provide workers with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as hard hats, safety glasses, work gloves and hard-toe boots.

If you were injured in a workplace accident involving a fall or equipment failure, a construction accident lawyer can help ensure that proper safety protocols were followed and take legal action if necessary.

At KDLM, we understand the importance of construction risk management, and we work to ensure that our clients’ employers are taking all necessary precautions to keep them safe.

Types of Personal Injury Claims in Construction Accidents

Some of the most common types of injuries that construction workers may endure include:

• Head and brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Broken bones, burns
• Cuts and lacerations
• Loss of limbs
• Loss of life

These injuries can occur as a result of falls, being struck by falling objects, being caught in or between objects, or accidents involving construction equipment and machinery. Unfortunately, fatal construction site accidents are just as common as the other types of injuries.

No matter how minor or severe an injury, in the aftermath of a construction accident, it’s essential for injured workers, and families dealing with construction fatalities, to seek the assistance of a New York City construction attorney for personal injury claims related to their NYC construction accident.

Legal Assistance for Construction Accidents

In summary, construction workers who have been injured on the job in New York are entitled to legal assistance to help them recover the compensation they deserve. Attorneys for construction accident cases can provide valuable guidance and support throughout the legal process, ensuring that workers’ rights are protected. KDLM is a top construction accident law firm in New York that has a proven track record of success in helping injured construction workers recover damages. Our experienced attorneys are well-versed in the intricacies of construction accident law, including laws governing construction insurance coverage, and work tirelessly to ensure that our clients receive the maximum compensation possible for their injuries. If you’re looking for the best construction accident lawyers in New York City, look no further than KDLM. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you recover the compensation you deserve.