Bronx Tunnel Worker Injuries Lawyer

From subways to sewers, the tunnels beneath the Bronx play a critical role in New York City’s infrastructure. They are only made possible by the essential workers hired to keep this city running. Unfortunately, working in one of the many tunnels in the Bronx can be a dangerous job.

Have you or a loved one been injured in the Bronx while working in the tunnels beneath our city? If so, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.

Review your case with a Bronx tunnel worker injury lawyer to learn more about your legal options during a free consultation. At Shulman & Hill, you will find a team of workers’ compensation and personal injury attorneys prepared to offer the aggressive representation you may need to receive compensation.

Hazards Bronx Tunnel Workers May Face

The types of hazards you or a loved one may come across as a Bronx tunnel worker include:

• Burns or electrocution from coming into contact with electrical lines
• Slips or falls from construction equipment or into exposed shafts
• Being struck by falling tools and equipment
• Fires and explosions
• Suffocation caused by harmful gas
• Leaks and floods
• Injuries stemming from poor visibility
• Tunnel wall, ceiling, or floor collapse

Common Bronx Tunnel Injuries

The types of injuries tunnel workers may suffer from range in severity. They may include:

• Traumatic brain injury
• Broken bones
• Head and neck injuries
• Sprains and strains
• Amputated limbs
• Burns
• Respiratory illnesses
• Death

The ‘Silent’ Bronx Tunnel Worker Injury: Silicosis

Tunnels beneath New York City often contain high levels of crystalline silica dust. If you work in such an environment, you have a relatively high chance of inhaling dangerous amounts of silica dust.

If you inhale excessive amounts of silica, over time, you may develop a condition known as silicosis. Early symptoms of this condition may include:

• A persistent cough
• Phlegm
• Difficulty breathing

As the illness progresses, other symptoms you may experience include:

• Worsening breathing problems
• Fatigue
• Unexplained weight loss
• Sudden fever
• Chest pain
• Blue lips
• Shortness of breath
• Swollen legs

See a doctor right away if you notice any of these symptoms. It is important to seek treatment as soon as possible as silicosis can put you at greater risk of developing other serious conditions, such as lung cancer and kidney disease.

Tunnel Safety Best Practices to Follow

To help prevent injuries and accidents from occurring, some safety measures should be followed when working in tunnels throughout the Bronx:

• Air Monitoring and Ventilation: Installing real-time air quality systems in tunnels will let workers know exactly when air quality is low.
• Proper Lighting: Adequate lighting can reduce the risk of injury by ensuring workers can see all obstacles. Workers should be provided with headlamps.
• Fire prevention: Flammable gas sensors can be used to check for dangerous levels of combustible gases. Workers should also have ways to easily exit a tunnel if there is a fire.
• Check-in/out policies: Tunnel worksites should have procedures for taking count of who is working in the tunnels so that no one gets left behind.
• Emergency procedures: Workers should be trained on what to do in case of an emergency, such as a fire, collapse, or machine failure.

Seeking Compensation for Tunnel Worker Injuries

In New York, most employers are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. If you are injured while working in a tunnel, you can likely seek compensation for your losses by filing a workers’ compensation claim.

You may be able to pursue additional compensation by filing a personal injury lawsuit if your accident was due to negligence by a third party such as a property owner or contractor. Examples of negligence include the third party failing to maintain equipment or not providing workers with proper safety equipment.

At Shulman & Hill, we know how to build the strongest case for your claim in order to help you recover fair compensation.

How Our Law Firm in the Bronx Can Help You

Do not make the mistake of assuming your employer’s workers’ compensation insurer will be on your side when you file a claim. As is the case with any business, insurers often prioritize their own financial interests.

An insurer may not be inclined to pay a claimant if there are ways to avoid doing so. The following are common arguments insurers use to suggest that an injured victim is not entitled to workers’ compensation benefits:

• The accident that caused a worker’s injuries was not genuinely work-related.
• There is no proof that a worker’s injuries or illness were the result of an on-the-job accident.
• The accident happened because a worker intentionally tried to harm themselves.

These are some of the many reasons it is wise to enlist the help of a Bronx tunnel worker injuries lawyer when seeking compensation.

Handling Administrative Tasks

From filing paperwork to corresponding with insurance adjusters, attorneys at Shulman & Hill can handle all major tasks in the claims process for you. This allows you to spend more time and energy focusing on your recovery.

Negotiating With Insurers

Even if an insurer does agree to compensate you, they may try to convince you that your claim is worth less than what you may be seeking. Our Bronx tunnel worker injury attorneys can help optimize your chances of reaching a fair settlement by negotiating with the insurance company on your behalf.

Why Choose Shulman & Hill?

At Shulman & Hill, you will find a team of Bronx tunnel worker injury lawyers with a proven track record of success. We employ an aggressive yet meticulous approach that has allowed us to secure hundreds of millions of dollars in compensation for our injured clients over the years.

To learn more about what we can do for you, schedule a free consultation today.