Manhattan Construction Accidents Lawyer

Working in the construction industry can be extremely dangerous. A career in this field requires continued safety training to stay up-to-date about the latest procedures and best practices. Unfortunately, some construction companies, property owners, and contractors get complacent with enforcing safety procedures in the interest of saving time or money. Other times, safety guidelines are outdated, ineffective, or not even existent. Either way, mistakes may create ample opportunity for accidents.

If you have been injured in a Manhattan construction accident, you could be eligible for compensation. Our Manhattan construction accidents law firm can help you file a claim for compensation for the injuries you may have incurred on the job. Contact Shulman & Hill to schedule a free legal consultation.

Types of Construction Accidents in Manhattan

According to construction incident summaries posted by the city of New York, New York City has a high rate of construction accidents. Manhattan accounts for a high percentage of these numbers. In 2019, there were 483 total construction accidents throughout New York City. There were 507 injuries as a result of those accidents and 10 fatalities. In the same year in Manhattan, there were 263 accidents, 277 injuries, and 6 fatalities.

The majority of those accidents were due to:

• Excavation/soil work
• Material failure
• Mechanical construction equipment
• Scaffold/shoring installations
• Worker falls

Fall Hazards

Many construction jobs require workers to operate from dangerous heights. Working from roofs, tall ladders, and scaffolding can pose a great deal of risk. Safety procedures should be followed when completing work from these heights. Workers should also receive proper safety equipment, which may include protective headwear, harnesses, and safety railings. Falls may also occur if equipment is not inspected regularly or repaired.

Falls from Roofs

When repairing a roof, many things could go wrong. If a worker does not have sufficient safety equipment, they may fall. Structural failures can also cause falls and other injuries.

Crane Failures

Many construction accidents, injuries, and even fatalities have been caused by these huge pieces of equipment. Crane failures can injure the operator, other workers, and bystanders walking nearby. These heavy pieces of machinery should undergo regular, thorough inspections.

Overall Dangerous Conditions

All worksites should be looked over daily and cleared of any dangerous hazards and debris. Slip and falls, electrocution accidents, and machinery-related accidents are all common types of construction accidents.

Injuries Caused by Manhattan Construction Accidents

Since there is such a wide range of construction projects and types of equipment used, there are countless injuries that can happen on the job. Common injuries include:

• Neck and back injuries
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Spinal cord injury
• Broken/fractured bones
• Strains or sprains
• Repetitive stress injuries
• Hearing or vision loss
• Chemical exposure injuries
• Internal bleeding

Who May Be Liable for Your Manhattan Construction Accident?

Many construction workers know that their jobs can be dangerous. But that does not mean that they should live with the consequences of an accident without recompense. New York State has laws specifically designed to protect construction workers. General contractors, subcontractors, and property owners are also required to follow these laws and create a reasonably safe working environment for all.

If a third party other than your employer contributed to your accident, such as a contractor or property owner, you may be able to hold them financially accountable for your injuries.

Examples of negligence include:

• Failure to provide adequate safety equipment
• Failure to maintain safe work premises
• Failure to communicate safety procedures or warnings
• Failure to regularly inspect and maintain equipment
• Improperly installed scaffolding

New York Scaffolding Law

Many construction jobs rely on scaffolding to reach higher levels. When it is not properly installed or workers are not provided with the right equipment, accidents can occur.

The Scaffolding Law requires that workers receive adequate protection from falls. If any construction worker is injured due to a “gravity-related fall” while working without proper safety equipment, the property owner or general contractor may be held responsible.

Pursuing Compensation After a Manhattan Construction Accident

New Yorkers are not allowed to sue their employers for an injury that happens on the job. Workers’ compensation benefits exist to protect employers and offer assistance for injured employees. These benefits may help cover medical expenses and time off from work while you recover.

If a third party’s negligence caused your accident, you may be able to receive additional compensation by filing a lawsuit. This may result in compensation for losses not covered by workers’ compensation, including pain and suffering.

If your loved one suffered a fatal accident on a construction site, you also have legal options. You may be able to file a workers’ compensation claim for survivor benefits and/or file a wrongful death lawsuit.

In a wrongful death lawsuit, you will need to prove that the death was caused by a third party’s wrongful actions and that you have suffered losses as a result. Surviving family members may be able to recover compensation for funeral expenses, loss of support, remaining medical bills, and more.

Why Shulman & Hill?

Hiring an experienced Manhattan construction accident lawyer can make a significant difference in your recovery after a construction-related injury. Our attorneys know the construction and workers’ compensation laws inside and out. This allows them to look at each individual case and determine the best possible route to securing compensation.

If you or a loved one were recently injured in a construction accident, call Shulman & Hill at 212.221.1000. You can also schedule a free consultation online.