Content reviewed by:
Alex Shulman
Heavy machinery is a must on most construction job sites. They allow us to move hefty pieces of material, which is required to renovate and create new structures in the city. Unfortunately, heavy machinery poses a significant risk to the workers who operate them and others who work on the site.
On top of the numerous dangers at a construction site, operating heavy machinery can pose serious injury, if not death, to the workers. This is especially true if the machinery was manufactured or handled incorrectly.
Thanks to New York laws, if you or a loved one has been injured by heavy machinery, you may have a case to fight for compensation. If you are one of these people, you will need a personal injury attorney to fight on your behalf and help maximize your compensation.
Shulman & Hill is a reputable personal injury and workers’ compensation law firm in New York City. Our experienced attorneys offer compassionate yet ruthless assistance on your behalf to help you get the compensation you deserve. Fight for your rights with Shulman & Hill on your side.
Associated Dangers for New York City Workers
Though most people do not realize it, construction workers put their lives on the line every day to renovate and create the city we live in. Despite their need in our society, too many construction workers are placed in dangerous and fatal situations. Often, these incidents would have been avoided had proper safety precautions been followed.
Even when cases are not fatal, many dangers associated with construction sites leave the workers permanently disabled, unable to support themselves, their families, or the economy. This sort of injury poses a major strain on individuals and their income.
Common Machinery Accidents in New York City
Construction sites are dangerous enough without working heavy machinery. Heavy machinery only makes the sites that much more dangerous, especially for the machinery workers. Below are the most common accidents associated with heavy equipment and machinery:
- Collisions
- Falling objects
- Machine entanglement
- Repetitive motion complications
- Vehicle accidents
These accidents can cause broken bones, severe brain trauma, spinal injuries, and even death.
Who Can Be Held Accountable?
If a worker is injured due to an injury that was solely their own fault, then they may be responsible for their own injuries. On the other hand, too many heavy equipment injuries are due to some sort of negligence or violations of New York construction laws or regulations.
Many accidents occur because a contractor or property owner failed to follow necessary safety protocols and the laws of New York. On the other hand, accidents may also happen because the machine was not designed correctly and was a defective product. Either way, the person who is responsible for the issue, such as a safety protocol breach, is held financially responsible for your injuries.
Do I Have a Case?
If you have been injured by machinery due to a construction site accident in New York City, you may be wondering whether or not you have a case. Even if you are unsure, you should consult with an experienced lawyer who can help you navigate this sticky terrain.
When meeting with a lawyer, the first thing they will do is determine whether your injury could have been prevented by using standard safety equipment. More often than not, any cases in which the injury could have been preventable showcase negligence. If they find that your injury could have been prevented, you likely have a case.
From there, your lawyer builds a case around your injuries and medical expenses. One of the most important facts of the case is who exactly is responsible for the injury. The case will need to prove that that person is in fact responsible and deserves to be held liable for the injury.
New York Workers’ Compensation
If you were injured on-site, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation. Before immediately filing a claim, it may be best to talk to an attorney. For many people, workers’ compensation does not cover all of the expenses relating to their injury.
In New York, workers’ compensation covers medical benefits, such as the following:
- Certain medical goods
- Chiropractic treatment
- Dental services
- Hospitalization
- Lab work
- Medical services
- Physical therapy
- Prescription drugs
- X-rays
If a machinery accident resulted in death, the worker’s surviving spouse and children can receive both death and survivor benefits. These benefits do not fill the void left by their loved one’s passing, but they can help the family maintain financial security.
An experienced attorney can help you navigate the process of filing a workers’ comp or death claim after a heavy machinery accident.
How a New York Machinery Accidents Law Firm Can Help You
Machinery injuries should never be taken lightly. In some of the best-case scenarios, you can be left with a debilitating injury that prevents you from working in the future. This is an unfortunate reality for many machinery workers.
If you have been injured from heavy machinery, contact Shulman & Hill right away. Our experienced machinery accident attorneys will help determine whether workers’ compensation or a personal injury lawsuit is best for you. From there, we will create a case that targets the negligent party and helps maximize your compensation.
Having an attorney by your side who is knowledgeable about the law is often the only way to ensure your rights are respected and your injury and vulnerability are not taken advantage of. Let Shulman & Hill represent your case to pursue the compensation you may be entitled to.
