Tunnel Worker Injuries Lawyer in New York

From subways to sewers, the tunnels beneath New York play a critical role in New York City’s infrastructure. Of course, the tunnel systems are nothing without the brave, hardworking individuals who build and maintain them. Unfortunately, working in New York’s tunnels can be a dangerous gig. Even when employees are careful, accidents can still happen and, when they do, the tunnel worker injuries lawyers of Shulman & Hill in New York are here to help.

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

Review your case with a personal injury lawyer at our New York State headquarters in Manhattan, or at one of the other offices around the city to learn more about your options.

At Shulman & Hill, you will find a team of New York personal injury attorneys who are well-versed in tunnel worker cases and who are prepared to offer the aggressive representation you may need to seek compensation.

Schedule a free case consultation online or by calling 212.221.1000.

Examples of New York Tunnel Worker Injuries

The types of injuries you may sustain if you are ever involved in an accident while working in New York’s tunnels include (but are not necessarily limited to) the following:

• Head trauma
• Burns
• Disfigurement
• Neck and Back
• Upper and Lower Extremities

These types of injuries may be immediately noticeable. However, working in New York’s tunnels can cause harm that you may not be aware of right away. As a result, it might be wise to see a doctor as soon as possible. If nothing else, this can establish a paper trail that could be helpful to you if you decide to file a claim.

The ‘Silent’ New York Tunnel Worker Injury: Silicosis

Surfaces in the tunnels beneath New York City often contain high levels of silicon. If you work in such an environment, you have a relatively good chance of inhaling it. As one might expect, doing so can be harmful to your health.

If you inhale excessive amounts of silicon, 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. Silicosis can put you at greater risk of developing other serious conditions, such as lung cancer and kidney disease.

Long-Term Consequences of New York Tunnel Worker Injuries

Your quality of life may potentially suffer if you sustain any injuries or illnesses as a result of dangerous conditions in New York’s tunnels. Your finances could also take a major hit if medical bills begin to pile up. Any injuries or illnesses you develop could require costly medical treatment. To make matters worse, these ailments could prevent you from working and earning a paycheck. If you are not earning an income, it can be difficult to pay your normal household bills as well.

You can seek compensation for your losses by filing a workers’ compensation claim. In New York, your employer should have workers’ compensation insurance for these very circumstances.

However, before filing a claim, strongly consider seeking representation from a workers’ compensation lawyer from our firm in New York. The team at Shulman & Hill can help you through every step of the legal process.

How Our Tunnel Worker Injuries Law Firm in New York Helps

Do not make the mistake of assuming your employer’s workers’ compensation insurer will be on your side when you file a claim. All insurance companies are businesses. As a result, some insurance companies tend to prioritize their earnings over your long-term well-being.

An insurer does not need 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 results of an on-the-job accident
• The accident was the result of a worker being intoxicated
• The accident happened because a worker intentionally tried to harm themselves in hopes of a payout

If an insurer denies your claim, the process does not necessarily stop there. New York’s Workers’ Compensation Board can still review your case. If they find your claim is valid, they can essentially force an insurer to pay you.

This is one of many reasons it can be wise to enlist the help of a New York tunnel worker injuries lawyer from Shulman & Hill when seeking compensation. Our experts are qualified to launch an investigation that could persuade the board to overturn the insurer’s decision.

Other ways we can help include:

Tallying Up Your Losses

If you are unfamiliar with the legal process, you may need to find out which of your losses are compensable. This way, you can have a thorough understanding of how much compensation you should ask for when filing a claim. If you need ongoing care, you can also estimate the cost of future losses.

This can be difficult if you lack the proper expertise. Luckily, this is not a task you have to handle alone. Our New York tunnel worker injuries attorneys can review your losses to calculate how much compensation you may be entitled to.

Negotiating

Even if an insurer does agree to compensate you, working with them directly can still be a challenge. Some insurance companies may try to convince you that your claim is not worth the amount of compensation you are seeking. We can optimize your chances of reaching a fair settlement by negotiating effectively on your behalf.

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 as well. This allows you to spend more time and energy focusing on your recovery.

Why Choose Shulman & Hill for your Tunnel Worker Injury Case?

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

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