It is no surprise that the construction industry is dangerous. When you are working around heavy equipment and large, dense materials, any mistake or accident could result in injury or even possibly fatalities. If you have been injured while working for a construction company, you want the best lawyers to help you get the compensation you possibly deserve.
Common Construction Injuries
Construction sites are hazardous. The work is physically demanding and involves large, heavy machinery, and the work is usually done in dangerous places. Whether you are working along the side of the road, or up in the air on the frame of a building, there are so many safety precautions that must be taken to ensure safe work practices.
Several different types of injuries are typically associated with construction site workplace accidents. Some of these include falling from great heights, collapsed scaffolding, falling ladder, electric shock, injuries resulting from the misuse of protective gear, and repetitive stress injuries.
A fall could result from working on a tall building or navigating scaffolding, as well as falling from machinery. Collapsed scaffolding is particularly dangerous since it combines the fall itself with the hazard of falling material as well.
Electric shock and electrical burns are possible when working with power tools, welding, wiring electric, and anything else dealing with large amounts of power.
The misuse of protective gear could either mean that the appropriate safety gear was not provided to you, or that you chose not to wear or use the gear properly. The difference is important to your case.
A repetitive stress injury is an injury that occurs when too much stress is placed on the body, which can cause muscle strain, tissue damage, and painful inflammation. This type of stress presents itself after repeating the same, often awkward, movements over and over for a period of time.
The Importance of Proper Safety Measures
The importance of safety practices in the workplace cannot be overstated. Workplace safety guidelines are just as important as how the construction project runs or is built. Every employer has guidelines from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration that help make sure that employees are safe while working and helps to prevent accidents from happening.
Lack of proper safety training and supervision by an experienced construction worker can end up causing deadly mistakes on a project. Proper safety measures and precautions must be taken in order to make sure that everyone is being as safe as possible and operating in a way that minimizes the risk of injury.
In addition to supervision and training, the correct and appropriate safety equipment needs to be provided to the construction workers so that they can complete the job safely.
If supervisors or workers do not take safety precautions seriously, it can result in the death or injury of a worker.
What To Do If You Are Injured In a Construction Accident
If you are injured in a construction accident at work, you need to make sure you seek medical attention immediately to avoid injuring yourself further. Also, as soon as the injury happens or as soon as you notice symptoms associated with a workplace injury, you must notify your employer.
In addition to letting your employer know about symptoms and workplace injuries, you want to make sure you follow any processes for workers’ compensation claims. These vary by state. Some states require that you complete the process in order to receive medical attention, and you want to make sure you follow all the steps so you can potentially receive the maximum workers’ compensation benefits.
When you see your doctor, be sure to provide them with information about the accident that is as detailed as possible. It is important to know how the injury happened, who you were with, and what type of machinery you were using, or what task you were completing at the time of the accident.
This will help your doctor give you the best treatment possible. Sometimes a doctor will place restrictions on what you can do at work, or place limits on how much time you can spend doing particular tasks that may cause further injury if you continue about your normal schedule. Be sure to take your doctor’s orders seriously to ensure you heal properly.
Legal Options
If you are injured in a construction accident in New York, there are a couple of legal options that you have. Workers’ compensation is an option, as well as the possibility of social security disability compensation in the event that the injury leaves you or a loved one temporarily or permanently disabled due to the accident.
Workers’ compensation benefits operate on a “no-fault” system, so you do not need to prove that the employer was at fault or negligent and that led to the accident.
Social security disability is a possibility when you or a loved one is injured in a manner that is temporarily or permanently disabling. The laws in regard to social security benefits and workers’ compensation benefits can be complex and difficult to navigate alone. Having legal representation to help you through the process is your best bet to get the best representation and compensation package possible.
Why Choose Shulman & Hill?
Shulman & Hill is the premier workers’ compensation law firm in the state of New York. We know that each case is unique and that you’re looking for an experienced attorney to help during this difficult time in your life. Construction accidents can be devastating. Our knowledgeable and experienced attorneys truly care about you and your family and we will work hard to offer you expert legal advice during your entire workers’ compensation claim process.
When you choose us, you are truly choosing experts who will take the time to make sure you get the compensation you may deserve after your work-related construction accident. Contact us online for a case evaluation today. We will look into your case in-depth and can answer any questions you may have.