Were You Hurt In A New York Construction Accident?
By its very nature, jobs in the construction industry possess inherent dangers and account for a significant number of work-related accidents. The risks professionals face can lead to severe and catastrophic injuries. At Silverman, Silverman & Seligman, P.C., we focus our legal practice solely on representing injured workers in construction and various other industries.
Serious and sometimes fatal trauma occurs when a worker is involved in a forklift or truck accident or falls from a ladder or scaffold. While not as traumatic, lifting objects or tripping on debris can result in injuries that can interrupt or end a career in the construction industry.
Work Site Injury Lawyers Representing Construction Professionals
While you focus on recovery, we will handle all aspects of your case and remain at your side during the most difficult time of your life. At Silverman, Silverman & Seligman, P.C., we answer your questions and simplify a highly complex process. The challenges we face on your behalf involve multiple contractors and subcontractors on a construction site and the exact people they employ.
Workers’ compensation insurance protects employers from lawsuits when an employee is hurt while on the job. Simply stated, injured claimants cannot sue employers or fellow employees. However, third parties can be liable when their negligence causes an accident on a construction site. Workers’ compensation only covers medical bills and a percentage of lost income. A third-party claim can be filed for the same injuries. In those lawsuits, pain and suffering, scarring and changes in lifestyle are compensable.
If a work accident led to a permanent, disabling injury, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits. Regardless of the claim or claims we file on your behalf, our goal is to fight for the best outcome and maximize your compensation.
Common Construction Accidents
Many construction accidents occur because safety rules were ignored or proper equipment was not provided:
- Falls from ladders or scaffolds: Even short falls can cause lasting injuries that prevent a worker from returning to the job.
- Struck by falling objects: Tools or materials dropped from above often cause head, neck or shoulder injuries.
- Machinery and equipment accidents: Forklifts, hoists and trucks can cause crushing injuries or broken bones.
- Trips on debris or uneven surfaces: Poor tidiness on a job site often leads to
Our lawyers focus on getting you the benefits you deserve by identifying the at-fault party and holding them accountable for their negligence.
What Is New York’s Scaffold Law (Labor Law 240)?
New York Labor Law 240 protects construction workers who are injured in elevation-related accidents. When a worker falls or is struck by a falling object because proper safety devices were not provided, the owner or contractor can be held fully responsible.
This law applies to ladders, scaffolds, hoists and stays used on construction projects. If the required protection was missing or failed, liability may be clear under the law.
Unlike a standard workers’ compensation claim, a Scaffold Law case allows an injured worker to bring a lawsuit against responsible parties. This may provide recovery for pain and suffering and other losses not covered by workers’ compensation benefits.
We review these cases carefully and work toward a fair resolution as quickly as possible.
What Steps Should You Take Immediately After A Construction Accident?
Taking the right steps quickly can protect your health and your ability to settle your claim effectively. Here’s what you should do:
- Report the accident right away: Notify a supervisor and make sure the incident is recorded in writing if possible.
- Get medical care promptly: Medical records provide important proof of how the injury happened and how serious it is.
- Collect witness information: Names and phone numbers from other workers can help confirm what occurred.
- Photograph the accident scene: Pictures taken before conditions change may show what caused the injury.
- Consult an attorney: Speak with legal defenders before giving statements to insurance carriers to help ensure your rights are protected.
Handling these steps alone can be difficult, but we handle every detail so you can focus on getting better. Our goal is to resolve your case efficiently, dealing directly with insurance carriers so you can receive your money without unnecessary delays.
How To Contact Us
If you have experienced a work-related injury, you can talk with one of our experienced Schenectady construction accident attorneys. Call 518-631-4521 or contact us online for a free initial consultation with a New York work injury compensation attorney.