Manhattan Construction Accidents

The construction business is one of the largest and most dangerous industries in the United States. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has witnessed a decrease in injured workers in the majority of professions in the past 20 years. However, construction workers were not part of this decline. Inadequate safety equipment coupled with dangerous working conditions are among the top causes for construction accidents that frequently cause severe personal injury and wrongful death.

There are various types of construction accidents, each being potentially hazardous.

• Falls – are the leading cause of death in the construction industry. A failure to provide fall arrest systems, safety harnesses, scaffolds, netting, and other safety devices typically result in serious injury, or even death.
• Injuries caused by falling objects – are a constant risk on a construction site. Workers face the constant chance of being struck by improperly hoisted or secured objects.
• Excavation and trenching – Cave-ins often leave workers buried beneath tons of collapsing dirt. Other hazards present during job site excavations are:
• Inhalation of toxic fumes
• Asphyxiation
• Electrocution or explosions when underground utility lines are hit
• Electrocution – occurs commonly when employees are asked to work “live,” or when circuits are not tagged nor locked out. Electricity is a constant concern to most construction workers.

New York State law, as a general rule, prohibits employees from suing employers for injuries that resulted from construction accidents. However, many accidents are caused by parties other than the employer, and in such situations you may bring legal action against that person or entity.

Nearly two-thirds of people injured on the job are unaware that they can often collect workers’ compensation benefits and still due other parties.

Responsible parties may include:

• The general or prime contractor
• The owner of the structure or building
• The project or construction manager
• Equipment manufacturers
• Other contractors and subcontractors

If you have been injured on a construction site, you may be entitled to significant compensation. The dedicated Manhattan construction accident lawyers of the Schwartzapfel Partners can help. We will strive to protect your legal rights and obtain the money you deserve.

Call us at (877) 625-4422 or fill out our online contact form.

These Hubs are provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Professional legal counsel should be sought for specific advice relevant to your circumstances.