It is commonly known that the construction business is one of the most dangerous industries to work in. In NYC, nine workers sustained fatal injuries, and 505 were injured on construction sites in 2021. A lack of property safety protocols is usually to blame for this high rate. Moreover, a lack of oversight contributes to bad actors staying in the market for a long time.
The Responsible Parties for Safety in a Construction Site
The construction management team is in charge of providing a safe working environment for the employees. The New York City Department of Buildings has specific rules about this. Someone should inspect a construction site and ensure workers aren’t exposed to anything harmful. When injured because someone didn’t play their part, it’s only right to file a claim to pursue compensation. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, hire a Long Island construction site accident attorney to help you legally investigate the matter.
The people who can be responsible for safety in a construction site include the following:
- Contractors: Most construction sites have more than one contractor working on different projects. In some cases, they will be managed by one contractor in charge of organizing the site.
- Subcontractors: A construction site is filled with multiple subcontractors handling different projects, such as pouring concrete, electrical work, and plumbing.
- Site owner: Site owners may also be responsible if they decide to handle their projects.
- Equipment providers: Construction sites need specialized tools. At times, construction companies may have their tools; in other instances, they rent out to an equipment provider.
The responsible party in a construction site accident will depend on how it happened, what contributed to it, and who was responsible for a particular part of the site. For instance, if you were injured because of using faulty rented equipment, you’ll file a claim against the company that rented that equipment.
What Claim Can You Make?
Construction site accidents can take many forms, and it’s not just workers who can file claims. Even construction visitors and public members can make construction accident claims and get injury compensation. Some of the accidents that can lead to making a claim include the following:
- Slip and fall accident
- Injuries due to insufficient PPE
- Inadequate training leading to injuries
- Being hit by a falling or moving object
Why You Should Claim Compensation
If you get injured at a construction site, claiming compensation will help ease some of the problems you experience. In addition, it’s your legal right to get fair compensation for injuries that weren’t your fault. You can recover damages for the following.
Lost Wages
A serious injury will force you to take time off work to recover. It might also be so serious that you can’t go back to your previous profession. Your lawyer can add this to the damages incurred and help you get compensated for it.
Medical Expenses
In the last few years, the US healthcare cost has been rising. Even a simple procedure can cost you hundreds or thousands of dollars. In addition, if the accident leaves you severely injured, you may need ongoing medical care, such as physical therapy. The compensation can help cover these medical costs. This includes medication, emergency visits, and any equipment you might need.
Pain and Suffering
Some losses cannot be quantified because they’re emotionally tied to a person’s well-being. This category is termed ‘non-economic damage.’ You’ll be compensated for pain and suffering if your attorney proves you have experienced loss. Typically, a life-altering injury has tons of emotional burdens, so it won’t be difficult for your legal aid to prove this point.
How To File A Claim
Consulting a lawyer can help you understand whether you have a valid claim. Aside from evaluating your case, the attorney can answer any questions and advise you on the next steps.
