Construction Site Accidents – Measures to Prevent Them
Being a construction worker is a dangerous job. Every year thousands of people get injured or die in construction site accidents. It is impossible to control all unsafe conditions at a construction site but still, the employees, operators and property owners can take some preventive steps to prevent accidents at the sites where construction is on. Many of these accidents which happen are a result of someone’s careless action or negligence. When a person gets injured on a construction site, the injury could change their life forever. The victims end up paying high medical bills and even lose their pay from being out of work. There are some strict construction site safety rules and regulations which all companies must follow. If the companies fail to meet the safety regulations, then they may have to pay penalties that could range from heavy fines to even business closure. Also, in addition to all this, the construction company may have to face a lawsuit from the victims & pay out quite a lot of money as compensation for accident-related damages. Here we are listing some safety measures that can prevent building construction site accidents. Develop Certain safety Protocols Every construction company needs to develop its safety protocols. The employers need to make sure that these protocols are followed by each and every employee. Revise and periodically review them for improved safety. Put Clear Warning Signs Sufficient signage should be put in places to warn of dangers and hazards on a construction site. To cordon off dangerous areas, the signs should be accompanied by cones, ropes and other equipments. Wearing Safety Gear Even after taking all the safety measures, construction accidents can happen; hence it is important to wear personal protection gear that includes steel-toed shoes, hard hats, eye protection, hearing protection, harness, etc. Provide Safety Training Every employee should be made to undergo a safety training program before they begin work. For existing employees, there should be refresher courses from time to time which can help in the prevention of construction accidents. Maintenance of Equipments Accidents involving equipments are very common on construction sites. It is important that regular maintenance of equipment is done so that the accidents involving equipments can be prevented. Breaks at regular Intervals Regular breaks and lunch breaks are important and should be enforced. There are employees who work through the breaks to earn overtime or even to shorten their workday. However, failure to hydrate and without food the body goes into a state of fatigue which increases the risk of construction site accidents. Fall Protection One of the most common causes of injury at a construction site is falling. Fall protection equipments should be mandatory for all employees working at a certain height. What can you do in case of a Construction Site Injury? In most cases, the workers’ compensation insurance covers most construction site accidents. Still, there might be some accidents that result in an injury claim against a third party. There might be many claims that could apply, like the premises liability claim, product liability claims or even general negligence claim. Once you have taken medical help you should go to a personal injury lawyer at Siler and Ingber with whom you can discuss your legal rights and know the options for seeking compensation for your damages and injuries. Lawyers at Siler & Ingber are very experienced in handling all types of construction accident claims. For a free evaluation of your case, get in touch today!
The Common Types of Construction Accidents
Every single day thousands of construction workers go to work without fail even after being well aware of the potential dangers that they may encounter during their course of duties. At the construction sites, there are heavy machineries, large objects and work at a dangerous height. One wrong move or a moment of negligence can cause serious injuries or even death of a construction worker. Employers and supervisors are expected to ensure the safety of these construction sites but unfortunately many times the employers put profits ahead of safety which leads to tragic consequences. Those who are suffering in an aftermath of construction accidents should get in touch with a personal injury lawyer in New York. Types of Construction Accidents Construction accidents can be prevented well in time if the building owners and contractors take the time out to correct the problematic areas. Let us take a look at some of the common leading causes or types of construction accidents. Falls Very often on a construction project that involves elevated heights the employers and homeowners neglect safety measures and training for the workers. Fall hazards are undoubtedly the most common type of construction accidents in New York. Whether it is a ladder fall or the worker trips off a beam much above the ground, the injuries suffered are very serious and life-altering. Even if a fall happens due to unburied wires or other objects that should not be on the ground the worker is eligible for a lawsuit. Electrocutions Electrocution accidents on the New York construction sites occur due to damaged equipments, wet conditions, improper grounding, faulty wirings, and working too close to the power wires. An electrical accident may result in shock, burns and even electrocution. Such accidents can burn the skin and severely damage the internal organs which could have fatal results. Struck by an Object New York labor laws include a Scaffolding Law which offers positive verdicts and settlements to all those workers who have suffered injuries from faulty scaffolding. “Struck by” construction accidents include equipment malfunction, falling objects, rigging failures and loose or shifting materials. In all such cases, the scaffolding law holds the general contractor, employer or even the property owner liable for the suffering and pain caused to the worker injured as long as the accident case involved a difference in elevation. Anyone who has been unfortunate enough to be caught in a faulty scaffolding structure should fight for compensation. Caught Between/In There are times when the workers at a construction site get trapped between machinery or two heavy objects. The worker may be crushed, squeezed, pinched or compressed between objects and be unable to free themselves without the help of another person. There are also chances that the worker gets caught underneath a falling object. Such a situation can cause most common injuries such as amputation, spinal cord injuries, paralysis and even fatalities. A personal injury attorney can study your case and investigate the circumstances and fight for compensation for the victims in a lawsuit. Sadly, New York worksites encounter such construction accidents every now and then. Such accidents can be avoided if the property owners, contractors or employers take the proper safety measures for their workers. There is negligence on the part of the employers which is why they should be held responsible when such an incident occurs. We at Siler & Ingber understand the excruciating pain that the person injured and their family member experience. Our attorneys investigate each case meticulously and determine any reckless decisions or negligence which may have led to the accident. Get in touch today to get sound legal advice.
Is it Always the Truck Driver’s Fault in a Truck Accident in New York?
It is not always the truck drivers who are responsible for truck accidents that occur on the road. There may be many other reasons for an accident. It is at times that a truck driver sitting behind the wheel commits an error that leads to an accident, however, in other scenarios, the trucker might not have done anything wrong and still, an accident would have occurred. Perhaps, in such a situation it was the company that owned the truck that made the error, which makes the owner liable for your damage and injuries. Road accidents involving trucks can quickly become disastrous, causing lifelong injuries, property damage, and even fatalities. Trucks have a large size, carry massive weight and their 18 wheels make them absolutely difficult to handle and avoid. Trucks and truck drivers are at great risk themselves when they are on the road but it is also the drivers and passengers of the small vehicles that suffer the consequences. Let’s take a look at the common causes of truck-related accidents that happen in New York:- Illegal License To drive a truck in New York the truck drivers need to have a commercial driver’s license to operate legally in each state. For a trucker to hold a legal license they need to:- Be 18 years and older Be relatively physically fit Hold New York driver’s license Have an adequate and good vision and recognize the colors of the Traffic Light If a truck company hires someone who doesn’t have a valid commercial driver’s license, then in an accident situation the liability is on the trucking company’s part. Overloading of truck While driving on the road at times you also must have come across some trucks that seem loaded more than their actual capacity. At times the company that owns the trucks violates laws regarding the maximum weight the trucks can carry. The driver may be completely unaware of the overload. If overloading has caused the accident or the truck crash then the truck company is to be held responsible. 80,000 pounds is the weight limit for large trucks in New York. The New York truck accident lawyer understands these rules and regulations and will apply them to your case if at all you or someone you know has been in an accident with a truck. Improper Maintenance Every truck company has people for the maintenance of their trucks. In case of an accident that is caused due to failed brakes or any other technical issue of the truck, then it may indicate a fault on the mechanic team’s part. If a faulty part created by a manufacturer has been installed in the truck that leads to the accident then it is the manufacturer who is at fault. Improper Loading The way a truck is loaded makes a huge difference in maintaining the balance of the truck. If improper loading of the truck has been done, the cargo will experience a shift during a turn, making the driver lose control and crash into a car / other vehicles. In a crash like this, it is not the driver’s fault as he or she wasn’t involved the loading of cargo. We, Will, Find out Who is Liable for Your Truck Accident The New York Truck Accident Lawyer Siler & Ingber are all set to investigate your case and determine whose fault it is. We give it our best shot for all our cases and aim at winning the personal injury claim related to the truck accident for you. If you were injured in a wreck with a commercial vehicle then you have found the right people to fight your case. Get in touch with us for a free consultation.
Construction Accident Injuries – A Harsh Reality in New York
Occupational hazards are a reality of nearly all professions. Some professions pose a higher risk for employees as compared to others. Working on a construction site is one such example. However, if proper safety measures are taken, the risk of accidents can be significantly reduced. Despite safety protocols and standards in place, accidents at work sites are common across the country. Numbers suggest that more than 5000 fatal injuries were recorded in the US in 2019. New York is a significant contributor to this statistic. A Construction Accident Attorney specializes in providing settlement and compensation to the injured party. Who is responsible to ensure safety at a construction site? The responsibility of maintaining a safe workplace lies with the employers. In the context of a construction site, this refers to high-quality, well-maintained equipment, reasonable working hours and time off, decent working conditions, etc. The protocols are clearly laid out by Occupational Safety and Health Hazard Administration (OSHA). Who is OSHA? OSHA is a federal government agency established with the objective to ensure safe and healthy working conditions for employees by mandating the implementation of certain safety standards as well as providing timely and updated information on workplace safety. The purpose is to avoid any workplace injuries. OSHA also provides training to employers to ensure the effective implementation of safety standards. OSHA also undertakes inspections of workplaces. In 2019, OSHA conducted nearly 34000 workplace inspections. What are the common causes of construction site accidents? Although OSHA is in place, accidents do occur. While some may be out of the control of the employer or the employee, some accidents are a result of negligence. Here are common causes of construction accidents in New York, resulting due to negligence: Fall from a broken ladder – this refers to situations where a worker may fall prey to a broken ladder or broken equipment. They may use the ladder unknowingly and injure themselves. Exposure to hazardous material – it is important that any hazards or warnings are clearly communicated with the workers. This can be in the form of placards, boards, etc. Respiratory-related protections – construction sites are often polluted as the work generates dust. This high exposure over a long period of time can often lead to respiratory issues among workers. Hence, reasonable working hours, adequate time-off, medical care, etc. are important. Control of hazardous energy/chemicals – use of chemicals is common on construction sites. For example, there are harsh chemicals needed to clean equipment, etc. Hence, exposure without adequate protection can lead to negative impacts on health. The risk can be reduced if protective equipment, provided by the employer, is used. Accidents due to the above-stated causes are often a result of employer negligence. The injured worker deserves compensation and settlement if they become a victim of such negligence. If you suffer an accident on a construction site due to the negligence of the employer, you’re entitled to compensation. You can work with an OSHA lawyer to help you navigate the legal route so that you get the settlement you deserve. If you or someone you know has suffered an injury as a construction worker due to someone’s negligence, you need the Construction Accident Attorney, contact Siler & Ingber today. Call us on 1-877-529-4343 or complete our online form on this page to schedule a case evaluation with one of our experienced construction accident attorneys. Our consultation is free and we do not charge a fee unless we win your case.
Truck Driving: One of the Most Dangerous Jobs
Trucks are an essential mode of transport for various reasons. Not only do they provide employment to a large number of people, trucks have an important role to play in the value chain of various systems in the country. However, a driver needs to have sharp skills to be a good truck driver. That being said, it is one of the most dangerous jobs in America. The numbers also validate this concern wherein, in 2019, 5,005 people were killed and an estimated 159,000 people were injured in crashes involving large trucks. An estimated 538,000 large trucks were involved in traffic crashes. But what makes truck driving such a risk and dangerous profession. Let us understand this in detail. Long hours: Truck driving is often associated with long work hours as well as the majority of distances are covered at night. Hence, there are chances of fatigue that make truck driving risky for the driver as well as other people on the road. Road-related issues: In many instances, ongoing construction work or poor condition of the road make truck drivers vulnerable to accidents. Moreover, the risk of injury is very high as trucks are large vehicles and the impact of an accident is also high. Distracted/Rash driving: Truck drives often work on tight timelines that may compel them to drive fast as well as keep them distracted due to stress. This can become a cause of an accident and lead to severe injuries. In addition to the above reasons, the lack of skill of the driver as well as other factors may contribute to increased vulnerability to an accident. It is important to note that an accident involving a truck may occur due to the truck driver’s fault or the fault of another motor vehicle on the road. An accident could also be a result of a faulty truck that is not duly maintained. Regardless of the reason for the accident, a truck accident can cause severe injuries due to its large size and high-impact outcome in an accident. Hence, a truck accident is also associated with higher fatalities as compared to accidents involving other motor vehicles such as cars and motorcycles. If the accident is a result of another driver or vice versa, the truck driver should immediately inform the truck owner and seek medical advice. It is advisable to work with an auto accident attorney or a truck accident lawyer. They will be able to advise the best way forward depending on the details of the accident and work towards compensation that is fair to the victim and covers all damages including medical expenses, loss of income, pain & suffering, etc. If you or someone you know has been injured in a car accident due to someone’s negligence, you need the best truck accident lawyer, contact Siler & Ingber today. Call us on 1-877-529-4343 or complete our online form on this page to schedule a case evaluation with one of our experienced truck accident lawyers. Our consultation is free and we do not charge a fee unless we win your case.
Injuries at a Construction Site: All You Need to Know
The construction industry is one of the largest hiring sectors in the United States. However, a construction site is incomplete without two key components – equipment and manpower. It is important that the manpower engaged is well trained and qualified to work on a construction site and at the same time, the equipment is safe to use and adequately maintained. Otherwise, there are chances of an injury to the worker. A construction accident attorney can help you understand this in detail. If you or someone you know is a construction worker, it is important that you’re privy to important information regarding faulty equipment and its implications. Here is all you need to know. As per estimates, 40% of all worker fatalities in New York occur on construction sites, and a large majority is due to faulty equipment. What is faulty equipment? Faulty equipment refers to a piece of equipment that is defective. When the defect is due to a manufacturing error of any kind, the manufacturer, and possibly the distributor, may be held liable and legally required to pay damages to the injured worker. Equipment can also become faulty if it has not been properly maintained and as a result led to an injury. In such a scenario, the injured worker may be able to bring a negligence action against the employer in addition to the workers’ compensation claim. A construction accident attorney is the best placed to suggest a due course of action in either of these cases. Injuries due to faulty equipment Some of the common injuries due to faulty equipment are: Falls: Along with being the most common type of cause, one can fall due to a faulty scaffolding or ladder that may lead to severe injuries. Struck by an object: An unfortunate cause of injury can be being struck by a falling object such as a part of a crane or other such equipment used at a height. Electrocution: Most equipment on a worksite uses electricity to function, and if faulty, can lead to electrocution of the worker using it. Various such cases have been witnessed by a construction accident attorney, and it is recommended to work with them so that you get the compensation you deserve. What to do if you’re injured at a worksite due to faulty equipment? If you or someone you know has suffered an injury at a worksite due to faulty equipment and you need the best injury attorney, contact Siler & Ingber today. Call us on 1-877-529-4343 or complete our online form on this page to schedule a case evaluation with one of our experienced personal injury attorneys. Our consultation is free and we do not charge a fee unless we win your case.
Fatal Four Construction Accidents #3- Electrocution Accidents
Working with electrical components in construction is a dangerous trade. In 2018, electrocution accidents accounted for 8.5 percent of all deaths in the construction industry and ranked as the third leading cause of death among the Fatal Four Hazards. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (O.S.H.A) at least 86 workers lost their lives due to electrocution injuries; most of these tragedies were preventable. What are Electrocution Accidents? O.S.H.A. defines an electrocution accident as an injury or fatality that is caused by electrical shock. Wires and powerlines serve as conductors that help electricity to flow and complete a circuit. When a human interrupts this electrical flow of energy, the body acts as an additional conductor, absorbing harmful amounts of electricity that can easily result in fatal consequences. Types of Electrocution Accidents Three major types of electrocution accidents lead to construction fatalities and injuries: – Contact with energized sources: These types of instances result from defective wiring, tools or equipment, exposed wiring, and live parts. The use of Personal Protective Equipment (P.P.E.) will reduce the risk of most injuries but not all. – Contact with powerlines: Powerlines overhead or underground pose a significant hazard to all construction workers, whether they are working directly with electrical components or not. Cranes, lifts, and other elevated trucks can collide with overhead wires when driving blindly or lacking support to guide them around a worksite. Workers in excavation will most often come across buried electrical wires that may split or break during trenching projects. – Improper Use of Electrical Cords: Damaged wires and cords can expose workers to dangerous electrical current, mainly when they are present in common areas and high traffic areas. Extension cords and flexible cords pose the highest risk for electrocution injuries when explore. These materials can quickly become damaged by foot traffic, doors, window edges, staples, and abrasion from other surrounding materials. BE SAFE Electrocution Hazards and Injuries Workers can suffer from a range of fatal and nonfatal injuries due to electrical exposure: Painful shock; Loss of muscle control; Nerve damage; Respiratory issues; Muscle damage; Organ damage; Internal bleeding; Cardiovascular disorders; and Severe burns. Construction hazards that expose workers to lethal amounts of electricity are often determined using the acronym BE SAFE: Burns, Electrocution, Shock, Arc Flash/Arc Blast, Fire, Explosions. Any area, equipment, or machinery that poses a risk of one or all of these hazards requires specific safety protocols, such as Lock Out Tag Out procedures, to prevent accidents. Burns Burns are the most common nonfatal injuries resulting from electrocution accidents but can still be severe enough to yield fatal results. Three types of burns can result from electrical exposure: Electrical (heat exposure), Thermal Contact (skin contact with overheated equipment), and Arc/Flash (exposure to electric arc or explosion). Electrocution Typically, when an injury is defined simply as electrocution, the result of the injury was fatal. Humans exposed to lethal amounts of electrical energy rarely survive. Even when using P.P.E., workers can only withstand a certain amount of electricity before the body surrenders. Shock Shock is a common electrocution injury that occurs when a worker’s body becomes a part of the electrical circuit. In these cases, electricity will enter and exit through the body, triggering a reflex response. Shock may not result in fatal injuries; however, severe damage can occur internally. Arc Flash/Arc Blast Arc flashes give off thermal radiation that can cause burns to any workers in range. An arc flash occurs when there is a breakdown between conductors, causing a sudden release of electrical energy through the air. While some arc flashes are spontaneous, others result from directly bridging conducting objects with electrical contacts. Dropped tools, corrosion, and dust buildup are common causes of arc flashes in construction. Arc blasts occur when arc flashes are high-voltage and produce pressure waves from the heat in the air– some arc flashes have reached temperatures of up to 35,000 degrees Fahrenheit! Fire Electrical tasks that involve rewiring and repair can result in fires if the wiring is old or faulty. Fires can also result from the improper use or overuse of extension and appliance cords, receptacles, plugs, and switches. Explosions Explosions occur when electricity ignites hazardous chemicals and materials on a job site. Welding, sparks, drilling, faulty wiring, and the use of heavy equipment can all cause an electrical explosion to occur. Workers physically thrown due to the force of a blast are also at risk for impact injuries such as spinal cord damage, amputations, traumatic brain injuries, and broken bones when forced from a ground or elevated platform. Involved in a Construction-Related Accident Electrocution accidents in the construction industry are preventable with training, safety planning, P.P.E., and supervision of worksite tasks. Construction companies and contractors are responsible for protecting their workers from foreseeable harm. It doesn’t matter how dangerous the electrical work can be; all employees deserve to be safe on the job. If your construction accident resulted from employer negligence or other predictable means, you might be eligible for compensation. We recommend hiring a personal injury attorney to help you explore your options and find the support you need to get back on your feet after an accident. Work with The Top NYC & Long Island Construction Attorneys Our construction injury attorneys at the law firm of Siler & Ingber, have over 20 years of experience serving injured workers across New York City and Long Island. We protect your rights by maximizing recovery and securing the financial support our clients need to succeed on their road to recovery. Our winning attorneys know how to navigate the claim process using our experience as insurance defense attorneys. We are not afraid to take your case to trial to get a justified verdict over settling for less. If you or a loved one has been injured in a construction accident, our team at Siler & Ingber is here to help. With a 98% success rate, we have the experience and the know-how to help our clients achieve a favorable outcome. Contact us today at 1-877-529-4343, or schedule an appointment using our online form anytime. We never charge a fee
What Constitutes OSHA Violations?
If you’re an employee in the United States, it is important that you orient yourself with the Occupational Safety and Health Hazard Administration (OSHA). OSHA is a federal government agency. Its aim is to ensure safe and healthy working conditions for employees. It involves implementing certain safety standards as well as providing timely and updated information on workplace safety. OSHA applies to all industries and sectors such as hospitality, construction sites, manufacturing units, etc. The main purpose is to avoid any workplace injury. OSHA provides training to employers to ensure effective implementation of safety standards and conducts inspections of workplaces. If you’re an employee and injured due to an OSHA-related violation, you can seek compensation. OSHA lawyers are specialists who can help you in such a scenario. OSHA protects rights of workers by mandating employers to take the following actions: Provide a workplace free of health and safety hazards that can cause death or serious injury Post an OSHA job safety notice in the workplace Keep a record of injuries, deaths, and exposures to hazardous materials Provide safety training if necessary Any violation in relation to the above can be considered an OSHA violation. Some such examples are: A construction site wherein the employer is aware of a faulty machine but it continues to be in use. If a worker gets hurt while using the machine, it is an OSHA violation. A mall/super market does not have fire extinguishers installed. In a factory or any place of work, if the electrical fittings are not maintained or adequate, it is an OSHA violation. Importantly, if you’re an employer, the onus of your workers’ safety lies on you. It is your responsibility to make sure that you provide them with a healthy and safe working space. In fact, ensuring that your workers are given adequate care and proper provisions will be beneficial for you in the long run. To make sure that your OSHA standards are up to the mark, you can hire a lawyer as per your business, for example a personal injury attorney to help you validate that the worksite meets the OSHA criteria effectively. This is an important step because if there’s a mishap at the work site and a worker is injured, their injury attorney will first check for OSHA violations. If you or someone you know has sufferedhttps://www.nylawnet.com/mineola-personal-injury-lawyer/ an injury at a work site due to employer negligence and you need the best OSHA lawyer, contact Siler & Ingber today. Call us on 1-877-529-4343 or complete our online form on this page to schedule a case evaluation with one of our experienced personal injury attorneys. Our consultation is free and we do not charge a fee unless we win your case.
Fatal Four Construction Accidents #2: Struck-By Accidents
Struck-by accidents are the leading cause of nonfatal injuries in the construction industry and the second most common cause of workplace fatalities among the Fatal Four Hazards. In 2018, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (O.S.H.A.) reported that at least 112 workers were killed when struck by an object on the job, accounting for 11.1 percent of construction fatalities overall. These accidents are often preventable and typically result from mishaps due to inadequate training, poor worksite upkeep, and a lack of support on the worksite. Struck-By Accidents Defined Struck-by accidents are defined as incidents that involve workers sustaining forcible contact with an object that results in severe or fatal injuries. A strike is used to describe the delivery of a blow, thrust, or collision between a worker and an object, different than a crush. Struck-by accidents can occur anywhere a worker is present on the job site: the ground, a platform, the top of a skyscraper, or when actively operating machinery. Though often confused with caught-in or between hazards, O.S.H.A. classifies struck-by accidents by determining the following: Was the impact of the object alone what caused the injury? If the answer is ‘yes,’ and the impact was the sole cause of the injury, the construction accident is considered a struck-by incident. If the answer is ‘no,’ the accident would most likely be classified in another category based on other factors. Types of Struck-By Accidents There are four categories of struck-by hazards acknowledged by O.S.H.A. in annual reports, each capable of producing fatal results: Struck-by Flying Objects Flying objects on the worksite often occur when tools or materials are hurled, thrown, or propelled through the air before encountering a worker. These instances include materials thrown from machines, tools, or other equipment. Struck-by flying object accidents may also result from pneumatic or powder-actuated tools where objects are expected to discharge with force. Machines using compressed air can also cause an object to propel at dangerous speeds depending on the surface and amount of force. Nail gun mishaps are the most common struck-by flying object accidents across the construction industry. Struck-by Falling Objects These types of falling object accidents include workers who are struck, crushed, pinned, or caught under an object that has fallen; the higher the object falls from, typically, the more fatal the injury. The most common falling objects leading to injuries include tools, materials, crane booms, poles, or other falling support structures unrelated to collapsing material and structures. Worksites and elevated platforms that are cluttered or contain improperly secured loads are always at a higher risk for the occurrence of struck-by injuries. Struck-by Swinging Objects Construction work involves endless mechanical lifting of materials and structures around the site, onto platforms, or up to elevated levels such as skyscrapers. When this task is done improperly or without supervision, objects can swing and strike workers nearby. Swinging objects can cause immediate injuries to workers from the initial impact and subsequent injuries if workers fall. Windy conditions can also wreak havoc during lifting tasks, causing unsecured loads to fall or swing out of control. Swinging object accidents are common on sites where cranes high volumes of cranes are used without proper training and support. Struck-by Rolling Objects When objects roll, slide, or move out of control on the same level a worker is present, fatal injuries can occur. Rolling object accidents often involve out-of-control or runaway vehicles that strike or run over workers on the site without being caught under or in-between. Common rolling object instances involve rail cars, tractor-trailers, work trucks, cars, and other construction vehicles. Common Struck-By Injuries The severity of struck-by injuries will vary based on several factors; the object’s weight, the height from which it falls, the presence of additional force applied by forced air, the worker’s position at the time of the accident, and location of impact. The most common injuries stemming from fall accidents in construction include: Traumatic brain injury; Spinal cord damage; Nerve damage; Permanent and disabling injuries; Severe fractures and broken bones; and Amputations. While all construction workers are at risk of struck-by injuries, some positions have a higher rate of injuries than others. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (C.D.C.), positions posing the highest threat of struck-by injuries include helpers, sheet metal workers, mechanics, ironworkers, laborers, plumbers, carpenters, painters, truck drivers, roofers, electricians, welders, brick masons, construction managers, forepersons, and operating engineers. Involved in a Construction-Related Accident Struck-by accidents in the construction industry are preventable with training, safety planning, use of Personal Protective Equipment (P.P.E.), and supervision of worksite tasks. Construction companies and contractors are responsible for protecting their workers from foreseeable harm. It doesn’t matter how dangerous the industry work is; all employees deserve to be safe on the job. If your construction accident resulted from employer negligence or other predictable means, you might be eligible for compensation. We recommend hiring a personal injury attorney to help you explore your options and find the support you need to get back on your feet after an accident. Work with The Top NYC & Long Island Construction Attorneys Our construction injury attorneys at the law firm of Siler & Ingber, have over 20 years of experience serving injured workers across New York City and Long Island. We protect your rights by maximizing recovery and securing the financial support our clients need to succeed on their road to recovery. Our winning attorneys know how to navigate the claim process using our experience as insurance defense attorneys. We are not afraid to fight and are fully prepared to take your case to trial to get a justified verdict over settling for less. If you or a loved one has been injured in a construction accident, our team at Siler & Ingber is here to help. With a 98% success rate, we have the experience and the know-how to help our clients achieve a favorable outcome. Contact us today at 1-877-529-4343, or schedule an appointment using our online form anytime. We never charge a fee unless we recover money for you.
What Every Construction Worker Should Know About the NY Labor Law 240
Construction workers are an important part of any city’s workforce. At the same time, they have a job that keeps that at risk of accidents and injuries. Hence, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) was set up to protect the rights of employees, including construction workers. Laws have also been formed to further keep construction workers safe from accidents and injuries at their work site. Construction accident attorneys are available for legal recourse in case a worker gets injured at their worksite. Like other states, New York formed the NY Labor Law 240. Here’s all a construction worker should know about it. What is NY Labor Law 240? NY Labor Law Section 240 specifically deals with scaffolding and ladder-related falls. It provides workers with protection from injuries and death from falls/falling objects. Workers have the right to recover damages after these types of injuries occurs on a construction site. Does the law apply only to construction workers? Yes, it applies to: Construction workers that fall from elevated platforms (such as ladders, scaffolding, or planks) Construction workers injured by falling objects from any height What are the protections offered under NY Labor Law 240? The law provides important liability protections for construction workers. Specifically, this law imposes absolute liability. It is applied directly to the owner or his or her agent in the incident. If a worker falls, suffers damage and losses, and goes to court, the case will focus solely on the amount of damages to be awarded. How can the NY Labor Law 240 be applied to an accident / injury case? If an employee gas suffered a fall from a ladder, scaffolding or injured by falling objects from a height, they are owed a compensation. The worker can work with a top injury lawyer or a construction accident attorney to get the settlement they deserve. However, applying NY Labor Law 240 to a case has emerged to be one of the most challenging cases taken to court. Hence, it is important to work with a highly qualified and experienced attorney. Are there any specific requirements for NY Labor Law 240 to ply to a case? Yes, there are a few specific requirements to be taken into account, including: Structure of the site where the accident occurred: The law does not apply to property owners or contractors working on one- or two-family homes. This law does directly apply to larger homes (over three families) as well as all commercial buildings and apartments. The type of work done to the structure: The law only applies if the work is done on the structure itself and not other items (such as trees). All types of structures are covered under this requirement including tunnels, cars, boats, bridges, garages, and buildings. The rule of gravity: Labor Law 240 also protects workers from the dangers associated with gravity. In other words, gravity caused the individual or an object to fall. Pertinent information about the abovementioned requirements is provided here. If you or someone you know has suffered an injury as a construction worker due to someone’s negligence, you need the top injury lawyer, contact Siler & Ingber today. Call us on 1-877-529-4343 or complete our online form on this page to schedule a case evaluation with one of our experienced construction accident attorneys. Our consultation is free and we do not charge a fee unless we win your case.
