Long Island Construction Site Slip and Fall Accidents

Throughout Long Island, there’s typically a construction project that is being completed. Nevertheless, one of the most dangerous occupations is construction work. It should be noted that risks of workplace injuries still remain common in Long Island and can be preventable most of the time. If you are a contractor or work for a construction company and have been injured in a slip and fall accident, legal action is possible.

Working with an attorney after a Long Island construction site slip and fall accident will be important. Especially if you are looking to file a claim stemming from a recent accident. Discuss what causes these accidents and what you’ll need to do in the event if you have been a victim of one by contacting our construction accident attorneys.

Why Are Slip and Fall Accidents Common on Construction Sites?

Because of the presence of heavy machinery, tools, uneven ground, and exposure to elements, construction zones carry an inherent risk. OSHA regulations and New York’s labor laws have been designed to ensure that workers are safe at these job sites. However, the incidents regarding slip and fall accidents still continue.

There are several key factors that play a role in these accidents. These include the following contributing causes:

• Wet or slippery surfaces: This can be caused by rain, cleaning chemicals, or even spills. Such surfaces that are wet or slippery can create the risk for serious falls. That is why proper signage and protective measures should be in place, whenever and wherever necessary.
• Uneven ground and debris: Typically, you’ll find loose materials like gravel or building debris present in construction zones. Debris scattered across the ground and pathways are also common. These can cause major tripping hazards.
• Unsafe scaffolding and ladders: One of the leading causes of death at construction sites are falls from heights. This can be due to unstable ladders or improperly secured scaffolding, both of which can place workers in a gravely dangerous situation.
• Poor lighting: During the night, construction sites need to have adequate lighting especially in enclosed spaces. Poor lighting can cause hazards to be difficult to detect and avoid.
• Poor safety training: It is important for workers to receive proper safety instructions or equipment usage training to ensure that there are less incidents of construction site injuries.

An experienced Long Island attorney who is investigating a construction site slip and fall accident claim on your behalf may look for these causes. Once they have spotted the cause, they can consider placing liability on the construction company for such reasons.

What Injuries Are Common From Construction Slip and Fall Accidents?

Slip and fall accidents on construction sites in Long Island can lead to catastrophic injuries. Some may be severe, life-altering, and may also result in fatalities. Such common injuries that are linked to construction slip and fall accidents include:

• Broken bones and fractures
• Internal bleeding or internal organ trauma
• Lacerations that may require stitches or surgery
• Sprains, strains, and soft tissue injuries
• Spinal cord damage
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)

Permanent disability or death may also be the result of these accidents. This includes incidents where workers may fall from high places such as ladders, scaffolding, or roofs. A knowledgeable attorney will note the severity of the injuries in their efforts to advocate on your behalf, whether it’s a personal injury claim or a wrongful death lawsuit.

Who Could Be Liable For Construction Site Slip and Falls?

It may be difficult to identify the liable party of a construction site slip and fall accident. The reason is that there may be several parties that may be blamed for the incident. It is imperative that all construction sites must maintain safe conditions. As such, the potential liable parties may include:

• Property owners: Under New York State law, property owners and general contractors have the responsibility to provide safe working conditions. It doesn’t matter if the job site is at ground level or done at heights.
• General contractors or subcontractors: Such parties like contractors or subcontractors can be held liable for failing to safely supervise a job site. This includes failing to address safety hazards that exist and non-compliance with OSHA guidelines.
• Equipment manufacturers: In situations where a defective ladder, scaffold, or harness may be the cause of the accident, the manufacturer may be held liable under the product liability law.

With a Long Island attorney at your side, they can help determine who was liable for the construction site slip and fall accident. From there, they can also navigate the legal complexities of your case.

What Are Your Legal Rights As A Construction Worker?

Construction workers who are injured on the job have legal pathways to consider. Especially when it comes to seeking justice and compensation in the aftermath. As such, here are some of the legal rights they have:

Workers’ Compensation

Almost every employer in New York is required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. This covers medical expenses, partial lost wages, rehab services, and disability benefits. However, workers’ comp won’t cover pain and suffering. In addition, it may not be sufficient if you have experienced severe injuries.

Third-Party Personal Injury Claims

Injured workers can pursue a personal injury claim against liable third parties. This can be in addition to the workers’ comp that they receive. Such claims can also cover in areas workers’ compensation may not include such as full wage loss, emotional distress, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life.

Labor Law Claims

One law in particular to point out is New York State’s “Scaffold Law”. This is designed to provide construction workers protections if they were injured in a fall from a certain height or struck by a fallen object due to improper safety equipment. An attorney in Long Island will be familiar with this law in particular and can make sure if your construction site fall may have been a violation of it.

What Steps Need To Be Taken After a Slip and Fall Accident On A Construction Site

The sooner you take the appropriate steps to protect your health and legal rights, the better. That’s why you’ll need to perform the following tasks as soon as possible:

• Seek immediate medical attention: Slip and fall accidents may result in minor injuries. Even so, you’ll still need to be examined by a medical professional. This can ensure that you aren’t suffering certain injuries like concussions or internal damage. Please note that not all symptoms or injuries have to be immediate in order to seek medical attention.
• Report the accident: Notify your supervisor or site manager immediately. Report the accident and make sure an official document is also filed.
• Document the scene: Be sure to take photos of the hazard, your injuries, environmental conditions, or any defective equipment that may have contributed to the accident.
• Gather witness information: You’ll want to gather testimony and information from co-workers or any other witness that may have been in the area during the incident.
• Consult a construction accident lawyer: It is important that you consult with a Long Island slip and fall construction lawyer as soon as possible. This will ensure that your legal rights are fully protected and to determine if you have a strong enough case.
• Do not sign anything without legal counsel: Before you hire a skilled construction accident attorney, it is important that you avoid accepting settlements or sign insurance paperwork. Doing so could lead to receiving far less compensation that won’t be enough to cover medical expenses and others. One more good reason why consulting a Long Island attorney will be a wise decision after a slip and fall accident at a construction site.

Injured In a Construction Site Slip and Fall Accident in Long Island? Contact Duffy & Duffy Now

Construction accidents can lead to devastating results, both physically and financially for you. However, the aftermath you face shouldn’t be something you can tackle all on your own. At Duffy & Duffy, we are committed to helping you make sure that your case is strong enough for us to seek compensation on your behalf. If your loved one has been killed in a  Long Island construction site slip and fall accident, we can help with a wrongful death claim that could result in compensation. For more information on how you can schedule a consultation, call our office today at 516-969-5874.