Suffolk County Construction Accident Lawyer

One of the most hazardous work environments are in the construction industry. That’s because you’ll see plenty of potential hazards that may exist including unsecure scaffolds, heavy machinery that may malfunction because of poor maintenance, and even falling debris due to weather conditions or even careless disposal of leftover scrap material (among others). Construction accidents can lead to serious injury and even death.

With areas of New York like Suffolk County seeing new developments beginning regularly, there is a good chance that construction accidents may happen. If you or a loved one has been involved in one recently, your legal options might not be out of the question. That’s where a qualified Suffolk County construction accident lawyer can be of service. Let’s go through this legal guide to discuss what causes these incidents to occur and what to do should you pursue legal action with a personal injury lawyer.

What Are The Common Construction Accidents in Suffolk County?

There are many trades and activities that are involved with construction projects, whether it’s a residential job or commercial building. Thus, common construction accidents can occur at any time. They include the following:

• Falls from heights: This includes falls from scaffolding, ladders, open-sided floors, and roofs.
• Falling objects: Tools, debris, and other materials that are dropped from higher levels that can cause head or neck injuries if someone is struck.
• Equipment accidents: These include bulldozers, forklifts, and cranes. They can malfunction due to poor maintenance or misuse. Accidents can also occur if used with reckless behavior (including while under the influence of substances).
• Electrical injuries: Contact with exposed wires or power lines can lead to dangerous consequences such as burns and electrocution.
• Trench or building collapses: This can be caused by improper support during excavation work. As a result, this can lead to workers getting trapped or crushed.
• Slips and trips: Slips and trips are mostly common in construction accidents. It is due to slip-and-fall injuries.

Accidents can still happen even if you follow safety procedures or wear all safety gear that is required. That’s because it can be due to negligence from another party. If this is the case, there’s a good chance that an experienced Suffolk County construction accident attorney can help. The sooner you consult with them on what to do next, the better.

Who May Be Liable for a Construction Accident?

In a legal proceeding related to construction accidents, determining liability is critical. Such situations may include multiple parties being held liable for the incident. This means that it’ll be a bit more challenging to make such determinations without the assistance of a Suffolk County construction accident attorney. They can be able to take the necessary actions that will help determine fault in your claim. Here is a list of who may be legally responsible for construction accidents:

• General contractors or subcontractors: It is the responsibility of general contractors and subcontractors to maintain a safe work environment for their employees at every job site they cover.
• Property owners: Under New York law, property owners may be held liable for violations of labor laws for providing safe work conditions.
• Equipment manufacturers: Defective machinery or tools may contribute to the accident. As a result, liability will fall on the manufacturers.
• Engineers or architects: If there are design flaws or faulty plans, they can lead to structural failures or unsafe conditions, leading to liability being placed on engineers and architects. Even long after a construction project is complete, such flaws and faults can even lead to sudden building collapse.

Key New York Labor Laws To Know About

New York State has labor laws that are among some of the toughest in the country. However, they are designed to protect construction workers. These include the following:

• Labor Law 200: This law requires a safe working environment to be provided by employers and contractors.
• Labor Law 240: Known as the Scaffold Law, this protects workers that suffer from injuries due to falls or falling objects at work sites that are elevated. If violated, property owners and contractors can be held liable.
• Labor Law 241: Requires safety protocols to be followed during projects such as construction, demolition, or excavation.

What Types of Compensation Are Available?

Medical bills and lost wages tend to be the most common type of compensation available. However, the facts of your case may also open the door to more if warranted. If you decide to consult with a construction accident lawyer in Suffolk County and a lawsuit is possible, you may be entitled to the following types of compensation:

• Medical expenses: These include hospitalizations, surgeries, physical therapy, and other medical needs you may have in the future.
• Lost wages: You may be missing work, which means you miss out on compensation for the work itself. You also face reduced earning potential as well.
• Pain and suffering: Construction accidents can lead to emotional and physical distress that stem from your injuries.
• Disability and disfigurement: Permanent injuries from the accident can lead to less ability to work and impact your overall quality of life.
• Wrongful death benefits: Surviving family members of someone killed in a construction accident can pursue damages including wrongful death benefits.

One thing to be aware of is that the statute of limitations in New York differ in cases for personal injury and wrongful death. For personal injury claims, the statute of limitation is three years from the time of the accident. However, wrongful death claims will have a two-year limitation from the date of death of the deceased. Either way, it’s a race against time to consider legal action and a construction accident attorney in Suffolk County may be your best option at this point.

What Actions Should You Take After A Construction Accident?

If you have been injured in a construction accident, you’ll want to take the necessary steps as soon as possible. These can have a major impact in the case you may be building. If you are unable to do so on your own, an independent investigator or a qualified Suffolk County construction accident attorney can take some of these steps for you (such as documentation). Here are the actions that need to be taken:

• Report the incident: Be sure to notify the supervisor or site manager immediately and have an official report filed.
• Seek medical attention: You may have minor injuries (or no immediate ones). Regardless, have a doctor provide you with a full evaluation. Bear in mind some injuries may manifest later on. With a medical exam, it can also give you documentation for your records should legal options be exercised.
• Document everything: These include taking photos of the scene, the injuries, and other safety hazards that may arise. Also, keep track of any witness contact information that you have collected.
• Avoid signing anything: Insurance companies and liable parties may try to settle with you quickly, but at a lowball amount. Do not accept settlements nor sign documents first without being consulted by a Suffolk County construction accident attorney.
• Contact Duffy & Duffy: Our construction injury lawyers will work with you in regards to your legal options.

Don’t Tackle Construction Accident Claims Alone. Contact Duffy & Duffy

At Duffy & Duffy, we are Suffolk County construction accident lawyers who are committed to making sure that you may be entitled to compensation if you have been injured recently in an accident. Our tireless advocates are ready to listen to your case and determine if taking such legal action is necessary. For more information on how we can help, contact our office at (516) 394-4200 now.