There are multiple instances where someone can get injured on a construction site. Because of the many potential hazards, this makes construction areas particularly dangerous places to work. In New York, accidents that occur in such locations can give rise to personal injury claims, and the party responsible for the accident will be held liable for damages. This can include the owner of the property, general contractor, subcontractor, or even product manufacturer. In order to determine who to hold responsible, it is important to first look at how the accident happened.
Construction Accidents Causes
There are many potential causes of construction site accidents. Some common causes include falling objects, inadequate safety equipment, improperly trained workers, lack of safety precautions, and hazardous materials.
As previously mentioned, depending on the cause of the accident, different parties may be held liable. For example, if a worker is injured by a falling object, the party responsible for ensuring that doesn’t happen will be liable. If they were injured because they did not have proper safety equipment, and the employer was supposed to make such gear available, the worker can file a claim against them.
Determining Liability
Workers’ compensation will usually cover construction workers who are injured on the job. However, there are some instances where a personal injury claim may be filed instead. To file such a claim, the injured party must prove that someone else was at fault for the accident.
It’s not unusual for there to be more than one party at fault for a construction accident. As such, several factors are taken into account when determining liability, such as the role of each party in the construction process, the relationship between each party, the foreseeability of the accident, and the negligence of each party.
Each construction site is different, and each accident is unique. As a result, it can be difficult to determine who is liable for an accident without the help of an experienced New York City construction accident lawyer at Friedman Levy.
Common Injury types and Rewards
Damages that may be available often vary depending on the severity of the injury. Common injuries stemming from construction accidents include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, amputations, broken bones, and burns. The damages’ compensation that is available for these injuries can fall into two main categories: economic and non-economic. Economic ones have a specific monetary value, and they include medical bills, lost wages, and property damages. Non-economic ones tend to be more difficult to quantify and are used as a mode of compensation for more subjective losses and can include pain & suffering, emotional distress, and loss of life enjoyment.
Generally, the more severe the injury, the higher the potential reward. For example, someone who suffers a broken bone may be entitled to economic and non-economic damages, while someone who is paralyzed may be entitled to much greater compensation, including punitive damages.
Conclusion
Construction accidents can be complicated, and it is important to have an experienced attorney to help you determine who is liable for your injuries. How the accident happened, the severity of your injuries, and the relationship between the parties involved will all be factored in determining liability. And, ultimately, the compensation you may be entitled to receive.
