Top Construction Accident Lawyer in Nassau County
Fighting for the Rights of Injured Victims
Construction zones are some of the most dangerous workplaces for employees. Large machinery, tall heights, and heavy tools can all cause accidents that lead to severe injuries. If you’ve been hurt in a construction accident, you deserve to receive compensation for your medical treatments, lost wages, property damage repairs, and more.
Seeking compensation after a negligent accident may not be straightforward. Your employer or their insurance company may drag their feet, causing you to fall behind on your bills. By working with a construction accident lawyer, injured construction workers can recover the compensation they need without delays.
The Rizzuto Law Firm is here to support you throughout your construction accident case. We can help you explore your legal options to get the money you deserve for your injuries. To learn more about our services and how we can help you, contact us today by calling 516-604-5496.
What Kinds of Accidents Happen in a Construction Zone?
Because of the many hazards on a construction site, accidents are not infrequent. The type of construction zone you’re working in and your job duties may impact the severity of your injuries.
There are many types of accidents that happen in a construction zone, including:
Crane Accidents
When a crane fails or collapses, it can result in catastrophic or even fatal injuries. Cranes must be operated and maintained properly to avoid injuries.
Scaffolding Accidents
If you are working on a tall building, you are likely using scaffolding. Falling from scaffolding can lead to severe injuries, especially if the right safety measures are not implemented.
Falling Objects
Even small objects that fall from a great height can cause serious injuries. Workers who are struck by falling materials, debris, or tools often have extensive head and neck trauma.
Electrical Shocks
Exposed power sources and defective wiring can lead to electrocutions and burns. Safety equipment is essential for any workers required to be near exposed electrical.
Equipment Failures
Equipment that is not properly operated or maintained can fail, leading to injuries. Manufacturers and site supervisors may both be liable for these types of accidents.
Cave Ins
Cave-ins and collapses can lead to injuries or asphyxiation. If safety measures are not followed for these types of job sites, your employer can be held liable.
What Are the Most Common Injuries in a Construction Accident Case?
Injuries sustained after construction accidents are often life-changing and severe. Unfortunately, some victims even pass away because of their injuries. Our construction accident lawyers will examine the full extent of your injuries to calculate how much compensation you can receive.
The most common injuries on a construction site in Nassau County include:
- Brain Injuries: Concussions, head trauma, and traumatic brain injuries can cause severe symptoms that last for years. Any blow to the head can result in a brain injury
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the back and neck can result in spinal cord trauma. In some cases, these injuries can lead to temporary or permanent paralysis
- Burns: Fires, chemical exposures, and electrocutions can lead to severe burns. Second and third-degree burns often require medical treatment
- Bone Fractures: An intense impact can lead to bone fractures and breaks. Severe fractures may require surgery
- Amputation: Some injuries are so severe that victims lose a limb. Crushing accidents and equipment malfunctions often cause these injuries
- Respiratory Injuries: Inhaling toxic substances or particulates can lead to long-term respiratory symptoms
No matter what your injuries are, you deserve compensation for your medical treatments and other expenses. Construction site injuries have the potential to impact your entire life. Contact a construction site accident attorney on our team today to pursue your case.
What Should You Do if You’ve Been Hurt in a Construction Accident?
Being in an accident can be disorienting and terrifying. Knowing what to do after your accident will help you keep yourself safe and pursue compensation in a personal injury lawsuit later.
If you’ve been injured in a construction accident, be sure to do the following:
Seek Medical Attention
Construction accident injuries can be life-threatening. If you are gravely injured, call emergency services right away. Even if you don’t feel hurt now, it’s imperative that you get examined by a medical professional. You may have internal injuries that are not immediately obvious.
Report the Accident
Contact your construction site supervisor and report the accident to them. Make sure that an official accident report is filed, and ask for a copy for your own records. You can use this accident report later to back up your claim.
Take Photos
Take pictures of the accident scene and whatever caused your injuries. Try to take pictures of your injuries both directly after the accident and as you heal.
Talk to Witnesses
If anyone saw the accident, get their contact information. Coworkers and bystanders can provide valuable insight into what happened.
Don’t Share Details
Use caution when talking to anyone at the scene or insurance agents. Taking responsibility for the accident may lead to a claim denial. Don’t share details about the accident on social media or with anyone else until you contact an attorney.
Talk to Our Legal Team
You have a limited amount of time to file a claim and recover damages for your injuries. The sooner you reach out to our team, the sooner we can get you the compensation you deserve.
How Can You Pursue Compensation After a Construction Accident?
The goal of any injury claim is to recover payment for your medical treatments and other expenses. After a construction accident, there are a few different avenues you can pursue to reclaim the damages you lost.
Our personal injury attorneys may recommend the following:
Workers’ Compensation
Workers’ compensation benefits are paid for by your employer and allow you to claim financial support as you recover from your injuries. A workers’ compensation claim can also cover your medical expenses and lost wages.
In Nassau County, most construction site workers are eligible for these benefits regardless of the responsible party. However, to file a workers’ compensation claim, you must first report the accident to your employer.
Workers’ compensation claims can be unnecessarily complicated, and some insurance companies will deny your claim unfairly. Our team can work with you through the claims process to ensure you get the payment you need.
Legal Action
If your injuries were caused by a third party, you could file a third-party claim. For instance, if you were injured because of faulty equipment that was manufactured or maintained by another company, you could pursue a lawsuit against them.
In most cases, a third-party lawsuit would help cover any damages that were not paid for by your workers’ compensation. If you’re interested in learning more about your legal options, please contact our legal team today.
Who is Liable for a Construction Accident?
Determining liability after a negligent accident is essential. The liable party will be responsible for your damages, and their insurance company will likely be the one compensating you. Determining liability can be difficult without a legal background, which is why it’s helpful to have a team of professionals on your side.
The various parties that could be liable after a construction accident include:
Employers
In most cases, employers and contractors are responsible for ensuring that construction sites are safe to work in. They must provide training, adhere to safety regulations, and provide safety equipment. If your employer fails to do any of these things, they may be liable for your injuries.
Property Owners
The owner of the construction site could be responsible for your accident. If your injuries are related to inherent hazards or dangerous areas on the property that they did not disclose, then you can likely sue the property owner for damages.
Equipment Manufacturers
Defective equipment, including tools, safety gear, and machinery, can cause severe injuries. The equipment manufacturer could be held liable for your accident.
Government Entities
If government property or funding is involved in a construction project, the government entity could be held liable for your injuries.
What Kind of Compensation Can You Receive in a Construction Accident Case?
Because every construction accident is different, your compensation will vary depending on a few factors. In most cases, you can request payment for all damages you incurred as a direct result of your injuries.
Many victims recover compensation for the following:
Medical Bills
Your medical bills are likely the largest expense you have to pay after an accident. You can request payment for hospital bills, medication, rehabilitation, transportation to and from appointments, and any future medical needs.
Lost Wages
If you had to take time off to recover from your injuries, you can request compensation. You can also ask for damages related to a loss of earning potential if you can no longer perform your job duties.
Pain and Suffering
Your emotional suffering can also be claimed as damages. While these are more subjective and harder to calculate, our personal injury lawyers will help you come up with a sum that represents the impact of your injuries on your overall mental health and well-being.
Disability
If your injuries result in a permanent disability, you can claim damages for long-term impacts. Any alterations to your lifestyle or loss of enjoyment of life can be claimed.
Wrongful Death
If your loved one passed away because of their injuries, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim. This type of lawsuit provides compensation to the surviving family members of the deceased.
Do You Need a Construction Accident Attorney?
Construction sites are inherently dangerous, but that doesn’t mean injuries on the job are okay. If you have been injured on a job site in Nassau County, you need a construction accident attorney to fight for your rights.
The Rizzuto Law Firm can help you receive damages and hold liable parties responsible for your injuries. We understand how difficult this time can be for you and your family, and we are committed to fighting for your rights until you get the outcome you deserve. For more information, contact our law firm by calling 516-604-5496.