The construction industry can be dangerous, especially when people don’t take the time to keep worksites free of hazards and equipment operating safely. If you were injured on a construction job through no fault of your own, you could be owed compensation. Our Westchester County construction accident attorneys may be able to help you out.
What Are Some Common Accidents in the Construction Industry?
Construction workers are subjected to some hazardous conditions. We see injuries happen due to:
- Falls from high places
- Slips and trips
- Missing or improperly installed guardrails
- Trench or wall collapses
- The misuse or malfunctioning of equipment like cranes and trucks
- Falling debris
- A lack of safety training for workers
No matter what caused your injuries, you should receive compensation when you get hurt on the job.
What Are Some Typical Injuries in the Construction Industry?
Some of these accidents can cause minor injuries and a slight inconvenience, but other incidents are far more serious. Some injuries from a construction site can take months to recover from. Others may stay with a victim for life. Common injuries from a construction site include:
- Broken bones
- Burns
- Electrocution
- Cuts and lacerations
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Amputations
- Ear and eye injuries
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
Can I Sue My Employer For Damages?
Not technically. When you get hurt on the job, you don’t sue your employer. You get paid from their workers’ compensation insurance provider. This pays out for medical treatment and helps make up for lost wages. If you get disabled due to your injuries, the insurer pays out for that as well. You don’t have to even prove that your employer is at fault or bother with a big lawsuit.
However, if something else contributed to your injuries, you may want to file a third-party injury claim. Let’s say your safety equipment malfunctioned because it was not properly made. You may be able to sue the manufacturer of that equipment for damages.
You would have to prove negligence though, so this is going to be a bit more difficult to win than a workers’ compensation claim. On the other hand, you can sue for damages, like pain and suffering, that workers’ comp doesn’t cover. Our construction accident lawyers can advise you about this option.
How Can a Lawyer Help?
Your lawyer can help you with the workers’ compensation process if you are unfamiliar with it. They can also help you appeal if your claim is denied. If you decide to pursue a third-party claim, your lawyer can help with that too. If it helps you secure the money you need to make up for your injuries and the pain that you have suffered, your attorney is ready to do it.
Talk to Our Legal Team
If you’re seeking compensation, know that you don’t have to go it alone. Our experienced personal injury attorneys can make it easier to sue for damages and make things right after an accident. Contact Hausman & Pendzick to schedule your consultation today.