Senior Partner
New York City’s skyline is a testament to the incredible work of construction workers who build, renovate, and maintain the city’s iconic buildings. While construction workers take great pride in their work, it’s no secret that the job comes with significant risks. Accidents and injuries are unfortunately common in this industry. When such incidents occur, it’s crucial for workers to understand their rights and options, especially beyond the scope of traditional workers’ compensation. In this blog post, we will explore the rights of New York construction workers who are injured on the job, delving into avenues beyond workers’ compensation that can provide them with the support they need.
Workers’ Compensation Basics
Workers’ compensation is designed to provide financial assistance to workers who are injured on the job, covering medical expenses and a portion of lost wages. In New York, construction companies are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance to protect their employees. However, workers’ compensation might not always be enough to cover all the expenses associated with a severe injury, particularly if the accident was caused by someone else’s negligence.
Understanding Third-Party Liability
Beyond workers’ compensation, injured construction workers can pursue legal action against third parties whose negligence contributed to their injuries. For example, if a worker is injured due to a defective product, faulty machinery, or the negligence of a subcontractor not employed by the same employer, they may be eligible to file a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible party. These cases can result in additional compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related expenses.
Consulting with an Experienced Attorney
Navigating the legal complexities of construction accidents and third-party liability can be challenging. Injured workers are strongly encouraged to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney specializing in construction accidents like Miller , Montiel, and Strano, P.C. Our experienced personal injury team has represented construction workers in a broad array of cases.
They include accidents involving the following:
- Building collapses
- Scaffolding accidents
- Caught-in between accidents
- Falls from ladders
- Falls from heights
- Falls through floor openings
- Falling objects such as materials, equipment, and tools
- Being struck by an object
- Falls caused by unsafe conditions
- Construction equipment injuries
- Electrical, fire, and explosion injuries
- Electrocution
- Structural collapses
- Brazing and welding
- Negligent contractors, supervisors, and superintendents
- Pneumatic tools (nail guns and the like), punch presses, compressors, hand tools, etc.
- Forklifts
- Heavy equipment
- etc.
Being injured on the job is a devastating experience, but New York construction workers have rights and options beyond workers’ compensation. By understanding the nuances of third-party liability, and consulting with skilled attorneys, injured workers can secure the financial support they need to recover and move forward. It’s crucial for construction workers to be aware of their rights and to take proactive steps to protect themselves in the event of an accident. Remember, you don’t have to face this challenging situation alone—knowledge and legal support are your most powerful allies in the pursuit of justice and fair compensation.
