Construction Accident Lawyers

Construction sites can be an extremely hazardous place to work. Between the falling objects, moving hazards, massive machinery, scaffolds, and ladders to negotiate, it’s safe to say that construction sites have many dangers to navigate throughout the day.

 

Though the law imposes numerous safety requirements on construction worksites, accidents still happen. The worst part is these construction accidents and injuries are preventable. So why do they keep happening?

 

Generally, contractors and subcontractors control the safety of the worksite. Most of these companies are both diligent and conscientious about protecting the safety of their workers. However, the sad fact is there are still too many contractors that, oftentimes, try to cut corners by ignoring basic safety regulations that put construction workers at risk.

Construction safety should always be a top priority on any construction site. However, mistakes happen and when they do, the results tend to be very serious. The following is a list of common mistakes that could threaten the safety of a construction worker:

 

Failure to Comply with Safety Regulations

All construction companies are required to follow government safety regulations while on the job. In most cases, it is the responsibility of the owner and general contractor, to ensure worksite safety and to follow federal and state safety regulations.  If they fail to do so, they may share in the legal responsibility if a worker suffers a construction accident injury.

 

Failure to Provide Proper Tools

While they are necessary on the job site, failure to provide proper personal protective equipment (PPE) such, as safety clothing, helmets, goggles, other garments or tools to protect a construction worker’s body from injury or infection, can lead to extremely dangerous situations. The hazards addressed by personal protective equipment include physical, electrical, heat, chemical, biohazards, and airborne particulate matter.  If the construction accident was due to a failure to provide the required, or proper, safety equipment or tools, an injured construction worker (in addition to filing a worker’s compensation claim) may be able to pursue a third-party action. This third-party action may include claims against the owner of the property or the general contractor or a subcontractor that was charged with the responsibility of workplace safety.

 

Improper Use of Machinery

Most job sites are very busy and often heavy machinery and construction equipment, such as bulldozers, hydraulic excavators, dump trucks, cranes and forklifts, are in constant use. Heavy equipment and machines are necessary to get the job done, however, if not respected, can pose a hazard to construction workers, which can result in serious injuries and even death.

 

Inadequate Training

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has published various standards that contain training requirements for construction workers, including, safety and health training When working on a construction site, rigorous training and following proper protocols is absolutely necessary. If a construction worker is injured as a result of a failure to train or follow proper safety procedures, the owner, general contractor or subcontractor may share legal responsibility for the construction accident as a result of not providing a safe workplace environment.

 

Failure to Provide Barriers or Warning Signs

Pedestrians and other non-construction employees, while walking or driving by a job site, may also become injured as a result of a construction accident if the job site does not contain the proper barriers, safety precautions are ignored, or warning signs are not posted. In such cases, the injured party may have a claim against the owner, general contractor or subcontractors if they were responsible for the job site and failed to comply with federal and state safety regulations.

When Construction Accidents Occur, who is Liable?

There is always someone responsible when it comes to construction site safety. Below are two issues that may make construction accident liability a difficult issue to determine.

 

Contracts

Liability often comes down to the paperwork. The party responsible for keeping a construction site safe may depend on the language of the contract signed by those involved. For example, a general contractor, numerous subcontractors, and an owner may all blame each other as having responsibility for safety at the construction site. As such, often the issue of responsibility is a matter of contract law and liability and will be determined by the language of the contracts signed amongst the parties.

What “Safe” Means

The other issue that surfaces is, what exactly constitutes a ‘safe’ construction site? What seems like a simple answer may be up for debate in the event of a construction accident lawsuit. Fundamentally, there is a duty to keep the construction site in a reasonably safe condition, based on standards other construction companies would exhibit. Failure to comply with OSHA and state regulations to keep a construction site safe may be the responsibility of the owner or construction company and they may be jointly liable for damages in a construction accident.

What is certain is an injury on the job can set you back for weeks or months, or even cause long-term disability. When you are injured on the job, it is critical to consult with an experienced attorney as soon as possible to fully protect your rights in a construction accident lawsuit.

If you have been injured in a construction accident, please seek medical help immediately. First, call 911 and have a medical professional assess your injuries. The next step would be to consult an experienced construction accident attorney, as you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, especially if you are suffering life-altering physical and emotional problems and financial changes and challenges after an accident. Brindisi, Murad & Brindisi Pearlman are experienced Utica construction accident lawyers ready to fight for all of New York State.

 

Construction workers work hard to improve Central New York and put their lives at risk every day. If you’re seriously injured, you need The People’s Lawyer on your side. You should not be punished for helping to improve the community, contact us for a free consultation today.

Injured In A Construction Accident?

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HELPING CENTRAL NEW YORK PEOPLE WHEN IT COUNTS

Our Law Firm Gets Results

“I would recommend this law firm to my friends since they were knowledgeable, respectful and good at communicating with me. I had no concerns about hiring this law firm, especially after meeting with Eva Pearlman the very first time. She was very understanding.”
Pamela

New Hartford, NY

“I needed a firm that would go the distance to help me get back the financial security I had lost due to severe injuries. They realized that goal and then some! I always felt comfortable asking for help with questions or problems. They treated me like a friend.  You can count on this law firm to go above and beyond what you would expect of them. They are the best!”
Michael

Chadwicks, NY

“Anthony Murad got things done! He was easily accessible, very knowledgeable about my legal matter, and resolved the case to my satisfaction!”
Dennis

Utica, NY

We stand up for innocent people when they have been injured by a careless individual’s actions. We have over 60 years of experience representing the people of New York State. The partners at Brindisi, Murad & Brindisi Pearlman know that you are counting on us to help navigate the waters of an unfortunate incident. And we take that responsibility seriously. We fight hard to get you every dollar you deserve to make sure your medical bills are paid, to recover your lost wages and get you compensated for your pain and suffering.

IF YOU’VE BEEN INJURED IN AN ACCIDENT…

CONTACT BMBP TODAY!

BRINDISI, MURAD & BRINDISI PEARLMAN

UTICA OFFICE
2713 Genesee Street

Utica, NY 13501

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