Construction sites are some of the most hazardous workplaces in the United States. Despite stringent regulations, accidents (often due to negligence) happen far too often, sometimes with catastrophic consequences. If you or a loved one has been injured in a construction accident, it’s important to understand who may be liable and how these incidents could …
Construction sites and zones are commonplace all over the U.S. The machinery and equipment that populate construction zones can lead to serious injuries and fatal accidents for construction workers, drivers, and pedestrians alike.
Reports from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cite the following statistics on fatal construction accidents:
- There were 1,008 constructions worker deaths in 2018 (per OSHA)
- Of those 1,008 fatalities, 338 were caused by falls (per OSHA)
- An annual average of 773 people died in car accidents at highway maintenance and construction work zones between 1982 and 2017 (per the CDC)
If you or someone you love was injured, or if a loved one was killed in a construction accident, you might be entitled to financial compensation from the at-fault party. A lawyer in your area may be able to help you determine the cause of the accident, identify the at-fault party, and fight for compensation on your behalf.
Depending on the nature of your accident, the recoverable damages may include your current and future costs of medical care, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. A different set of damages may be recoverable in a wrongful death case.
The FAQs on construction accidents listed here may answer many of your questions and can help you understand your potential options for pursuing compensation. Whether you were injured as a construction worker or a passerby, you might have the basis of a personal injury insurance claim or lawsuit.
Morelli Law Firm handles personal injury and wrongful death cases for construction accident victims and their families in New York City, on Long Island, and in New York State up to Albany. We may be able to manage your construction accident case on a contingency-fee-basis with nothing due upfront.
To discuss your options and our services in a free, no-obligation case review with a member of our construction accident team, call Morelli Law Firm today at (212) 751-9800.
Who Is Liable for Construction Site Accidents in NYC?
Liability for construction site accidents in New York City will depend on the underlying reasons for the accident. Architects or engineers may hold liability if design flaws lead to an accident. In other situations, liability may rest with the property owners, equipment manufacturers, or general contractors. In some cases, a construction company may hold responsibility …
Who Subcontractors Can Sue for a Construction Site Injury in New York
As a subcontractor in New York, you have rights on a construction site, including the right to seek compensation if you are injured. In New York, there are laws in place that allow injured workers, including subcontractors, to seek compensation beyond workers’ compensation benefits if they are injured due to someone else’s negligence. Who can …
The Common Causes of Forklift Accidents: What to Do If You’ve Been Injured
Forklift accidents are unfortunately common in the United States, making them a significant safety concern on construction sites and in industrial settings (factories, warehouses, etc.). According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), approximately 85 fatalities and 34,900 serious injuries are attributed to forklift accidents each year. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports …
Can There be Third-Party Liability in Construction Accidents?
Construction sites are inherently dangerous places, and despite strict safety regulations, accidents still happen. If you are a worker who has been catastrophically injured on a construction site, or if you are a passerby who was injured while traveling near a construction site, it’s important for you to understand that there are many parties who …
The Most Common Types of Workplace Ladder Accidents and Injuries
Ladders are essential tools on many job sites, especially in construction, maintenance, and various trades. However, they also pose significant risks, leading to numerous injuries each year. They are one of the leading causes of workplace injuries in the U.S., according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). It’s estimated that about 500,000 people …
Who’s Liable for Construction Zone Car Accidents?
Construction zones on roads are common during the spring and summer months, especially in the areas in and around New York City. While they are necessary for maintaining and improving infrastructure, construction zones can create hazardous conditions that significantly increase the risk of car accidents. As a driver, it’s your responsibility to drive safely and …
The Most Common Causes of Scaffolding Injuries
Scaffolds are a common sight in the streets of New York City. While these temporary structures are vital for construction and maintenance work, they pose significant risks to workers and pedestrians, leading to accidents that can cause catastrophic injuries. At Morelli Law, we are committed to understanding these risks, preventing future accidents, and providing guidance …
How Can a Lawyer Help Determine Fault in a Construction Accident?
Finding the liable party after a construction accident can allow you to seek compensation for your losses. So, how can a lawyer help determine fault in a construction accident? A New York City construction accident lawyer from our team at the Morelli Law Firm can interview witnesses, visit the accident location, and review accident reports. …
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Construction Accident Claims?
What is the statute of limitations for construction accident claims? The statute of limitations controls how long you can wait to file your claim before the court dismisses your claim. This time limit varies depending on your state. Many states, including New York, give workers around three years to file a claim. A New York …
What Is the Role of OSHA in Construction Accident Cases?
What is the role of OSHA in construction accident cases? This organization may step in to review the actions of your employer after an accident. If the organization finds that your employer violated its rules, it could penalize your employer. You can learn more about OSHA’s role in these claims with a New York City …
What Is a Construction Accident Lawyer?
What is a construction accident lawyer? Any attorney who helps clients injured on a construction site is a construction accident lawyer. These attorneys can provide specialized care and support after these accidents. You can work with a professional New York construction accident lawyer when you turn to our team at the Morelli Law Firm. We …
How Do I Know If I Have a Valid Construction Accident Claim?
How do you know if you have a valid construction accident claim after an on-the-job incident? You can reach out to a New York construction accident lawyer from our team at the Morelli Law Firm to find out. We can review your situation and provide detailed information about whether you qualify for compensation. Most people …
What Types of Construction Accidents Can a Lawyer Assist With?
What types of construction accidents can a lawyer assist with in New York? Our team at the Morelli Law Firm can help you with any accident caused by someone else’s actions and with workers’ compensation claims. You can reach out to a New York construction accident lawyer for professional help reviewing your situation, determining your …
What to do if You’re Injured While Working on a Construction Site
Fall protection standards are one of the most cited OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) standards violated every year, contributing to over a thousand deaths due to falls, slips, and trips on construction sites. Many more construction workers are injured every single year due to negligence and recklessness on job sites, making construction work one …
Most Common OSHA Violations in Construction
According to OSHA, the most common violation in construction is inadequate fall protection. Such a violation can cause severe injuries that could be fatal, lead to long-term injuries, or at the very least, cost a fortune in medical bills. If you’ve been injured because of a safety violation, a construction accident attorney from Morelli Law …
Can an Employee Sue for OSHA Violations at a Construction Site
Can an employee sue for OSHA violations at a construction site? In most cases, the court does not allow employees to sue their employers, even after an OSHA violation. Instead, the court expects employees to file a workers’ compensation claim in most cases for job-site accidents. However, you may have a chance to file a …
New York Scaffolding Law
Falling from heights is one of the main types of accidents in construction. The average job site fall is likely to result in serious injuries, but scaffolding falls are known to cause the most severe and sometimes fatal conditions. Fortunately, New York law protects construction workers at risk for gravity-related accidents. According to the state’s …
What Is the Average Construction Accident Settlement?
When it comes to construction accidents, an “average” claim doesn’t really exist. Construction accidents can vary so significantly, between the type of accident and the severity, that any average settlement amount would be a meaningless figure. Taking every accident settlement and averaging out the amount received by the victim would do nothing to help you …
What Is the Most Dangerous Construction Trade?
Construction industry jobs are some of the riskiest in America. Every day, workers face fall hazards, construction equipment mishaps, and falling debris. The following jobs top the list of the most dangerous construction trades: roofers, construction helpers, iron and steel workers, equipment operators, and construction laborers. Working in an inherently dangerous construction trade does not …
How Do I Settle an Accident Claim without Insurance?
If you were injured in a residential or commercial construction accident, and you do not have health care insurance or the at-fault party does not have business insurance, you might need to explore other available compensation options. For example: If the accident occurred during construction on residential property, you might be able to seek compensation …
What are the Typical Types of Injuries in the Construction Industry?
One of the most dangerous industries in the United States is construction. Due to the inherent nature of a construction worker’s job, they may face serious risks daily. In addition to being required to use heavy machinery, construction workers may also work in risky areas or at substantial heights. According to the Occupational Safety and …
What Are the Main Causes of Accidents in Construction?
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reported that the United States saw 4,779 fatalities in the construction industry in 2018. Construction industry accidents may occur for a broad range of reasons, but there are four main causes of deaths in construction that OSHA considers the “Fatal Four.” These accidents include being caught in or …
What Are Common Construction Accidents?
The construction industry is full of risks whether you’re an employee or walking by on the streets of New York. Several different types of construction accidents lead to severe injuries. Our team of construction accident lawyers can help you recover compensation if you’ve been injured. Our New York City construction accident lawyers at Morelli Law …