Construction Site Accident Lawyer Discusses Elevation Related Accidents: How They Happen & What You Can Do
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Working in the construction industry can be extremely dangerous explains a NYC construction site accident lawyer at the F&A injury law firm. Falls from ladders or scaffolds in New York result in significant injuries. There might also be objects that fall and strike workers. it’s important to understand the various New York labor laws that exist to protect construction workers. Additionally, if you are injured on the job, you need to know what you can do.
Labor Laws
There are several New York labor laws that will help to protect you if you are in the construction industry. These are required of all contractors and insurance companies.
For example, Labor Law 240 discusses scaffolding and staging. It must be constructed to be able to bear four times the maximum weight required. Any scaffolding are staging that is located at least 20 feet from the floor or ground force one or suspended from an overhead support needs to have safety rails. The rails need to be at least 34 inches high from the bottom of the platform. Any staging that sways should also be fastened so that it prevents the entire stage from swaying away from the structure.
This law is of the utmost importance as it can help to prevent a large number of construction site accidents. Contractors and owners need to adhere to this law at all times. Failure to do so can result in negligence. As such, the person who gets injured as a result of the contractor or company’s negligence may be held liable in a workers compensation lawsuit.
There is also Labor Law 241(6) in New York that identifies all areas where there is construction, demolition, or excavation work that people are provided adequate safety protection.
Negligence
there have been countless accidents that occur because a company is not looking out for their employees. They don’t adhere to the labor laws. As a result, someone falls off a ladder, scaffolding, or some other kind of staging. This might happen indoors or out. Either way, you can result in significant injuries or even death.
The person who is negligent is the one who is held responsible. The injured party or their family has the ability to sue the construction site for damages, which can include medical bills as well as pain-and-suffering along with lost wages.
Why Worker’s Compensation Isn’t Enough
Many people feel as though they are sufficiently covered if they file a workers compensation claim. While all construction companies are required to maintain workers compensation insurance, the insurance companies are going to settle the claim for the minimal amount possible. It is simply how insurance companies work.
If you are the injured party, you deserve better than this. You are allowed to seek additional financial compensation – and this is when it’s imperative to work with a personal injury lawyer.
Choosing to Sue
Construction accidents happen all the time. It is often because the contractor or construction company didn’t follow one or more labor laws and they didn’t provide enough safety equipment. When you are injured or a loved one is either injured or killed because of something falling at the construction site or them falling, you need to understand your rights.
You have the ability to sue the negligent party. This will allow you to seek financial compensation for all medical bills, lost wages, and various other expenses that a personal injury lawyer can help you to calculate. It’s up to you whether you want to sue or not – and there are pros and cons associated with it.
Learn more about construction site accidents and how our personal injury lawyers can help by calling us today. We can schedule a consultation to discuss your case.