Representing Westchester & New York Construction Accident Victims
Construction workers in Westchester County, Rockland County, Orange County, and New York are at a greater risk of injury than other workers, and the number of accidents and injuries rises each year. Although construction sites are hazardous, workers have a right to a safe environment. There are a number of factors involved in these accidents, but many injuries occur when safety rules have been ignored.
The experienced attorney at the law office of Michael LoGiudice routinely represents injured construction workers in New York, including Westchester County, Putnam County, Orange County, Dutchess County, Rockland County, and Brewster. Not only is Mr. LoGiudice a highly skilled personal injury attorney, but he is also the owner of a construction company and has worked in the construction industry since 1985. If you were injured in a construction accident, you should not be forced to suffer because of another’s negligence. We will fight to help you obtain meaningful compensation.
Legal Remedies for Construction Accidents
Construction workers are exposed to a variety of risks because of the dangerous tasks they are required to perform such as operating large machinery and equipment, lifting heavy objects, and working at elevated heights. If safety practices are implemented and proper protocol is followed, injury risks can be greatly reduced. Nonetheless, workers who are injured in preventable accidents are entitled to recover damages.
In most construction accidents that result in injuries, workers’ compensation laws are designed to protect employees by providing benefits such as lost wages and medical costs. However, if injuries arise from negligence, workers are protected by New York State Labor Law.
For example, under Labor Law § 200, a site owner, an employer of general contractors has an obligation to provide a safe place to work. In addition, Labor Law § 241(6) imposes vicarious liability upon (i) owners for the negligence of contractors, subcontractors their agents or employees, and (ii) contractors for the negligence of subcontractors for failing to provide reasonable and adequate safety to workers. Lastly, Labor Law § 240 requires contractors and owners involved in the construction or demolition of buildings to provide and maintain scaffolding, ladders, ropes and related equipment in order to provide proper protection to workers.
In short, these laws make it possible to bring a lawsuit against negligent parties such as site owners, general and sub-contractors, architects and engineers, machinery or equipment manufacturers and insurers for a wide range of construction site accidents
Common Construction Accidents and Injuries
Construction workers can be injured in a number of ways, but the most common accidents are falls from scaffolding, roofs, and ladders. Moreover, the physical exertion of construction work, particularly bending and lifting, can lead to repetitive motion injuries, particularly muscle and joint damage. In addition, tools, equipment, and other materials that are not properly secured can fall and strike a worker, causing head, brain, and spinal injuries.
These accidents result in all types of injuries ranging from broken bones and fractures to shoulder, knee, and ankle injuries. In some cases, injuries may require amputations of fingers, toes, or limbs. Other common injuries include head, brain, or spinal cord injuries, cuts or lacerations, eye injuries or loss of vision, hearing loss and heart attacks.
Workers at construction sites are also at a high risk of respiratory illnesses from exposure to dust, asbestos, and other pollutants. Lastly, some of the most serious injuries arise from fires and explosions and trench and building collapses.
Dedicated Advocates of Injured Construction Workers
The law office of Michael LoGiudice fights for construction workers throughout Westchester County, Rockland County, and the greater New York area who have been injured on the job. He is readily familiar with worksites, well versed in New York State Labor Law, and has a proven track record of proving negligence in construction accident cases. He understands workers’ issues and routinely fights to protect the rights of union members.
While many believe that being injured at a construction site is all a part of a day’s work, we know this isn’t true. We will help you obtain the compensation you deserve and ensure that you receive the medical care you need. Fill out a contact form or call our office today for a free consultation.
The law office of Michael LoGiudice routinely represents construction accident victims in the greater New York area including Westchester County, Putnam County, Dutchess County, Rockland County, Orange County, and Brewster.