New York Construction Accident Attorney
Construction is hard and dangerous work. Unfortunately, even with safety regulations, construction accident often seriously injure workers and passers by. Injured workers and the loved ones of workers killed in construction accidents may qualify for Workers’ Compensation benefits. However, Workers’ Compensation only covers a portion of what you will need. Moreover, Worker’s Compensation is not available to all injured people who have a construction accident claim.
Full and fair compensation may be available to you through a personal injury lawsuit, even if you are able to receive Workers’ Compensation benefits.
Experienced New York City construction accident attorney Eric R. Bernstein is here to help you recover maximum compensation for your injuries.
Who Gets Hurt in Construction Accidents?
Construction workers are at the greatest risk of being hurt in a construction accident. However, anyone who happens to be in the area for any reason can be injured or killed. This includes people who enter the construction site for any reason. It also includes people who are just passing by and those who are in nearby buildings. If you have been injured in a construction accident, you can seek compensation whether or not you were working on the site.
Please see the following examples of people injured in construction accidents:
- Construction workers
- Inspectors
- Delivery persons
- Vendors
- Other types of workers who must enter the site
- Visitors
- Child trespassers
- Bystanders
- Pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists who must pass by the site
- People in nearby buildings
Workers’ Compensation
Construction workers who are hurt in construction accidents may be eligible for Workers’ Compensation benefits. Fortunately, this includes people injured while working in nearby buildings.
Workers’ Compensation is a no-fault insurance claim, not a lawsuit. Accordingly, you do not need to prove fault to receive benefits. It does not matter if your employer was to blame.
Workers’ Compensation starts paying quickly. It covers your medical expenses and a portion of your lost income. However, it will not cover all of the needs of seriously injured victims. However, if you are eligible, you should file a Workers’ Compensation claim right away. If you are eligible for Workers’ Compensation you cannot sue your employer, but you can still seek compensation through a third-party lawsuit where appropriate.
Some workers, such as independent contractors, must pursue compensation through a personal injury lawsuit.
Construction Accident Liability
Whether you receive Workers’ Compensation benefits or not, a personal injury lawsuit may be appropriate. Damages can include your medical expenses, all of your lost income, pain and suffering and more.
Your attorney may identify multiple companies and others involved in the construction project. Potentially liable parties include:
- General contractor
- Subcontractor
- Construction site owner
- Construction site manager
- Engineer
- Architect
- Inspector
- Other design professionals
- Equipment operator
- Delivery company
- Manufacturer of defective tool, equipment or materials
- Supplier of defective tool, equipment or materials
- Third party contracted to maintain or repair equipment
Please call New York construction accident attorney Eric R. Bernstein at (212) 683-1530 or email us today to schedule your free initial consultation.
