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Construction Accidents Can Happen to Innocent Passersby
Construction sites can be seen around New York nearly any time of the year due to new development projects, real estate demands, and city evolution. While it might be more common to hear about construction workers getting injured on the job, people who walk by or through construction sites may also fall victim to falling objects, construction equipment, and environmental hazards from the job site. Some common causes of injury on construction sites include:- Falling objects from scaffolding, building structures, cranes, or roofs
- Trip hazards on the ground, such as cables, building materials, and uneven pavement
- Open areas in the ground, such as open sewers, large potholes, and excavation areas
- Demolition errors, such as unscheduled or unannounced explosions, lack of prescreening for people on the job site, or incorrect explosive calculations
Work-Related Construction Accidents
In New York, construction workers are given rights that protect them in the event they should fall, be hit by an object, or suffer an injury while working on a construction site. Certain labor laws mandate that those involved in the construction be held liable for damages caused to the site workers. These labor laws include:- New York Labor Law § 200: This law protects the rights of workers and visitors on a construction site.
- New York Labor Law § 240: This law protects workers who fell or were hit by an object on a worksite.
- New York Labor Law § 241: This law protects workers who get injured on a worksite involving demolition, equipment, and excavation.
Riverhead Construction Accidents Lawyer Near Me516-451-7900
You Might Be Entitled to Receive Compensation for Your Construction Injuries
If you are not an employee on a construction site but were injured on one anyway, you might be entitled to receive compensation from the construction company and any other liable parties involved in your accident. Your lawyer can investigate your case and determine which negligent parties may be held accountable for your injuries and other related damages. With a personal injury lawsuit, you may be able to recover the compensation you need to pay for your:- Medical expenses related to your injuries
- Mileage costs for traveling to and from medical appointments or procedures
- Post-treatment costs, such as for physical rehabilitation or follow-up appointments after surgeries and other procedures
- Wages you lost due to having to miss work to heal or attend medical appointments
- Other out-of-pocket costs related to your injuries, such as transportation costs or childcare costs
- Pain and suffering, which can range from physical pain to emotional anguish
- Psychological trauma, including a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from the event
- Permanent disability
- Injuries that led to permanent changes in your appearance, including scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment in daily activities and hobbies
- Loss of consortium
- Funeral expenses
- Burial or cremation expenses
- Final medical expenses
- Emotional losses related to their death, such as coping with the lack of their emotional support, guidance, affection, and comfort
- Loss of financial support if the decedent contributed to the family income
Do Not Forget to File Your Lawsuit on Time
If you decide to file a lawsuit about the construction accident, you must file your personal injury lawsuit by the deadline set by the statute of limitations. According to the New York Civil Practice Law & Rules § 214, you generally have three years from the date of injury to file your case, though some exceptions may apply that shorten this time period. If you lost a loved one in the construction accident, you might be eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit on their behalf if you were the decedent’s surviving spouse, child, parent, or personal representative. The New York Estates, Powers, & Trusts Law § 5-4.1 generally gives plaintiffs two years to file their wrongful death lawsuits. Again, certain situations may apply which alter this time period. A lawyer from Rosenberg & Gluck, LLP, can monitor these legal deadlines for you and alert you of any factors that might toll the statutory deadline.Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now