Construction sites are dangerous by nature, and unforeseen accidents are virtually unavoidable. However, these types of accidents are rarely minor, leaving victims with serious damages.
Fortunately, construction workers and those exposed to a site can recover compensation for injuries caused by another party’s negligence. Because of the various types of work being done on a construction site, there is no shortage of ways that an accident can occur. However, determining who is liable for the harm done to you can be challenging without the help of our experienced team.
Call The Martello Law Firm, PLLC today at (914) 685-6950 for a free case evaluation with our construction accident and injury lawyers.
Common Types of Construction Accidents that Cause Injuries in Clarkstown, NY
In Clarkstown, construction accidents can occur at any point during a project. Shockingly, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that more than 15 million construction workers are injured on the job annually. These accidents can take different forms and have a significant impact on your health and long-term welfare. However, our construction accident and injury attorneys can aid you in obtaining compensation for the harm you have suffered no matter the accident you were injured in. The following are among the most prevalent types of construction accidents in Clarkstown:
Vehicle Accidents
Construction accidents involving vehicles are unfortunately common and can result in severe injuries or even fatalities. Negligent drivers might not pay enough attention when passing through construction zones, leading to accidents. In the event that you are injured by an inattentive driver, you have the right to seek compensation from the person responsible or the company that owns the vehicle.
Slip and Fall Accidents
In Clarkstown, slip and fall accidents are prevalent at construction sites. These accidents can occur due to uneven surfaces or tripping over holes. Workers may leave cables or ladders on the ground, leading to injuries, or standing water on site can also be a cause. The injuries sustained from such accidents can be severe, sometimes necessitating surgery and extended periods of rehabilitation.
Falling Object Accidents
Construction sites can be dangerous for workers due to the high levels of activity. Falling objects pose a significant risk and can cause severe injuries such as paralysis or brain damage if they hit someone in the head or face. Examples of falling objects include tools, bricks, cement blocks, and even scaffolding that collapses due to improper support structures or design flaws. Even small objects can cause serious injuries if they fall from a high enough point.
Scaffold Accidents
During construction projects, scaffolding is utilized to allow access to elevated areas or to bear heavy loads. Unfortunately, accidents involving defective scaffolding are common, often resulting from falls from perilous heights, inadequate equipment upkeep, or employers neglecting to regularly inspect their scaffolding for safety hazards or wear and tear. These incidents often lead to broken bones, but in severe cases, victims can sustain even more serious injuries if a scaffold collapses without warning.
Toxic Exposure
Construction sites can be dangerous due to the presence of hazardous materials. In Clarkstown, many construction site injuries are caused by toxic substances like lead, asbestos, benzene, and hydrogen sulfide. Exposure to these substances can result in severe health problems, including cancer, chronic respiratory issues, and even death. It is crucial to handle, store, and clean up these materials properly to prevent any potential harm.
Welding Accidents
When welding, sparks can be generated which have the potential to ignite flammable materials in the vicinity or cause a fire if left unattended. Such incidents can result in severe burn injuries that may take a long time to heal. Moreover, inadequate ventilation around the welding site can cause damage to the lungs or respiratory system.
Roofing Accidents
Working on roofs is considered one of the most dangerous jobs in Clarkstown. Roofers face numerous hazards, such as falling from significant heights and electric shock. However, employers can prevent such incidents by providing safety nets or scaffolds to ensure the workers’ safety while on a rooftop.
Saw Accidents
Accidents involving saws are unfortunately common in construction sites. These incidents typically occur due to improper usage of power tools and a lack of safety measures taken by other workers. To avoid such accidents, it is imperative for employers to provide adequate training to their workers on how to safely handle and operate saws and ensure that coverings are not faulty.
Parties that Can Be Held Liable for a Construction Accident and Injury in Clarkstown, NY
In Clarkstown, construction accidents can occur in various ways, often due to the negligence or recklessness of parties involved in the project. If you’ve been injured while working on a construction site, you have the right to pursue compensation for damages incurred.
If you’ve been injured in a construction accident, it’s crucial to identify who had control over the project and was responsible for maintaining safety standards on site. Construction sites are inherently dangerous due to the presence of heavy machinery, sharp equipment, and tools that can cause severe injuries if not handled properly. At any given time, various people including contractors, subcontractors, and workers of varying experience levels are usually present on a construction site and any one of them can be responsible for causing an accident.
As such, injuries that occur on a construction site could result in liability for multiple parties. Typically, the owner or developer of the property is responsible for hiring general contractors to carry out the construction. If they are also responsible for ensuring the safety of the premises, they can be held accountable. In rare instances, the architect or designer of the structure being built could also be at fault for causing an accident.
If you sustained injuries due to negligence or wrongful conduct on the part of the general contractor hired by the owner, they may be held responsible for the safety of the construction site. This makes the general contractor the most accountable party for any mishaps on the site, including those caused by any subcontractors they hired who were either negligent in their job duties or failed to comply with safety regulations.
It is possible for an individual to be held responsible for their own injuries. However, it is worth noting that Workers’ Compensation coverage operates under a “no-fault” policy. This means that you can still receive compensation for your injuries, even if you were responsible for them, provided they were not deliberately inflicted.
Our Clarkstown, NY Construction Accident and Injury Lawyers Can Help
For a free case review with our construction accident and injury attorneys, contact us at The Martello Law Firm, PLLC today at (914) 685-6950.
