Bronx Construction Accident Lawyer

Workers' Compensation for Construction Workers in the Bronx

Construction workers in New York City face significant risks of on-the-job accidents and injuries. If you or a loved one has been harmed on a construction site or diagnosed with a work-related medical condition, the Harris Firm, LLC is here to assist you. Our team of experienced attorneys specializes in workers' compensation cases for construction workers in The Bronx, New York City. We handle your claim personally, providing dedicated support throughout the entire process.

Contact us at (718) 487-8669 for a complimentary consultation. We can arrange to meet you at your home or the hospital, if necessary.

Most Common Construction Accidents & Injuries

The construction industry carries a high risk of accidents and work-related fatalities. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, construction workers face various dangers. Some of the most common accidents and injuries include:

• Falls: Falls from different heights, slip and falls, and falls from structures.
• Equipment-related accidents: Mishaps involving power tools, entanglement with machinery, and being caught between objects.
• Electrocution, explosions, and fires: Resulting in severe burn injuries.
• Struck by falling objects.
• Scaffolding accidents: Falls and collapses.
• Trench collapses and cave-ins.
• Vehicle-related accidents: Involving cranes, bulldozers, front loaders, and excavators.
• Overuse, overexertion, and repetitive motion/strain injuries.
• Exposure to toxic and harmful chemicals, solvents, and other substances.

These accidents can lead to catastrophic injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, amputations, and hearing loss. Even non-fatal accidents often require extended medical treatment and rehabilitation, causing long-term disabilities that hinder a worker's ability to return to their previous employment.

Common Causes of Construction Accidents

Construction site accidents are influenced by a variety of contributing factors, ranging from human errors to environmental conditions. Here are the primary contributing factors to construction site accidents:

• Lack of Training: Inadequate training in safety procedures and proper use of equipment can lead to mishandling of tools and machinery, increasing the risk of accidents.
• Fatigue and Stress: Long working hours, physical demands, and high-stress environments can cause fatigue, reducing a worker's ability to perform tasks safely and increasing the likelihood of errors.
• Inadequate Supervision: Poor or insufficient supervision can result in non-compliance with safety protocols, lack of proper guidance, and unaddressed safety hazards.
• Negligence and Complacency: Over time, workers might become complacent or negligent, skipping safety checks or disregarding protocols due to familiarity or overconfidence.
• Poor Housekeeping: Cluttered and unorganized workspaces can lead to trips, slips, and falls. Debris, tools, and materials left in walkways create hazardous conditions.
• Environmental Factors: Weather conditions such as rain, snow, and extreme temperatures can create unsafe working conditions, affecting visibility, stability of structures, and the physical state of workers.
• Lighting and Visibility: Insufficient lighting can impair workers’ ability to see hazards and perform tasks safely, especially during early morning, late evening, or indoor construction activities.
• Improper Maintenance: Lack of regular maintenance and inspections of tools and machinery can lead to equipment failure and accidents.
• Defective Equipment: Using defective or malfunctioning equipment can result in unexpected failures and injuries.
• Improper Use: Using equipment for purposes other than what it is designed for or not following manufacturer’s instructions can lead to dangerous situations.
• Lack of Safety Programs: Absence of comprehensive safety programs and policies can result in unawareness of safety standards and procedures among workers.
• Non-Compliance with Regulations: Ignoring occupational safety and health regulations can lead to unsafe practices and increased risk of accidents.
• Inadequate Emergency Preparedness: Failure to have proper emergency response plans and training can exacerbate the severity of accidents and injuries.
• Cost-Cutting and Budget Constraints: Efforts to reduce costs can lead to compromised safety measures, such as using cheaper materials, skipping safety trainings, or cutting back on maintenance.
• Time Pressures: Tight project deadlines can encourage workers to take shortcuts, rush tasks, and bypass safety procedures to meet targets.
• Language Barriers: In a diverse workforce, language barriers can impede effective communication of safety instructions and warnings.
• Inadequate Communication: Lack of clear communication regarding safety protocols, hazards, and changes in site conditions can lead to misunderstandings and accidents.

Workers' Comp Benefits for Injured Construction Workers

In New York, workers' compensation coverage applies to almost all employees, including construction workers employed by contractors and subcontractors. Sole proprietors and independent contractors usually do not qualify for workers' compensation.

If you've been injured in a construction accident or suffer from a work-related medical condition, you may be eligible for the following benefits:

• Medical Benefits: Workers' compensation covers reasonable and necessary medical expenses, including emergency care, surgery, chiropractic care, physical therapy, medications, and more.
• Temporary Disability Benefits: If you're unable to work during recovery, you may receive temporary total disability (TTD) benefits or temporary partial disability (TPD) benefits if you can return to partial capacity or light-duty work.
• Permanent Disability Benefits: Once you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI), you may be eligible for permanent partial disability (PPD) benefits or permanent total disability (PTD) benefits, depending on your impairment rating.
• Vocational Rehabilitation Benefits: Injured workers unable to return to their previous employment due to permanent disabilities or impairments may qualify for vocational rehabilitation benefits, assisting with retraining and reentering the workforce.
• Death Benefits: The workers' compensation system provides death benefits to surviving family members when a construction worker dies due to an on-the-job accident or work-related medical condition.

Why Hire a Construction Workers' Comp Attorney?

Obtaining fair compensation through the workers' compensation system can be challenging. At the Harris Firm, LLC, our Bronx construction workers' compensation attorneys have extensive experience handling these claims. We've represented various construction workers, including contractors, subcontractors, roofers, and electricians, against employers and insurance companies that dispute, delay, or deny claims. We also assist workers misclassified as independent contractors and those employed by uninsured employers. Our team is dedicated to fighting for your rights and ensuring you receive the benefits you deserve.

Choose a Legal Team You Can Trust

The Harris Firm, LLC focuses a significant part of its practice on workers' compensation cases. We not only understand the law but also empathize with your situation. We offer personalized representation tailored to your needs, ensuring you understand your legal rights and options. Our initial consultations are free, and we only collect legal fees when we recover compensation for you.

When you choose our legal team, you can count on our support every step of the way. We are determined advocates for the injured, aiming to alleviate your stress so you can focus on your recovery.

If you've been injured in a construction accident in The Bronx or the surrounding areas, call our workers' compensation lawyers now at (718) 487-8669 for a free consultation.