At David Resnick & Associates, our Bronx personal injury lawyers are not only well-versed in the evolving landscape of New York City but also have a deep understanding of the construction industry. We are aware that the sheer volume of construction activity increases the likelihood of accidents, and we are here to provide you with the legal representation you need.
Moreover, we recognize that the densely populated urban environment in the Bronx presents unique challenges for construction workers. Tight construction sites, limited space for equipment and materials, and proximity to pedestrians and traffic increase the risk of accidents. We understand the complexities of these situations and are ready to advocate for you.
Workers at construction sites are significantly more likely to sustain severe or fatal injuries on the job than employees in other industries. Falls are among the most common causes of construction site injuries, but most worksites are home to many potential hazards. Construction workers are at greater risk when employers and site managers violate safety policies.
While the Bronx has stringent safety regulations for construction sites, enforcing these regulations across numerous projects can be challenging. Non-compliance with safety standards, shortcuts, and inadequate training can contribute to accidents.
Worse, some construction companies prioritize productivity over safety despite these safety regulations, leading to unsafe work practices such as ignoring safety protocols, inadequate equipment maintenance, and lack of proper safety gear.
If you’ve experienced a construction site accident in the Bronx, NY, we understand that you may be dealing with painful injuries and feeling uncertain about what to do next. Our team of dedicated attorneys is here to support you and help you pursue compensation for your losses by filing a construction site accident claim.
Our team is not just committed to helping you seek justice, but also to ensuring you receive the compensation you need to recover. Contact our Bronx construction accident and injury attorneys today for a free consultation to speak with a dedicated staff member who will listen to your story and fight for your rights.
What are the Most Common Types of Construction Site Accidents in the Bronx, New York?
Construction projects in the Bronx often face tight deadlines due to high demand and cost considerations. The pressure to complete projects on time may lead to rushed work, increased risk-taking, and compromised safety measures.
These factors expose Bronx construction workers to a variety of occupational hazards every day, which may lead to construction site accidents that include, but are not limited to:
- Slips, Trips, and Falls: Construction workers can slip or fall on the ground level of a construction site or from high places, such as roofs or scaffolds.
- Struck by Object Accidents: Objects flying, falling, swinging, or rolling through construction sites can strike workers and cause painful injuries.
- Electrocution accidents: Workers can be electrocuted after coming into contact with overhead power lines, live wires or transformers, or defective pieces of equipment.
- Heavy Equipment Accidents: Heavy machinery such as cranes, excavators, and forklifts is standard in construction sites. Defective, unguarded, or poorly maintained equipment can easily cause dangerous accidents.
- Dangerous Exposure Accidents: Exposure to hazardous materials such as asbestos, chemical solvents, or flammable materials can cause burns, respiratory issues, and other injuries in construction workers.
- Vehicle Accidents: Motor vehicle accidents such as collisions, back-up accidents, cargo spills, and rollovers injure thousands of workers annually.
Some of the most common causes of dangerous accidents at construction sites include, but are not limited to:
- Gas and Chemical Leaks: Construction site workers can be injured by toxic exposure, fires, or even explosions if a natural gas line or container begins leaking.
- Exposed or Damaged Electrical Circuits: Inadequate protection around overhead electrical cables, lighting systems, and other wiring can lead to electrocution or fires.
- Defective Machinery or Equipment: Heavy machinery is needed to complete most construction jobs, but workers can get hurt when defective or poorly maintained equipment is damaged.
- Dangerous Ladders or Scaffolds: If a ladder or scaffold is unbalanced or overloaded, it can collapse and injure workers above and below.
- Slippery or Cluttered Floors: If liquids, debris, or clutter spill onto a worksite floor without being cleaned up, workers can slip or trip and fall on the job.
- Heavy Lifting or Repetitive Stress: Construction workers are frequently required to lift heavy objects or perform the same tasks repeatedly, which can lead to sprains, strains, and repetitive motion injuries.
If you were injured in a construction accident or lost a loved one in a construction site incident, contact our skilled personal injury lawyers in the Bronx today to learn more about your legal rights and options to hold the liable party accountable for your complete financial recovery during a free consultation.
Is There a Link Between Osha Violations and Construction Site Accidents in the Bronx, New York?
According to the New York Committee for Occupational Safety and Health (NYCOSH), New York State’s construction industry employs approximately 362,200 workers and remains highly dangerous. Over the past ten years, an average of 50.5 workers died each year in New York State.
NYCOSH reports that New York State and New York City have a higher fatality rate than the national average. Construction deaths accounted for 22% of all worker deaths in New York City and 24% of all worker deaths in New York State, compared to 21% nationwide.
The connection to unsafe construction sites is directly related to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) violations, as construction fines for fatality cases increased for the fifth year in a row. Last year, The average fine was $44,779, up 39% from $32,719 the previous year. The top fine in New York State was against Everest Scaffolding Inc., $300,370.
OSHA violations can result in unsafe working conditions, such as exposed electrical wiring, inadequate ventilation, improper storage of hazardous materials, or unstable scaffolding. These conditions heighten the risk of accidents, including electrocutions, chemical exposures, or falls.
In addition, OSHA violations related to supervision and oversight suggest deficiencies in management practices, including failure to identify and address safety hazards, inadequate supervision of subcontractors, or lack of communication about safety protocols. Poor supervision can lead to increased risks of accidents on construction sites.
Unfortunately, New York City construction companies are not the only ones that are poorly supervising the industry. NYCOSH data also concluded that OSHA conducted the lowest number of inspections in the agency’s history. Last year, OSHA conducted just 2,080 inspections, a 53% decrease from the previous year’s 4,455 inspections.
If you or someone you love has been injured or lost their life in a construction accident in the Bronx, contact our skilled personal injury lawyers today to discuss your claim during a free consultation. We can help you understand who may be held liable for your injuries or your loved one’s loss of life and how to pursue the compensation you may be entitled to for your overall damages.
What Type of Potential Compensation Can Injury Victims Pursue after a Bronx Construction Site Accident?
If you were injured in a construction site accident in the Bronx, the compensation you could receive would likely be impacted by workers’ compensation laws. Workers’ compensation is a system designed to benefit workers injured on the job, no matter who is at fault.
New York State requires virtually all employers, including construction companies, to provide workers’ compensation coverage for their employees. This includes for-profit businesses, nonprofit entities, and independent contractors. Coverage must be provided for all employees, including part-time employees and family members.
Under most workers’ compensation insurance policies, injured construction workers may be entitled to benefits that cover:
- The costs of any reasonable and necessary medical expenses for treating a construction site accident injury.
- Temporary or permanent disability benefits pay for a portion of workers’ lost wages if they cannot return to work after an injury.
- Vocational rehabilitation costs if workers cannot return to their usual roles and require assistance to train for or find new jobs.
Under the workers’ compensation system, employees are not usually permitted to sue their employer or coworkers. However, an injured worker could be eligible to file a claim against a third party who may be liable for their injury, such as a contractor, subcontractor, manufacturer of defective equipment, or property owner.
In a third-party injury claim, an injured construction worker could pursue types of compensation unavailable through workers’ compensation, such as pain and suffering. A knowledgeable lawyer can help you explore the different avenues of compensation that may be available in your case.
If you are unsure whose insurance coverage can be pursued for your injuries, contact our skilled Bronx construction accident attorneys today for a free consultation.
How Our Bronx Construction Injury Attorneys at David Resnick & Associates Can Help
If you are considering a construction site accident claim, our experienced personal injury attorneys in the Bronx can be valuable advocates.
Our dedicated Bronx accident and injury attorneys can help you with the following:
- Understand your legal rights and the types of claims you may be eligible to file.
- Estimate the total value of your claim so you know how much you can demand.
- Investigate the accident to identify contributing factors and liable parties.
- Manage the paperwork, documents, and deadlines to file your claim.
- Communicate with witnesses, employers, insurance providers, and other attorneys on your behalf.
- Negotiate patiently for the total amount of compensation you deserve.
- Take your claim to trial if your employer or insurance provider refuses to offer a reasonable settlement.
You do not have to face the property owner, contractor, subcontractor, manufacturers, suppliers’ insurance companies, or legal representatives alone. Our skilled construction accident lawyers in the Bronx will assess your case during a free consultation and ensure each potentially liable party is pursued for your complete financial recovery needs. Contact us today to learn more about your legal rights and options so you can focus on getting your life back on track.
Contact Our Bronx Construction Accident Lawyers Today to Schedule a Free Consultation
At David Resnick & Associates, our firm treats clients like people, not numbers. We pride ourselves on providing transparent, down-to-earth communication that keeps you informed and in charge. Our Bronx personal injury attorneys get to know you personally so we can understand your unique situation, learn how your injuries have impacted your daily activities and overall quality of life, and provide the best service possible.
If you need help with a construction site accident claim in the Bronx, NY, let us put your mind at ease by handling the legal details while you focus on your recovery. To get started with your free initial case review, Contact us online or call us at 212-279-2000